Youngsters learn the ins and outs of cycle safety

Safety was the name of the game at a holiday programme which highlighted the importance of cycling safely this week.

Children aged from 5 to 13 took part in the Masterton Safe and Healthy Community Council-organised event at Lakeview School on Thursday.

Manager and holiday programme organiser Sandy Ryan said she hoped it would encourage children to ride to school.

Wairarapa Road Safety Council co-ordinator Dave Ryan said cycle skills were vital.

"What often happens is when kids get to college level, they're often forced into maybe biking to school and they won't have had any formal education up to that point and suddenly they're on the road."

Cycling was also a stepping stone to driving as overseas studies have shown those who cycle safely, drive safely.

"It's important to build up those skills," he said.

The children were also given a morning tea donated by Breadcraft.

Cycling instructor Gary Gibson, of Pedal Ready, took some of the more able students cycling on the road. He said most of the children already had great cycling skills but it would be good to teach them "defensive cycling" skills such as turning on roads.

The Masterton District Council-funded holiday programme ran from Monday and involved a variety of sports with support from Wairarapa Bush.

About 150 children had turned up to the programme throughout the week.

Mrs Ryan said she had secured funding from the Ministry of Social Development to run programmes in the January and April school holidays.

The road safety council would also gratefully accept any donations of road-worthy bikes.