Cycle safety for all kids

A fleet of 25 shiny new bikes and helmets will soon accompany Hawkes Bay Police Youth Education Officers to primary and intermediate schools throughout the region.

The bikes are available to children aged between 10 and 15 years who are learning cycle safety as part of their school curriculum.

“We choose the 10 to 15 year age group because nationally and locally they were more than twice as likely to be involved in an accident or be killed whilst cycling,” says Hastings Youth Education Officer Constable Ian Anderson. “They are also more likely to be riding to school and less likely to know the road rules,” says Ian.

“We decided to purchase the bicycles after it became apparent that a large number of children were unable to bring their bicycles to school because of their rural isolation and were having to sit out cycle safety education.
“There were also some less than road worthy bikes being used which made it rather interesting especially when practicing emergency stops.”

To raise the necessary $20,000, Ian organised a committee involving a local cycling enthusiast, Hastings Blue Light, road safety organisations, Hastings District Council and police. “It really was a community effort,” says Ian.