PCYC Queensland Wins Prestigious International Road Safety Award

PCYC Queensland is excited to be amongst the winners of the Prince Michael International Road Safety Award (PMIRSA) for our learner mentor driver program PCYC Braking the Cycle.

PCYC Braking the Cycle was named a winner of the prestigious Prince Michael Award for outstanding contribution to improving road safety. For over 30 years, the Prince Michael Award has given public recognition to those who have improved road safety throughout Britain and worldwide, and each year the most outstanding examples of international road safety initiatives are given public recognition through the scheme.

The PMIRSA judges awarded PCYC Braking the Cycle not only for improving the safety record of disadvantaged young people, but also for addressing the important area of social inclusion, acknowledging the program as a valuable and well-resourced initiative.

PCYC Queensland Chief Executive Officer, Phil Schultz, is incredibly proud of the impact PCYC Braking the Cycle has in local communities and was honoured to accept the award.

“The program not only empowers disadvantaged young people to get their licence, it also increases a young person’s employment and education opportunities, encourages positive community connection and improves road safety outcomes for young drivers,” said Mr Schultz.

“Secondary to this, the program addresses the impact of poorly educated or unlicensed drivers on the roads and the devastating impact this can have on a community,” he said.

PCYC Braking the Cycle is supported by Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), the Queensland Government’s compulsory third party vehicle insurance fund. Insurance Commissioner Neil Singleton said MAIC is proud to provide $5.1 million of funding over three years to support 14 PCYC Queensland clubs to operate the program.

“Evaluation confirmed PCYC Braking the Cycle is closely aligned with best practice for learner mentor driver programs,” said Mr Singleton.

“So funding of this type, which can improve driving outcomes, and reduce road trauma, is of significant benefit to motorists’ welfare and their families, friends and the broader community,” he said.

PCYC Braking the Cycle is an effective learner driver mentor program that provides a safe vehicle, and pairs learner drivers with volunteer mentors who help them undertake 100 hours of supervised on-road driving experience. Currently offered at 30 PCYC Queensland clubs across the state, the program has helped over 750 young people obtain their driver’s licence through a network of over 250 mentor drivers, 51 vehicles and the support of 55 government, community and corporate partners.

The winners of all the awards were invited to meet His Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent at a gala presentation held on 11 December at The Savoy Hotel in London.