A “bikers’ ed” program is set to launch in four Winnipeg schools. Called the Bicycling Education and Safety Training program, four schools will undergo a trial of the education initiative over a three year period.
The four schools participating in the pilot of the bicycle program are H.C. Avery Middle School, Forest Park School, Collicutt School and R.F. Morrison. Students will start their bicycle classes in Grade 4, with follow-up classes every year until Grade 8.
Classes will consist of 45-minute sessions spread out over two weeks. Children will get about 20 hours of bike training in total, including actual biking out in the streets under the supervision of instructors.
The program is being jointly funded by Manitoba Public Insurance and the Seven Oaks School Division. It was developed in partnership with Bike Winnipeg, the Green Action Centre, and the Winnipeg Repair Education and Cycling Hub (WRENCH).
“We’re spending how many dollars on getting kids safely educated to drive cars on roads, and yet we’re sending kids on roads — (who) are vulnerable road users — on bikes, without any training whatsoever,” Jamie Hilland of Green Action Centre told
CBC News.
“The goal of the program is to provide students with basic cycling skills and knowledge which they will be able to apply when driving, consequently creating heightened awareness to the needs of cyclists,” said Crown Services Minister Ron Schuler.
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