It is time for parents to start pedalling to help boost road safety in Billericay, Wickford and Basildon.

The district council is seeking parents who are willing to help support its Cycling Proficiency scheme and teach school age cyclists about how to stay safe on the road.

Those who race in to support the initiative will be asked to help run courses in teaching children bicycle control, balance, road safety, traffic awareness and confidence.

Parents are an important part of delivering the Cycling Proficiency programme by supporting the work of the district's road safety officers.

The programme is aimed at being as practical as possible with children given tips on safety checks they can carry out on their bikes.

There will also be tests on each child's road safety knowledge including how much they know about the Highway Code.

Volunteers interested in helping to run the programme must be over 18 and willing to undergo six to eight hours of training from the Council's Road Safety Team.

For more information contact the Road Safety Team on 01268 294413.

Published Friday, May 30, 2003

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