Bicycle programme launched at Bergsig
AN INITIATIVE which sought to teach and tackle safety issues on the road was launched at Bergsig Primary School in Bonteheuwel.
The Bicycle Empowerment (BEN) and Power Pedal Association (PPA) collaborated on this initiative, which was launched yesterday, as they felt children needed the fundamentals of being on the road while cycling.
General manager at BEN, Tim Mosdell said the launch willsee 10 bicycles being distributed to 10 schools from poor areas.
“We took the kids through practical safety training, gave them a booklet which speaks about safety on the roads and launched a school safe cycling programme, which was presented by our ambassador Liezel van der Westhuizen.”
Chief executive at PPA, Robert Vogel said the programme was aimed at Grade 3 to Grade 6 pupils and hoped to make a huge impact in their lives.
“We are sensitising them to the rules of the road and hopefully they will imprint on them and take them forward.”
Vogel hoped the programmewould grow across South Africa with all schools participating in the programme.
The partners of the programme felt Bergsig was the perfect school to start at as Mosdell had already formed a close relationship with them.
Van der Westhuizen, who is the ambassador and an avid cyclist, felt privileged to be part of the cycling initiative, and sharing safety rules with the children.
“I report the traffic on KFM, I cycle and I go to schools to present the traffic so it felt natural for me to get involved with the cause.”
She hopes to encourage and empower young childre,n especially young girls, to cycle and in turn learn the fundamentals of safety.
Deondre Kock, 12, one of the pupils, who was given the opportunity to showcase the safety rules they learnt, was appreciative to the organisers, citing the programme was helpful.
“I’ve been cycling since I was nine and I have always loved it.
“The training was very good and I enjoyed riding the bicycle.”