OVER 3000 Bass Coast and South Gippsland high school students are contributing to safer roads through a program made possible by the region's premier charity cycling ride the Bass Coast Cycle Challenge (BCCC).

The BCCC is an annual event that begins in Inverloch and has five different routes to cater to all ages and rider levels, including options of 40k kilometres, 53 kilometres, 85 kilometres, 121 kilometres, and 100 kilometres gravel routes.

It is one of the most spectacular rides in Victoria, attracting cyclists of all levels – from recreational to warrior. 

This year BCCC has reduced the entry fee across all rides and made jerseys opt-in. 

Riders who enter before Thursday, August 15 will get the best rate and will go in the running for a free entry and rider kit which includes a special BCCC jersey and helmet. 

Challenge yourself with hills, the coast or both. Or try a flatter course with our shorter routes. And raise money for a great local charity.

Proceeds from the ride enable local high school students to take part in road safety workshops, making our roads safer for all.

Students from Leongatha Secondary College, Mirboo North Secondary College, Bass Coast College, Korumburra Secondary College and Newhaven College have recently participated in the life-saving, driver and road safety program, RYDA. 

"The riders in the BCCC all have one common goal – to contribute to supporting local students to access these programs, which have a real positive impact on our youth and the broader community," said BCCC founder, Gavin Slavin.

These programs, including RYDA, are so successful because they go a step further than traditional road safety instruction and are believed to be key in increasing safety for road users, cyclists, pedestrians, drivers and passengers.

"It's not enough to teach young people how to manoeuvre a vehicle, it's absolutely vital to balance this with critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for safety on the road," said Anton Hockey from Road Safety Education Australia.

"Thanks to the BCCC, we are able to deliver a number of workshops which canvas topics such as driver fatigue, speed and stopping, road conditions from the seat of a car or semi, crash investigation process and the mental approach to driving."

The Bass Coast Cycle Challenge will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 (7am-4pm). 

It starts and finishes on Ramsay Boulevard, Inverloch, outside the Beach Box Cafe. 

To get an early bird entry or for more information go to: basscoastcyclechallenge.com.