First cycle certificates awarded

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 386, 14 May 1991, Page 3

First cycle certificates awarded

Ten pupils at Raetihi school passed their cycle certificates last week.

Earlier in the year teacher Elizabeth Penny had passed the cycling instructors' course and has now taken the first group of pupils through the course. Rotary sponsored the course kit which contains a video, photos, pictures and instruction book. The course, designed for nine year olds and over, consists of a set of practical activities which are regarded as a minimum standard to teach children how to ride competently and safely on roads. Most of the activities consist of the children riding bicycles and usually takes between 12 and 22 hours to complete. The whole class did the theory then those with bicycles had to have their parents' permission to continue. The bikes then had to pass a standard check to see that they were up to scratch. The children had to wear the correct clothing which included a proper helmet, long sleeved shirt, long trousers but not baggy

at the bottom and nonslip shoes. The parents made bright vests for the children to wear which stood out when they were on the road. Most of the riding skills were leamt riding on the tennis courts. Signals had to be very

clear and they had to learn to turn their heads and look behind without affecting their riding. Lunchtimes were taken up with practise and Mrs Penny and headmaster Doug McLean were with the children during road practice. The testing was done

by the children themselves. Each had to cycle a set course and do certain activities along the way. Local traffic officer Ian Harrison and Mrs Penny oversaw the testing which was done after school on Tuesday 7 May "They were extremely critical of one another,"

said Mrs Penny. Of the 12 who started the course 10 completed it and received their certificates. They were Rebecca Martin, Janelle Martin, Shaun Fredricksen, Megan Windle, Kevin Summerhays, Rohan Kui, Jessie Ryland, Deborah Donaldson, Marni McGregor and Bryan Grossart.