Cable Beach students kick-start Kimberley AusBike roll-out

Students at Cable Beach Primary School were some of the first in the Kimberley to take part in AusBike sessions last Friday, marking the beginning of a major roll-out set to reach more that 1600 children across the region.

The sessions launched a new partnership between AusCycling, Variety — the Children’s Charity of WA, and IGA, bringing structured bike education and road-safety training to some of the State’s more remote communities.

Supported by trained AusBike instructors and a fully equipped mobile trailer full of bikes for the kids to learn on, the program teaches essential riding and safety skills.

AusCycling project lead Toby Brown said the project stemmed from a discussion with Kimberley educator Amy Hartwig, who highlighted the absence of structured bike education in the region.

“Teaching children to ride safely has a direct impact on their independence, their confidence and their connection to community,” Mr Brown said.

“We’ve seen children go from hesitant beginners to confident riders within a single session — the change is immediate.”

It is the first time the national AusBike program has been delivered to the Kimberley, addressing long-standing gaps in access to safe bikes, equipment and trained instructors.

“AusBike is really the first of its type in Australia — an evidence-based bike-education program built around the four core skills every rider needs: balance, power modulation, weight transfer and situational awareness,” Mr Brown said.

“Bringing this program directly into schools is genuinely life-changing.”

Ms Hartwig, who was present at the session, said it was wonderful to see the kids enjoy the bikes and learn new skills.

“It’s huge project. I can’t believe it’s actually happened, the kids are absolutely loving it,” she said.

Variety WA CEO Chris Chatterton said removing barriers for regional children was central to the charity’s mission.

“(This) ensures kids in remote communities receive the same opportunities as children anywhere else in the state,” she said.

IGA is assisting with the logistics of delivering bikes and equipment across the Kimberley, helping ensure all children, no matter how remote, can access safe cycling opportunities.