Derwent Valley Council in southern Tasmania has developed an educational bike track for children, providing a long lasting facility for community enjoyment, exercise and education.
Opened late in 2007, the track is part of the Derwent Valley Road Safety initiative, which was developed in response to the ever growing need and concern for children’s safety.
Road safety is recognised as a serious issue for all road users, in particular children. Road Safety education assists young children to gain a better understanding of the dangers of improper road use.
Council’s Deputy General Manager, Robert McCrossen, said that unlike other bike education tracks, Derwent Valley’s is not fenced in, meaning it can be used by anyone at any time.
“The educational bike track allows children to learn road rules and practise road safety in a fun environment,” he said. “It features scaled down road signage and markings, intersections, a roundabout, pedestrian crossing, railway crossing and traffic lights.
“Parents can bring their children along at any time during the day, and schools can also access the track for their bicycle education clinics.
“The track is located at Council’s Tynwald Park, which is a popular, high use place for sports activities, family BBQs and picnics, so we have had a great response so far.”
A working bee involving Council staff, Timber Communities Australia, the Lions Club of New Norfolk, Norske Skog and local volunteers assisted in clearing the site and preparing it for the project to commence. Other organisations provided in kind assistance.
Additionally, more than 40 long term unemployed people participated in the project, gaining skills, confidence and pride in their community.
The track took out the ‘Invigorating Communities’ category at the recent Tasmanian Local Government Excellence Awards.
For further information contact Robert McCrossen on (03) 6261 8500.
