Guernsey’s Health Improvement Commission, (HIC), have provided balance bikes, at both Saumeraz and Cambridge Parks, and says the goal is to make sure all Children have the chance to practice cycling safely.
Previously the HIC have helped pave the way, by funding paint markings which mimic typical road markings and common everyday layouts, such as mini-roundabouts and yellow lines.
Typically these bikes are designed without pedals, meaning children will have the chance to get used to balancing, and steering. HIC says they “can be a great alternative to pedal bikes, as children from as young as 18 months can gain confidence quickly, they’re generally very safe and great fun to whizz around on. The bikes have adjustable saddles and helmets will be provided also”.
Amy Woollaston, the Active Travel Officer at HIC said; “Balance bikes are a fantastic way for kids to develop the balance and coordination skills needed to ride a pedal bike. If everyone gets the opportunity to learn to ride when they are young, then we have a better chance of more people choosing cycling for their everyday journeys once they are adults.
Ms Woollaston added; “The BeActive team strive to get more people more active more often and are always looking for new ways to make being active easier and more enjoyable”.
The BeActive team and HIC say the responsibility for looking after the bikes falls to all of us, and they’re hoping the public will help lookout for the bikes; “We are relying on the public to use and look after the bikes on an honesty basis and we really hope these bikes, which will be positioned near the children’s play areas at Saumarez and Cambridge Parks until the end of Summer will provide an opportunity for all young children to be more active and make learning to ride more accessible and loads of fun!”
The public are being encouraged by the HIC to take a selfie next to the storage box, and if the HIC is tagged, @healthimprovegg, they’ll be in with a chance to win a new balance bike at the end of Summer.
