Shire kids encouraged to ride to school with Council’s Active8 Ride Safe program

A cycling safety program for young kids is rolling out across Douglas Shire to encourage more local school kids to ride their bikes around town.

Douglas Shire Council has teamed up with the Department of Transport and Main Roads for the ‘Active8 Ride Safe For Kids’ program next month.

Accredited Cycling Australia instructors will also visit schools the week prior and facilitate a series of two-day courses on Saturday 4 September and Sunday 5 September in Wonga, followed by Saturday 11 September and Sunday 12 September in Port Douglas

The program, which must be attended both days, will be held at various times at Port Douglas Community Hall and Bells Park, Wonga Beach.

It is open to kids aged under 10 years old who can balance and ride a standard push bike.

Douglas Shire Council’s Sport and Recreation Officer Renee Ker said the progressive two-day program would be a challenging and fun experience for young cyclists.

“Kids will have an absolute ball learning about balance, coordination and general safety,” she said.

“We have many fun challenges organised to test their control and improve their skills so we can build their confidence on the wheels.”

“With Council putting a lot of work into organising community rides, and building footpaths and cycle networks, here is a really exciting opportunity to make sure our kids are well-equipped to get out and explore on their bikes.”

In 2019, Council resurfaced a netball court with a road cycling skills surface at Bells Park in Wonga, specifically for kids to learn how to ride and navigate traffic and changing road conditions. This program in Wonga will use that court to deliver part of the ride safe program and teach kids about traffic rules and safety.

Council is also progressing plans to connect Mossman to Cooya Beach, with construction of the Junction Creek Shared Pedestrian Bridge currently underway. A cycle route from Mossman CBD to Newell Beach and Mossman Gorge is also on the horizon.

Following the success of the inaugural Mother’s Day Community Ride in Port Douglas earlier this year, a community ride is also planned for Cow Bay in the coming months where kids can test out their skills on this rainforest ride with the whole family.

To successfully complete Active8 Ride Safe For Kids’ next month and receive a free gift, participants must attend both days. The first day is about rider education, and second day is more about techniques and improving skills.

The program will also be taken to Mossman State Primary School, Alexandra Bay State School and Daintree State Primary School on alternate days from Monday 6 September to Friday 10 September.

More information can be found on the Douglas Shire Council website.