Safe on two wheels: Grandparents and grandchildren learn cycling training!

Safe on two wheels: Grandparents and grandchildren learn cycling training!

Something exciting is brewing in Solingen: On Monday morning, a premiere took place at the youth traffic school on Kotter Straße - a joint cycling training session for grandparents and grandchildren. Ten grandchildren and their grandparents took part in this creative concept, which was brought to life by the Solingen traffic police under the direction of Ulli Schmidt. This initiative is carried out in collaboration with the social association VdK Solingen/Wuppertal/Remscheid and aims to increase road safety for both generations. Solinger Tageblatt reports that VdK chairwoman Heike Herrig initiated this idea based on a model from Cologne.

But what exactly was taught in this training? First of all, there was an introduction to the correct equipment: a helmet and protective vest were included, as were Ulli Schmidt's valuable tips for safe participation in road traffic. After the initial instruction, the participants learned, among other things, how to get on and off the bike correctly and practiced various driving maneuvers, such as driving one-handed and driving slowly as a competition. Even three-year-old Malina was highly motivated and enthusiastically took part in the exercises. The obstacle course, complete with slalom, track board and ball transport, presented the participants with exciting challenges.

Cycling training as a community project

Cycling education, especially for children, is of great importance. Police work in many regions, including Baden-Württemberg, provides clear regulations and rules for the use of bicycles on the road. The parents and schools cooperate closely with the police to provide the children not only with theoretical knowledge but also with practical skills. polizei-bw.de emphasizes that practical training usually takes place in mobile or stationary youth traffic schools. Children should be able to sit safely on the bike in advance in order to be able to take part in the courses.

Another interesting aspect is the ADAC's free cycling training, which is aimed at children and young people between the ages of eight and 15. Here the little ones are introduced to the demands of road traffic and learn to drive safely even in difficult situations. The training includes two variants: a tried-and-tested bicycle course and a simplified training that can be carried out with a handy training case. ADAC.de makes it clear that a roadworthy bicycle, wearing a helmet and light-colored or retro-reflective clothing are mandatory for participation.

Next Steps

The cycling training in Solingen may have been a one-off event, but another date has already been set: On August 25th there will be a new opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to improve their cycling skills together. Registration for the training is available below info@verkehrswacht-solingen.de possible. In addition, special courses for e-scooter drivers are planned in the near future, which are intended to further increase road safety.

Overall, the initiative in Solingen shows once again how important safety training and traffic education is for young and old. Only together can we ensure that cycling becomes even safer!