An innovative pilot program promoting bicycle safety and awareness launched in Nowra has been hailed a great success.
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In just over six months the South Coast Police District, teamed with Roads and Maritime Services Aboriginal Engagement Section, have given out more than 200 bicycle helmets through a program aimed at reducing road trauma and at the same time promoting road safety to the region's young riders.
Nowra Police Station Inspector Ray Stynes said the pilot program had been such a success it was now going to be expanded throughout the South Coast Police District.
"We've given out more than 200 helmets in the Nowra region," Insp Stynes said.
"The aim of the program is to make young riders more aware of road safety and the importance of wearing a helmet.
Read more:
"Program participants get a free bike helmet."
Insp Stynes said the helmets had been distributed through community engagement events and school visits, along with 120 youngsters who have gone through the program after being caught riding local streets without a proper helmet.
"We have achieved our aim with the pilot program, it is time to expand," he said.
While the main aim was to raise the awareness of safety issues, he said the program also provided other information that could affect a young person's life down the track.
"It is an offence not to wear an approved helmet. Those caught can be issued with an infringement notice fine," Insp Stynes said.
"The fine is $330. Kids often don't realise that an unpaid infringement notice could have an ongoing affect on their lives.
"It can hamper their chances of getting a licence, furthering their education and even getting a job or being able to get to work."
Those caught riding without a proper helmet are issued with a card instead of an infringement notice.
They then have 21 days to contact the Youth Liaison Officer (YLO) or Aboriginal and Community Liaison Officer (ACLO), with the onus on the child to contact them and participate in the road safety program.
"By doing the program they will be entitled to a new helmet," Insp Stynes said.
"If they don't do the program, which only takes about 15 minutes, they will receive an infringement notice."
He said the pilot program had already expanded to include skaters as well.
"We've staged a few events at the local skate park and have given out 50 odd helmets," he said.
"It's now time for the program to expand down the coast."