Gavin Salvin runs road safety programs on the Bass Coast

With Victoria recording its worst monthly pedestrian death toll in more than a decade, teenagers on the Bass Coast are being urged to improve their driving skills.

With Victoria recording its worst monthly pedestrian death total in more than a decade, teenagers on the Bass Coast are being urged to improve their driving skills.

As police urge all road users to be aware of their surroundings and take extra time during the dangerous winter period, these statistics give focus to the importance of road safety education.

As South Gippsland and Bass Coast teenagers become more mobile, local schools are encouraging students to take part in driver and road safety programs.

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge (BCCC) is a charity event established by Inverloch local, Gavin Salvin after he tragically lost a friend, Bernard Peavy, to a road accident.

“In the year 2000 I lost a very dear friend who was struck down by a vehicle while he was riding,” Mr Salvin said.

“I dedicate the challenge to him, to help improve the safety of our roads for others.”

The BCCC has been running for 12 years and helps to provide financial support to deliver road safety programs to Bass Coast and South Gippsland students in years 10, 11 and 12.

According to Anton Hockey from Road Safety Education Limited (RSE) programs such as the Rotary Youth Driver Awareness (RYDA) program are key to increasing safety for road users – cyclists, pedestrians, drivers and passengers.

“It’s not enough to teach young people how to manoeuvre a vehicle … it’s absolutely vital to balance this with critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for safety on the road,” he said.

RYDA is Australia’s largest and leading road safety education program. Designed for students in years 10,11 and 12, at the time of their lives when they are most likely to be novice drivers or their passengers, RYDA provides a ‘whole of school’ approach to road safety education.

It focuses on the ‘big 5’ road safety issues facing young drivers and their passengers; distraction, impairment, speeding and seatbelts, and includes a unique live speed and stopping demonstration.

One of the six RYDA sessions specifically focuses on safely sharing the road with cyclists and other vulnerable road users.

RYDA is Australia’s largest and leading road safety education program.

Mr Salvin believes educating drivers at a “young age” is the key to safer roads for everyone.

“We were the first to bring the RYDA program to Victoria. We spent a lot of time researching the best programs and the RYDA program was just the best one we had seen,” he said.

According to Mr Slavin, raising funds to support local youth to access these programs has been the driving force behind the BCCC’s appeal and success.

“Road safety education lies at the heart of the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge,” he said.

Designed for students in years 10,11 and 12, at the time of their lives when they are most likely to be novice drivers or their passengers, RYDA provides a whole of school approach.

“It’s one of the best events on Victoria’s cycling calendar and attracts many riders who want to contribute to supporting these essential programs which have a real impact on our youth and broader community.”

Mr Hockey said that the key to making these programs a reality for our local students has been the support provided by local councils and the charity cycling event – the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge.

“The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge has been integral in supporting these programs and thanks to this event we have educated over 2600 local students,” he said.

Mr Salvin said the challenge caters to all “levels of ability”.

“When they finish, we have a big blow up finish line and all the community is down there cheering them on as they come in and they pack up and talk about their ride and how good it was,” he said.

“We are providing a great event but we are also giving back to the community through the programs we are able to support.”

If you have a bike and would like to contribute to improved road safety and support these important education programs, enter one of the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge rides via basscoastcyclechallenge.com.