Swale Youngsters Attend Bike Safety Event

A group of young people recently attended a thought provoking afternoon which discussed road safety and the consequences of carelessly riding bikes.

The Road Safety Experience, in Rochester, hosted the teenagers from both Swale and Tonbridge and Malling on Thursday (24th October).

The event was arranged by Kent Police Youth Engagement Officers, with support provided by Kent Fire and Rescue Service, Kent County Council, Medway Council and Community Cycleworks, a not for profit organisation that promotes safe cycling amongst young people.

They reviewed a scene that has been constructed to show a collision between a bike and a car.

They then had the opportunity to speak with officers, take part in group exercises and view equipment Kent Fire and Rescue Service often used at the scene of serious collisions.

Ian Henderson, a Youth Engagement Officer for Kent Police, told SFM News: "The aim of the afternoon was to be thought-provoking, interactive and fun but we did not ignore the hard-hitting points and reality of road safety we wanted to get across. Cycling is an excellent sport but, like many things, we do sometimes take it for granted and ignore some of the risks that come with it. We hope that by sharing our experiences with young people, we can promote safer riding and prevent a serious injury."

Cllr Phil Filmer, Portfolio Holder for Frontline Services at Medway Council, told SFM News: "We are pleased to have worked closely with our partner agencies on this intervention and we will continue to work closely with schools across Medway to help teach pupils the importance of road safety. We also deliver bikeability training to schools which includes advice on how to plan journeys on busy roads. As daylight hours draw in I would like to encourage cyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists and other road users to make sure they are visible by wearing bright and reflective clothing. We all have a responsibility to help keep Medway's roads safe."