‘Cycle Smart’ to help youngsters

YOUNG children who got a bicycle for Christmas will now have the opportunity to learn how to use it, among other things on Sunday at King George V Park in Port-of-Spain. The ‘Cycle Smart’ programme will be the first for the year sponsored by Beacon Insurance Company Limited costing $45,000. Michael Phillips, director of Phillips Promotions Company Limited made the announcement at a media launch of the programme at the Beacon head office, Stanmore Avenue, Port-of-Spain. The former national champion said the programme will assist young cyclists with what they should and should not do when learning to ride competitively.

The young riders are also expected to learn the road traffic signs as well as how to use the different hand signals —  as a driver. Phillips said that since the youngsters will be motor car drivers in the near future, it was important for them to learn traffic laws. He pointed out that they will be educated while at the same time, have some fun, on Sunday at 3 pm. The event will be held for an hour and a half and will feature a number of top local cyclists such as Elijah Greene, as well as former stars Roger and Ronald Dickie. However, Phillips wants all  interested young cyclists to turn up with their helmets for the programme. He pointed out that since spills are easy to occur, it was important for the kids to be provided with safety gear.

Phillips gave the assurance that officials will be on hand for the event to provide free bike check-ups.  He noted that the programme came about after visiting Europe a few years ago and saw similar programmes in place. Terrence Chapman, vice-president of the Trinidad and Tobago Cycling Federation (TTCF) said he welcomed the initiative and gave the assurance that his federation stands ready and able to assist in the development of the sport. He said that back in his heydays the traffic congestion was not as bad as it is now, and therefore it is important for youths nowadays to learn the road safety signals and laws.