Central Coast Council and NSW Police are encouraging schools to attend an innovative educational program aimed at reducing the number of road incidents involving children on their bikes.
 
Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan said CARES – Community and Road Education Scheme – aims to improve the safety of children on and around Central Coast roads.
 
“Children are vulnerable roads users and it’s important we take a range of measures to keep them as safe as possible, Ms Vaughan said.
 
“Road trauma is a leading cause of death and injury for children in NSW and our goal is to help reduce this alarming statistic.
 
“CARES is a joint initiative of Council and NSW Police to provide children in Years Five and Six with an experiential program – we combine classroom learning with building practical skills using a simulated roadway.”
 
Mayor Jane Smith said that more than 2,500 Central Coast school children participated in the program last year.
 
“CARES is a great example of a joint initiative from Council and NSW Police to help keep our kids safe,” Mayor Smith said.
 
“After more than a decade of operation the program has become a Central Coast institution and I would encourage local primary schools to book in their classes.
 
“We have 2,200 kilometres of roads on the Coast and we want to ensure our children have the knowledge to ride safely near those roads.
 
“This program not only increases safety but also encourages our kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.”
 
CARES offers a practical and fun learning experience and contributes to the Stage Three Personal Development, Health and Physical Education syllabus.
 
The single-day program sees children complete obstacle courses to enhance their basic cycle skills, before using a simulated roadway to be exposed to a variety of real road situations in a controlled safe environment.
 
The CARES program costs just $5 per child and more than 35 schools have already booked children into the program for this school year.
 
For more information about the CARES school program, schools should call 4362 8340 or book online at centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/cares.