Helmet advocates use heads

BICYCLE safety is a top priority for the coastal village’s Neighbourhood Watch group.
Members were so concerned by the sight of youngsters peddling around town without helmets that they began a competition to encourage kids to wear the correct head gear.
“We noticed in the three coastal villages that many kids on bikes were not wearing helmets,” the group’s president Bill D’Oliviera said.
“We asked young people to write a letter explaining why a helmet should be worn and they could win a free helmet.”
He said of the 900 Neighbourhood Watch newsletters distributed to homes, only four responses were received.
“It was a disappointing result. However, the four winners were very pleased and were rewarded for their efforts.”
Rowan Cook, of Cranbourne Cycles, said he was happy to donate four kids helmets, valued at $40, to such a worthy cause. “It is important to try to encourage kids,” he said.
– Alison Noonan