Skills develop on safe cycling course

A miniature roading network painted in the car park of a Hastings swimming complex is helping young local cyclists improve their skills.

The initiative has been developed by Hastings Police Education Officer, Constable Clint Adamson and the local Cycling Coalition in response to the high number of cycling crashes and deaths in Hawke’s Bay.

“We’ve organised a new safe cycling course where kids can practice negotiating various hazards – roundabouts, intersections, stop and give way signs ... in a realistic, yet safe environment,” says Clint.

“Skills like when and how to indicate as they pass through roundabouts can be learnt without the worry of looking out for cars. We want to teach them that their safety is paramount.’’

Clint says the course doesn’t replace the need to get out on the ‘real’ road, but prepares them for it.

Schools, parents and kids are all encouraged to use the skills area to learn the road rules and become better cyclists.

Following liaison with the Hastings City Council, the design of the course was thrown open to a competition at Havelock North’s Hereworth School.

Clint says the course was also used for kids to prepare for the Top Cyclist competition on 24 October.

The competition included a road ride, obstacle course and a written theory test.

The top boy, Te Manu Boynton from Napier Intermediate, and top girl, Jovaan Mataroa from Twyford School, each won a new bike and a ride with the local coastguard and Lowe Walker Rescue Helicopter.

Hastings Police Education Officer, Constable Clint Adamson, with students

from Hereworth School in Havelock North. The winner of the design competition

– Jacob Peyton – is second from the right. Photo: The Hastings Mail