A new Delta police pilot program is aimed at ensuring young cyclists stay safe.
The police department is partnering with local elementary schools this spring to help improve the cycling skills of students in grades 4 and 5.
“The goal of this pilot program is to grow a generation of safe cyclists and improve (cycling) safety on our roads,” said department spokesperson Sgt. Sarah Swallow.
The pilot project started last month with Delta police school liaison officers and volunteers from the Ladner Community Police Station (CoPS) visiting Port Guichon Elementary for a hands-on session.
During the session, students were able to practice real-life cycling scenarios, such as shoulder checks, fast braking and using hand signals.
“The hands-on portion of the course is so valuable,” said Const. Sean Doolan, one of the department’s school liaison officers. “These students are now armed with basic road skills that will promote a safer, bike-friendly community. We are teaching safe cycling skills at a young age and reminding everyone that all road users must respect one another.”
The program also covered the importance of understanding road signs, proper helmet usage and other observation skills.
At the end of the course, each student received a certificate.
About 75 students took part in this year’s pilot project and the department is hoping to increase that to 1,000 next year.
