Left: Casey primary schools learnt about the importance of bike safety recently as part of Safe Cycle month. David Dunbar and Noel Oket of Hampton Park Primary School with Senior Constable Brett Owen.By Rebecca Fraser
CASEY students have learnt about the importance of wearing bike helmets and riding their bikes safely as part of Safe Cycle month.
Last month police schools resources officer Senior Constable Brett Owen attended eight primary schools in the Casey district and said he was pleased with the number of children who arrived at school with bikes in good condition and wearing helmets.
“Each child who was seen arriving at school with a bike helmet on and riding responsibly was presented with a Safe Cycle sticker and entered into the Safe Cycle competition to win prizes.
“The schools themselves are really supportive of safe cycle week and more and more schools are providing secure areas for kids to leave their bikes after riding them to school,” he said.
David Dunbar, 11, and 12yearold Noel Oket from Hampton Park Primary School were both awarded Safe Cycle stickers because they were wearing helmets.
“Mum and dad make sure I wear a helmet always,” David said.
“I just wear it to make me safe,” Noel said.
Alicia George, 8, who also attends Hampton Primary School, received her sticker when she was also seen riding to school with her helmet on.
Acting assistant principal at Hampton Park Primary School Connie VanderVoort said they really tried to promote Safe Cycle month within their school.
“Brett (Senior Constable Owen) is terrific because he is always willing to come out to the school and teach the kids about road safety, bike safety and police duties in general,” she said.
“The kids all know him and feel comfortable approaching him,” she said.
About 150 children received stickers and entry into the Safe Cycle competition.
