OLYMPIC dreams met schoolyard smiles last week, when Brett Lancaster OAM brought along 25 bikes and helmets to Wilmot Road Primary School, procured through a grant, encouraging children to embrace the freedom and safety of cycling.
Brett is a celebrated Australian cyclist and Olympic gold medallist, and the current owner of Leading Edge Cycles Shepparton. He teamed up with Road Safe Goulburn Valley on June 25 to deliver the bikes and helmets to the school and to give a safety demonstration to students in Grades 4-6.
A good-quality bike and helmet that fit correctly are essential for safe and enjoyable bike riding. With help from Leading Edge Cycles’ supplier, Trek Bikes Australia, the school received 25 brand-new bikes, and the smiles said it all. Some of the students were riding a bike for the very first time, and Brett said that being part of that moment is something special.
“Owning a small business has its ups and downs, but days like this remind me why we do what we do. Seeing the joy on those kids’ faces made it all worth it,” Brett said.
In addition to the bike delivery and safety talk, Brett also brought along his Olympic gold medal and cycling skinsuit to show the students and passed on winning advice to the kids.
“If you can do one thing, wear a helmet,” Brett said. “They’re so light these days, you actually don’t even notice they’re on your head. Remember, it’s not cool to not wear one; they’re easy to put on, and they come in so many styles.”
Bill Winters, Executive Officer of Road Safe Goulburn Valley, was also on hand to help with the students and provide safety insights.
“You might think that a helmet doesn’t work, but I’ve got two friends who ride a bike occasionally and both times they come off was on the road out there on the main highway.
“When they came off, they came down and hit their head on the road, wrecked the helmet and got two bruises on the knee, but they were okay,” Bill said. “So, it’s important to have a good helmet on your head.”
Cycling is a popular activity among Australian children, but it also poses risks. According to the Australian Institute of Health & Welfare, in 2021–22, cycling accounted for the highest number of sports-related injury hospitalisations among children and adolescents, with approximately 3,000 cases, representing 16 per cent of all such hospitalisations
Common injuries from cycling incidents include fractures, particularly to the shoulder or arm, and head and neck injuries. In fact, head and neck injuries accounted for 20 per cent of cycling-related hospitalisations during this period.
Research has shown that children who regularly ride or walk to school are more likely to meet daily physical activity guidelines and develop lifelong healthy habits.
These statistics underscore the importance of implementing proper safety measures, including wearing well-fitted helmets and receiving education on safe riding practices. By learning the rules of the road early and being properly equipped, kids can enjoy the benefits of cycling, safely.
Correction: The original article incorrectly stated that the bikes were donated to Wilmot Road Primary School. The bikes were purchased with a grant, and Brett Lancaster assisted with sourcing the bikes for the school, helping to alleviate some of the costs associated with sourcing high-quality bikes for the students.
