With obesity among children on the increase it is important to get children back on bikes safely to improve their health and fitness, the Pedal Power Association (PPA) said in a statement.
The PPA in conjunction with the Bicycle Empowerment Network (BEN) is launching a safe-cycling school programme in Cape Town on Thursday, 29 September to introduce children to cycling whilst focusing on road safety.
“For more than 40 years the PPA has been promoting cycling and the interests of cyclists. We believe that everyone should ride a bicycle every day – be it to school, work, to the shops and just for fun. We are proud to be involved with the safe cycling school programme as the safety of our children on bicycles is of utmost importance to us,” said Robert Vogel, CEO of the PPA.
“The number of children cycling to school has rapidly decreased over the past few decades, largely because parents are concerned about their safety in traffic.
We want to teach children about road safety and encourage parents to cycle with their children. Once your children are confident on their bikes, getting them used to cycling on roads with dedicated cycle lanes will improve their confidence and fitness,” Robert explained.
The cycling programme consists of a theoretical lesson on all elements of safe cycling, followed by a practical session on riding bicycles in a controlled environment on the school grounds.
“Bicycles are a fun, eco-friendly and affordable way to get you where you need to be, but children need to be educated on safety when cycling. Bicycles are for everyone, no matter your age,” explained BEN general manager Tim Mosdell.
PPA, South Africa’s largest cycling organisation, launched the very successful Cyclists Stay Alive at 1.5 campaign back in 2011, which resulted in a one-metre passing law being promulgated in the Western Cape two years later. In 2014, the PPA launched the Stay Wider of the Rider campaign, with its aim to create awareness about how vulnerable cyclists are on the road.
“The safety of all cyclists on our roads is our top priority,” said Robert who plans to launch the safe-cycling school programme nationally.
Anyone wishing to introduce this programme in their school is welcome to send an email to info@pedalpower.org.za. For more information on the two organisations, visit the websites www.pedalpower.org.za and www.benbikes.org.za.
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