“96 cyclist deaths in a decade, is 96 too many”
In the last 10 years, 96 Cyclists have been killed and 3,969 have been hospitalised in Victoria, 41 of those deaths have been in Regional Victoria.
These statistics bring focus to the importance of events such as the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge (BCCC), and programs such RYDA, which aim to create long-term change around road safety in our community, to ultimately reduce loss of life on the road.
“96 cyclist deaths in a decade, is 96 too many. I started the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge following the death of a very good friend of mine, and then several years later a serious car crash involving my daughter.” Said Gavin Slavin, BCCC event founder.
“IN the year 2000, my friend Bernard an offshore worker with Esso left his home and was riding his bike along the main highway to meet us for our weekend group ride. As we did every weekend.”
Bernard never made it.
“Some 4 hrs later the news hit us that he had been knocked off his bike and killed instantly. A driver of a courier company who was believed to have been driving for a long period of time, possibly fatigued and was blinded by the sun, drifted into the cycling lane and collided with Bernard who was killed instantly. It was a sad day for his family and friends, he had a wonderful wife and 6 children, he was highly respected through out the community and with his work colleagues.”
Then another life altering event.
“In 2012, I received a phone call from the Dandenong Police. All I was told was that my daughter has been in a serious car accident. It was a long drive to the emergency department, with a variety of emotional thoughts running through my head. She had 7 fractures in her skull, knee problems, and multiple bruising and lacerations to her body. Today she still suffers from that day. All this could have been avoided if her and the driver made the right choices on the road.
“These two horrific events inspired me to want to improve road safety… and the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge was born …the event connects our community through cycling, and raises funds which go towards educating our local yout to make better, safer, choices on our roads.”
Wanting to improve safety on our roads, the BCCC partnered with Road Safety Australia (RSE), to run game changing workshops in schools across the Bass Coast and South Gippsland regions.
Thanks to riders in the BCCC, the event has helped over 3000 Victorian students access programs and workshops where they gain tools and knowledge for how to be active, responsible road citizens.
“Programs such as RYDA are key in increasing safety for road users – cyclists, pedestrians, drivers and passengers,” said Anton Hockey from Road Safety Education Limited (RSE).
“Targeted road safety education is essential to reducing trauma on the road, and it needs to start early and continue through high school… these programs teach our youth not just how to
manoeuvre a vehicle, but also balance this with critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for safety on the road.” He added.
RYDA is Australia’s largest and leading road safety education program. Pitched for students in Years 10-12, it focusses on the 'big 5’ road safety issues facing young drivers and their passengers - distraction, impairment (alcohol & fatigue), speeding and seatbelts, and includes a unique live speed and stopping demonstration. One of the 6 RYDA sessions, Drive SOS, specifically focuses on safely sharing the road with cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
According to Hockey, these programs wouldn’t be a reality in our schools if it wasn’t for riders in the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge.
“Key to making these programs a reality for our local students as been the support provided by local councils and the charity cycling event – the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge. This event alone has enabled over 3000 local students to become safer on our roads.” Said Hockey.
Most recently this includes a workshop of 164 students from Leongatha Secondary College and Mirboo North Secondary College took part.
"The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is 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 real impact on our youth and broader community.
The event is in its 13th year and has also been successful because of its broad appeal. With five rides on offer (including the new gravel ride), it attracts riders of all abilities – from recreational to road warriors… from young, to some riders in their 80s!
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.
ENDS
The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge is a not-for-profit cycling event held in Inverloch, Victoria on 11 November 2023. Proceeds support the local community through funding in-school road safety education, making our roads safer for all users. www.basscoastcyclechallenge.com