City of Newcastle is helping high school students shift into a higher gear when it comes to cycling skills, bike safety and creative expression, with a series of free holiday workshops on offer.
The program includes nine hands-on sessions led by experienced instructors and local artists, which are designed to support students in developing practical skills and encourage active transport options such as riding to school.
Students looking to improve their cycling skills can take part in two Bike School workshops options, each designed to support safe and independent riding.
The DIY Maintenance workshop focuses on practical skills to keep bikes in safe working order. Students will learn how to complete basic safety checks, repair punctures, maintain tyres and chains, and identify when professional servicing is required.
The City Riding workshop provides real-world riding experience, helping students build confidence on local streets. Participants will learn about road rules, route planning, safe positioning and how to ride predictably in shared environments.
Led by instructors from Newcastle Bicycle Workshop, these bike safety workshops will help young riders build the confidence, competence and awareness needed to travel more safely and independently.
Students can also take part in a series of art workshops linked to City of Newcastle’s “I heart my way to school” art competition.
Three local artists will each deliver two sessions, with the workshops to provide a relaxed and supportive space for creative exploration. Students will use mixed media techniques such as drawing, collage, and experimental mark-making to interpret their journey to school.
Participating artists include Yvette Ten-Bohmer, Jane Lander, and Aksara Harriram, who each bring a unique artistic perspective to the program.
The workshops invite students to reflect on movement, place and personal experience, transforming everyday travel into meaningful creative work. Finished pieces can be entered in the competition.
The “I heart my way to school” art competition invites students to share what makes their journey to school fun and meaningful, with students in Kindergarten to Year 2 able to enter via a colouring in sheet and those in Years 3–12 submitting original artwork. Launched on Ride2School Day, entries are open until 22 May 2026.
The Autumn school holiday program includes:
- Bike School – DIY Maintenance
Carrington Community Hall
Tuesday 14 April, 9.30am to 1pm - Bike School – City Riding
Starting near Tighes Hill TAFE Campus
Thursday 16 April, 10am to 1pm
Sunday 19 April, 10am to 1pm - Art Workshops
Hudson Street Hum, Hamilton
Tuesday 14 April: 10am to 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Wednesday 15 April: 10am to 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Thursday 16 April: 10am to 12pm, 2pm to 4pm
These free workshops are designed for high school students of all experience levels, with no prior skills required. All sessions are delivered in a safe, inclusive environment with guidance from experienced facilitators.
Registrations are essential and must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. Visit the Cycling Classes webpage to view full workshop details and secure your place.
City of Newcastle is delivering the school holiday program with support from the NSW Government through the Holiday Break Program.