Area made available for bicycle education facility at Claremont PCYC

4/11/97

Efforts to establish a bicycle education facility in the western suburbs took a major step forward today with the clearing of an area in the carpark of the local Police and Citizens' Youth Club for the facility.

On site today, Education Minister Colin Barnett reaffirmed his commitment to safe bicycle education and announced a contribution of $2,400 to help in the removal of remaining debris at the Claremont-Cottesloe-Nedlands PCYC.

Once cleared, the area will be resurfaced and prepared for bicycle education with street signs and road markings for thousands of school students from the ages of nine to 13.

Mr Barnett said he was delighted to assist the Police Department's Road Safety and Bike Ed Units and Bikewest in their efforts to establish, with the assistance of the Town of Claremont and the PCYC, a proper bicycle education centre.

"Teaching students how to ride their bikes safely and properly at a facility specially constructed for this purpose should be a part of every child's growing up," he said.

"This facility is definitely needed in the western suburbs and surrounding areas. Students from years four to seven will be able to be involved with the assistance of their schools. I expect students from more than 220 Government and non-Government schools will use the facility.

"The facility's safe environment will allow students to learn how to ride a bike on WA's roads, recognise and understand street signs, obey traffic regulations and demonstrate good general road sense."

The Bike Ed program was introduced into WA schools in 1981. Around 11,000 school students receive bicycle education training each year in Western Australia. As well as the facility in the western suburbs, other training centres are up and running in Armadale, Mandurah-Rockingham, Lynwood and in regional centres around the State.

Mr Barnett commended the efforts of Bikewest and the Police Service towards bike safety and encouraged schools to take advantage of the program when it was available from early next year.

The Town of Claremont has also assisted with removal of the debris and making the site ready for paving and street markation.

"Coupled with support from parents, I can think of no better, or safer, opportunity for young people to gain the critical theoretical and practical skills essential for learning how to ride a bike safely," the Minister said.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699