Sinn Féin councillor Thérèse Ruane has welcomed new proposals by the Road Safety Authority (RSA ) to make cycle safety training a part of the school curriculum for seven and eight year olds in primary schools accross the State. The RSA Road Safety Strategy is also considering proposals to make the wearing of helmets for children under 13 years compulsory, a timely and welcome move according to Cllr Ruane who is chairperson of Smart Travel Castlebar.
Cllr Ruane stated: “It is really welcome that the Road Safety Authority is prioritising cycle safety in the new road safety strategy which will be rolled out across the State by 2016. The compulsory wearing of a helmet for 12-yea- olds and under is a welcome move to protect children from fatal injuries. This was recommended in a recently published EU wide audit of child safety and reflects the current trends throughout Europe and internationally. Wearing a helmet is already mandatory for children in 13 European countries, Australia, and New Zealand.
“It is also really welcome that cycle training for children aged between seven and eight will become a core part of the primary curriculum in the new strategy. Here in Mayo, we have led the way in delivering cycle training to children in primary schools throughout the county and at events organised by Smart Travel Castlebar. It’s a real testament to the trojan work spearheaded by Noel Gibbons, Mayo road safety officer and Gerry Butler here in Mayo which will now be replicated in other counties.
“More and more children and adults are cycling. The benefits of cycling are obvious. Using your bike is the fastest, cleanest, and most efficient way of getting about; cycling has huge health benefits and we must encourage young people to use their bikes. Providing cycle training, a safe environment and wearing safety helmets is a step in the right direction.”
