Gifts make children's cycling safer

Alexandra District Parents' Centre  co-presidents Lauren Cuthbertson (left), with son Ted (2),...
Alexandra District Parents' Centre co-presidents Lauren Cuthbertson (left), with son Ted (2), and Melissa Gare with son James (2), all of Alexandra, celebrate the children's new high-visibility vests. Photo by Lynda van Kempen.
More than 100 pre-schoolers were given fluorescent safety vests last week as part of an Alexandra District Parents' Centre initiative.

As well as donating high-visibility vests to all its pre-school members, the group also donated bike helmets to 10 of those children who turned 1 this year.

"Everyone in Alexandra likes biking, and we thought this would make them safer; and it's something for the kids that their parents will appreciate, too," centre co-president Lauren Cuthbertson said.

"It'll make them more visible, especially on footpaths or near driveways."

The helmet initiative will continue for at least two more years, or as long as stocks last, with members who turn 1 receiving a free bike helmet.

"As well as it being a good road-safety initiative, we're hoping it'll add an extra incentive for people to join parent centre," Mrs Cuthbertson said.

The centre has 110 children from about 50 families as members.

The road-safety initiative cost about $3500 and it was funded through fund-raising activities throughout the year, including the centre's monster market in March.

Retailers had given the centre generous discounts on the vests and helmets, Mrs Cuthbertson said.

Members who wanted to buy more helmets could do that, at discounted prices.

-lynda.van.kempen@odt.co.nz

 

 

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