Pedal Prix WA

sheridandinsdale
Jul 9, 2017
2 min read

Human powered vehicles are pedalling their way into the hearts of Western Australian schools and businesses through RAC Pedal Prix Busselton.

Footage of Pedal Prix Busselton – Video: Australian International Pedal Prix

Pedal Prix Busselton founder Mr Stuart Peterson, with the help of sponsors RAC, Curtin University and The City of Busselton got the event started in 2014.

Key to helping schools participate, was local engineering company Legeneering ,who generously built and donated 25 vehicles to founding school teams.

One of those founding school teams was Team Phoenix, made up of 13-16 -year-old Duncraig Senior High School Bush Ranger Cadets, who are led by team manager and teacher of over 30 years, Mr Gary Thirlwell.

Mr Thirlwell said he had always wanted to get students involved but knew that getting a vehicle was going to be a challenge, since the donation of the vehicle, Team Phoenix has gone on to compete in Pedal Prix Busselton every year.

Over the past four years Mr Thirlwell has watched the kids thrive in their commitment to teamwork, self-confidence and health and fitness with their parents noticing the changes too.

“One of the fathers commented he has seen his boy develop quite well in the area of responsibility as a result of being a part of it,” Mr Thirlwell said.

According to Mr Peterson, these are just a few of the benefits Pedal Prix can offer kids.

Pedal prix gives kids, who may not fit in with typical team sports, an opportunity to shine, allowing those with strengths in areas such as engineering, aerodynamics, design, physics and marketing to get involved with the construction, maintenance, marketing and sponsorship of their team vehicles, Mr Peterson said.

“Pedal prix offers kids the opportunity to gain life experiences that I don’t think other events provide kids,” Mr Peterson said.

Mr Peterson hopes to link more industries with education and is on the hunt for 10 businesses to partner with 10 schools to give around 100 more kids the opportunity to participate in Pedal Prix Busselton 2017.