Good Wheel - TAC
The Good Wheel Project is a collaboration between The Squeaky Wheel and not for profit social enterprise Good Cycles. The pilot program was staged in February 2014 and was initiated by the City of Melbourne.
We've delivered several iterations of the program since then, each targeting different intake groups and we're very happy to announce that we will be running two more series of the program through October and November in 2015, thanks to a Community Road Safety Grant from the Transport Accident Commission.
This series will target members of the community from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, recent migrants and refugees, for whom a bicycle, and the ability to ride it safely in Melbourne, will provide a safe and accessible means of transport. Participation in the program will provide opportunities for positive engagement with members of their local community; other participants, volunteer mentors, and those organisations involved in the program.
Each program is delivered over five sessions, in which participants are provided with a bike in good working order, a helmet, a lock, and lights thanks to our partners Nutcase and Knog. Participants also receive instruction on basic bicycle maintenance, including how to perform a bike check before riding, how to grease the chain, check the brakes, inflate tyres, remove a wheel and change a puncture.
The group are assessed for their riding skills and ability, and take part in off road skills sessions to improve their balance, braking, riding one handed (for signalling), changing gears, slow riding, starting and stopping.
The program also delivers 3 classroom sessions that outline safe riding strategies, road rules, signage meanings, negotiating intersections, roundabouts, hook turns and guidelines for riding near trams.
Participants learn to plot a route for a ride on the travel smart map, and are guided on how to best plan a route for riding in the city. The program also includes 3 rides of varying distances and complexity, building up to a long ride around the city.
Before graduating , participants undergo assessment with a quiz (usually passing with flying colours!) and all report a significant improvement in their skills, knowledge and confidence after the program.
We're working closely with AMES and the ASRC to identify suitable participants for the program but if you think you know someone who would benefit then get in touch. Or if you love riding your bike and would like to help someone else learn to love riding their's then you can also get in touch to volunteer as a mentor for the program. You can contact Jette Achleitner at The Squeaky Wheel via email jette@thesqueakywheel.com.au