Whether you’re starting out or looking to refresh your cycling skills, Campbelltown City Council’s new Learn to Ride initiative is giving people of all ages and abilities a chance to boost their confidence on wheels.
The program is being conducted in a safe riding environment within Council’s Bicycle Education and Road Safety Centre, which offers a main road circuit simulating road conditions, including road signage and traffic lights. The facility can be accessed off King Street, Campbelltown.
Kick-starting the initiative will be a five-week preschool program starting on May 1, held from 10am to midday each Friday. The preschool program costs $50 per person for the five-week program.
This will be followed by three other five-week preschool programs throughout the year, from Tuesday, July 14, Friday, August 14 and Wednesday, November 11.
One-hour private lessons for all age groups are available morning or afternoon by appointment only at a cost of $35 per lesson, for a maximum of two people.
Council has added a trial afternoon program in response to demand for lessons after school hours.
Commencing on Monday, May 4, the 1.5 hour sessions will start at 3.45pm (arrive 3.30pm for fitting/registration etc), and will run for a five week period until June 1. Further afternoon programs will be considered based on the trial period, with later start times possible in the spring/summer months.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Paul Lake, said the Learn to Ride program was an excellent initiative which promoted cycling as a fun and safe recreational activity for people of all ages.
“The program aims to boost participants’ confidence on wheels and provide a greater understanding of road safety in a supportive and fun environment,” Cr Lake said.
“Participants will also benefit from free basic bicycle maintenance checks and learn how to correctly fit a helmet. Free use of the centre’s bikes and helmets is also included, or you can bring your own, making the program accessible for everyone in the community.”
A combination of training wheels, balance and two-wheel bicycles will be provided during the program. All lessons are conducted by qualified and experienced staff members.
In addition to the Learn to Ride initiative, the Campbelltown Bicycle Education and Road Safety Centre offers a range of educational programs for school-age children.
The centre is open to the general public every Sunday from 10am to 3pm, with free entry making it a great day out for the whole family. The facility can also be hired for private functions.
Other features include a junior track for toddlers, a shaded children’s playground, a sheltered picnic area, toilets and a free powered barbecue. The centre offers free parking on site and is wheelchair accessible.
For more information on the Campbelltown Bicycle Education and Road Safety Centre or to download a Learn to Ride enrolment form, visit www.campbelltown.nsw.gov.au/LearntoRide.
Alternatively, contact council on 4645 4376 during office hours.
