In the last few weeks, Mosston School students have practised road safety and etiquette skills for using scooters in an off-road environment.

The skills training, which is part of Let’s Go Whanganui’s schools programme, is supplied by the Whanganui Multisport Club.

Junior students learned basic scooter skills and how to scan for hazards, while older students learned how to stop in an emergency and weave around obstacles.

Both groups learned how to wear helmets correctly and keep themselves safe on a scooter.

Older students have also started cyclist skill training which complies with the New Zealand Transport Agency Grade One guidelines. The training enables students to perform basic cyclist skills in a non-traffic environment.

Mosston School Principal Michelle Watson said the children had lots of fun learning how to become safe scooter users.

“We have many programmes promoting health at our school, such as a ‘brain break’ where children stop and eat fruit mid-morning, and we are also a water-only school. Having training for active transport like scootering is another way children can look after their personal well-being.”

Although Mosston School students don’t usually use a scooter to get to school, because it is in 70km/h zone, Mrs Watson says many students enjoy scootering in their free time at home or in parks.

“As our students go to intermediate school after they finish at Mosston School, having scooter and cycling skills will be invaluable.”

The school has a scooter track, thanks to support from a local construction company. The next step is to seek funding to build a cycle track to practise cycling skills.

“Since we’ve had the track, more children are bringing scooters to school. It’s good for their riding skills, their social skills and it is also fun.”

Active Transport Facilitator Norman Gruebsch says Mosston School is the first Whanganui school to take part in the Let’s Go scooter and cyclist skills training programme.

“The Let’s Go skills training supports the enjoyment of cycling and scootering in our community. Our goal is to provide a minimum of 3000 students with scooter and cyclist skill training in the next three years to allow for safe and healthy transport choices for our young people.”