Twenty-six children took part in the Aboriginal Bicycle Safety Program at the PCYC in Parkes last Friday.Lachlan Shire Council’s Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Logan Dobel said he was very happy with the turnout considering it was raining on the day.
The participants were excited but had to concentrate hard during the free session facilitated by Jenny and Damien Enderby of Bike and Fitness. They are both qualified Cycling Australia and AustCycle coaches. The three-hour session gave participants a fun, interactive learning experience teaching them to ride safely. The session is based on the Let’s Ride Program.
Depending on age, the practical skills learned and reinforced included pedaling, gear changing, braking, hand signals and scanning (both forwards and behind). They also learned the importance of visibility while riding and safe places to ride.
A bike mechanic was also present to provide much needed maintenance on bicycles free of charge. Logan said this was really important. The maintenance included the replacement of brakes, tyres and pedals.
All participants received a new bike helmet. The helmet laws for cyclists of all ages in NSW help prevent head injuries from falls. The NSW Road Rules state that all cyclists, regardless of age, including children on bicycles with training wheels must wear a helmet.
The Parkes session was part of a series of ten held throughout the Central West. Over 60 sessions were held in the whole of NSW.