The popular, free-to-borrow, balance bikes have arrived back at the children’s play areas at Beau Sejour and Saumarez Park, after being well-looked after by the community on their first appearance last year.
The BeActive team at the Health Improvement Commission have stationed four new pedal-less bikes in different colours at each location, ready for community use until the end of the summer.
‘It’s really important because it gives all families the chance to get their kids on bikes,’ said Amy Woollaston, HIC active travel officer.
‘Balance bikes are a fantastic way for children to develop the balance and coordination skills needed to ride a pedal bike. Some families might not have one of these at home, or they might not have the outside space or the transport to bring it to the park. This initiative just gives everybody an equal opportunity to get out and be active.
‘My hope is that if everybody gets a chance to learn to ride a bike while they’re young, then they’re more likely to choose active travel when they’re older. We took a risk last year, hopeful that the public would look after the bikes during use and return them to their box afterwards. We’re thrilled that this was mostly the case. Nobody stole any bikes, but we were doing a lot of maintenance on them.’
This year there are more bikes, new bikes and more robust bikes and helmets – donated by the Marks & Spencer Community Fund.
‘Just delighted to help,’ said Greg Yeoman, head of M&S Guernsey.
‘The fact that this is a local initiative that affects young kids and their ability to get healthy, both physically and mentally, is right up our street. I love the new bikes, love the colours and nice chunky tyres, too.’
The BeActive team has also refreshed the painted yellow lines and mini roundabouts at Sausmarez Park, so children can develop their road safety awareness and manoeuvring skills. It has thanked those who helped repair and maintain the bikes last year, and called for more of the same support this season.
n Anybody keen to check on and look after the bikes can contact amy.woollaston@healthimprovement.gg.
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