Released 25/07/2017
Young cyclists will have a safe place to practice their riding skills and learn about road safety at the new Tuggeranong Learn to Ride centre.
At the official opening today, Minister for Justice, Consumer Affairs and Road Safety Shane Rattenbury said the centre at Greenway Park will provide a practical facility for parents, schools and community groups to train children learning to ride a bike.
“The centre is intended for children from preschool to year four and provides a fun environment to learn all the basics from how to safely cross the road, through to independent and confident riding,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“The centre incorporates everything you would expect to see out in our suburbs including footpaths, roundabouts, pedestrian crossings, line markings and road signs.
“It also has signs with a range of useful road safety tips for children and their parents to follow when riding and walking.
“I am pleased this Learn to Ride centre will also be used by the Cyclabilities pilot program which helps children with additional needs develop cycling skills and learn about road safety awareness.”
The Cyclabilities Program recently received $60,000 from the first round of the ACT Community Road Safety Grants Program to establish the pilot.
“Cyclabilities is the first program in the ACT that addresses and supports road safety and cycling for children with additional needs,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“I am pleased that Cyclabilities will also use the Government’s second learn to ride Centre near Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen when it opens later this year.
“The ACT has a strong cycling culture and we all have a responsibility to ensure the safety of all our road users.
“Facilities such as these Learn to Ride centres are a practical way we can educate cyclists at an early age, while promoting the health and environmental benefits of active travel.
“I know some parents feel nervous about letting their children walk and ride to school but it is one way we can help keep them fit and healthy. It is also a great way to spend time with friends.”
The ACT Road Safety Action Plan 2016-2020 includes an action item to build the Tuggeranong and North Canberra facilities to improve road safety for vulnerable road users.
Mr Rattenbury said that the North Canberra facility, which will be built at Lake Ginninderra, is expected to open later this year.
Groups can make a booking at the Tuggeranong centre at www.act.gov.au/learntoride. Families and individuals are welcome to use the centre without prior booking.
- Statement ends -
Shane Rattenbury, MLA | Media Releases
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