South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 23/03/2012

The programme was launched in recognition of the growing number of primary schoolchildren who use the popular mini scooters to travel to school, and concerns about associated road safety issues.

During 2011 there were seven on-road collisions in South Gloucestershire involving cars and children on mini scooters, of which two were serious.

Children taking part in the scheme are taught in groups of 10 and learn about basic road safety issues, the need for appropriate clothing including helmets and pads, and how to cross the road safely with their scooters.

The hour-long sessions also include guidance on using a scooter safely, including how to brake and manoeuvre.

South Gloucestershire Council Executive Member for Planning, Transport and the Strategic Environment Brian Allinson: “South Gloucestershire is a great place to grow up, with some of the safest roads in the country.

“We want to keep them that way, and initiatives such as the scooter training programme are vital in helping make sure that our youngsters stay safe.

“I’m delighted that more than 300 children have already participated in the scheme, and urge any school that hasn’t yet signed up to get in touch with the council’s road safety team.”

Senior road safety officer Alan Hale added: “Our training courses aim to raise every child’s understanding of how they can keep themselves safe when using scooters outside and near to traffic.

“We also ask parents to ensure that they are aware of where and how their children are using their scooters and when walking with them to ensure that they do not get too far ahead and out of their control.

“It is important that children remember that others use the pavements and that they should not cause a danger.”

Any primary school can request a session, which also includes training for a member of staff or parent volunteer who can then deliver the programme to other children within the school.

The scooter training is just one part of a suite of road safety interventions that South Gloucestershire’s team provide to the community, starting at post-natal groups and continuing through all age groups to senior citizens.

The road safety team can be contacted on 01454 863 607 or via roadsafetyeducation@southglos.gov.uk

Safe scootering – advice for parents;

• Do not let your child scoot on the road or in traffic
• Beware of loose debris, gravel, etc. – they can cause the scooter to stop suddenly and your child to be thrown to the ground
• Children should wear bright or fluorescent clothing during the day and reflective materials in the dark as this will help others to see them.
• Scooters do not have lights – the safest time to ride a scooter is during the day. Beware of loose laces, trailing scarves, hats/hoods that obscure the view of children or prevent them from hearing
• Avoid steep inclines and don’t ride too fast – scooters pick up speed quickly and your child can lose control and fall
• Be aware of other people using the pavement – children should slow down or stop if there is anyone approaching
• Don’t allow children to jump off the pavement into the road to avoid pedestrians
• Scoot away from the kerb
• Watch out for fixed hazards – trees, lamp posts, etc.
• Look out for vehicles entering or exiting driveways
• When crossing the road, STOP, get off the scooter and push it across the road – do not ride
• Be aware of people around when waiting to cross the road – do not swing scooter around or do tricks while waiting
• When scooting to school, do not scoot inside the school grounds