Yarragon, St Paul’s through to bike ed final
Yarragon Primary School will compete in RoadSafe Gippsland’s regional bike ed final in Morwell in October after taking out the municipal event at Lardner Park last week.
Joining them at the event will be runners up St Paul’s, who finished 39 points in arrears of Yarragon on 604 points.
Victoria Police youth resources officer Kevin McLaren said the event was celebrating 20 years since its inception, with the Dr Tim McArdle Memorial trophy awarded since 2002.
“Dr McArdle was riding at dusk and he was doing everything right, he was wearing a fluoro vest and riding with his light,” Mr McLaren said.
“A car went to overtake another vehicle, didn’t see him and hit him head on.
“He (Dr McArdle) had nowhere to go.
“That time of day is very dangerous to ride.
“If you’re out at that time, ring mum and dad.”
Prizes were awarded to highest scoring boy and girl, while a student from each school also received an award to encourage them to continue with their cycling.
Yarragon’s strong score was reflected in Liam SmithButterworth and Laura Westhorp taking out top scoring boy and girl respectively, while encouragement award winner Harriet Parkinson also scored well.
Students from St Paul’s Anglican Grammar assisted with the scoring, with event organisers impressed by the high standard on display.
Along with taking the perpetual trophy for the next 12 months, Yarragon Primary School received a cash prize to assist with costs of competing at the regional final.
The event concluded with two students from each school competing in bike limbo. Results: 1st Yarragon Primary School 643 points, 2nd St Paul’s 604, 3rd Bona Vista Primary School 540, 4th Nilma Primary School 527, 5th Ellinbank 491. Encouragement awards: Yarragon: Harriet Parkinson; St Paul’s: Emily Birks; Nilma: Ella Perry; Ellinbank: Renee Hicken; Bona Vista: Angus Park.