Frequently asked questions

How is this Bike Ed program different from the previous Bike Ed?

The Bike Ed program has been completely modernised with the addition of interactive learning content for use in classrooms, including lesson plans (linked to the Victorian Curriculum), guides and worksheets, videos, and illustrations.

These resources were developed with the input of current Victorian teachers. This program has been expanded to cover Years 1–8 (students ages 6 to 14 years), and an adult program too.

Previously, Bike Ed was only available to Primary School years 5 and 6.

Why did you expand Bike Ed?

So we can reach more children and adults and teach them about cycling safely and independently on paths and roads. The lesson plans have been designed sequentially to teach skills for varying abilities, to help build capability and independence, that is suited to their age and stage.

Who is Bike Ed for?

The lesson plans and resources are designed for children between Years 1 to 8 (aged 6 – 14). However, bike ed can be for children and adults of any age and ability.

What are the benefits of Bike Ed?

Safe cycling needs our bike riders, including our youngest and most vulnerable bike riders, to have the best knowledge, skills, and information available to make safe choices.

The Bike Ed schools program is an in-school program that allows and encourages school students to learn about road rules, riding in a shared environment and safe riding behaviours. It also uses practical lessons to ensure riders have the physical abilities to ride safely and provides foundational skills to enable older students to ride independently.

Cycling has several benefits; it’s healthy and active, it’s low-cost and it helps to ease congestion at peak traffic times and it’s great for the environment.

How do I get my school (or my child’s school) to do Bike Ed?

Contact your school and tell them about this Bike Ed program and share this Bike Ed website and resources.

How can I (as a parent/carer) support my child’s learning in Bike Ed?

Ensure your child has plenty of time, under adult supervision, to practice the skills they are learning at school. Read the Family guide to Bike Ed (PDF).

Spend time helping your child to develop and practice their skills. When parents/carers ride with their child and show them safe behaviours, they turn an enjoyable activity into a valuable learning opportunity and experience.  

You could also assist in running a Bike Ed program in your child’s school.  

Who can teach Bike Ed?

Anyone can teach Bike Ed, if you are a teacher, parent or member of the community interested in becoming a Bike Ed instructor you can undertake the Bike Ed instructor training to become an accredited trainer.

If you don’t want to lead the Bike Ed training, you can still support the instructors/teachers by volunteering your time and assisting them to deliver Bike Ed in schools and the community.

How do I get my accreditation as a Bike Ed instructor?

Delivery of the Bike Ed program in schools and for community groups will be undertaken by accredited instructors.

Often, PE teachers undertake the instructor training, but any teacher or support staff or even a parent at the school can complete the training.

Similarly, any interested community member can undertake instructor training. The more staff that a school has accredited, the easier and more flexible the program is to run and the more sustainable the Bike Ed program is.

The Bike Ed Instructor Training is available through an expression of interest process. Schools and community organisations are encouraged to apply for a funded training position. Note: the funded positions cover the cost of the training, but excludes costs to cover replacement teachers/staff.

How do I become a Bike Ed master trainer?

Master trainers are qualified people who train people such as PE teachers, schools staff, parents etc to become accredited Bike Ed instructors.

The accreditation process for master trainers has recently been redeveloped and piloted. For more information contact [email protected]

Many of our students or community groups do no own bikes or ride to school – how do I access bike riding equipment?

Bicycle trailers are available for hire throughout the state with a list of providers available on the Road Safety Education website. Bookings are essential.

How do I get a grant/financial assistance to support my school or community group to run Bike Ed?

Under the Community Road Safety Grants Program, schools and community groups can apply for funding forequipment, maintenance, and running a Bike Ed challenge.

In the interest of making the Bike Ed program more accessible to schools and communities, funded positions for the Bike Ed instructor training are available through an expression of interest process.

Note: the funded positions cover the cost of the training but excludes costs to cover replacement teachers/staff. There are other opportunities and resources available to schools and councils via the Transport Accident Commission (TAC); Active Schools via Department of Education and Training (DET); and Sport and Recreation Victoria and Ride to School.