New magazine ‘zones in’ on teen cycle safety

The start of the new school year saw the launch of a new magazine, ‘The Zone’, aimed at children in Year 7 (11 – 12 year olds). The Zone provides information, activities and advice on safer cycling for teenagers and has been produced by Cheshire County Council’s road safety unit. The launch was timed to coincide with the beginning of the new term as many children in the target age group consider cycling to school for the first time.

The magazine was launched during special assemblies at selected schools in the six Cheshire districts before being distributed to every Year 7 child across the county. The launch was complemented by a competition to win bike accessories, including a helmet worth £20.

Topics covered in the magazine include bike maintenance, helmets and clothing, cycling behaviour and planning safer routes. The style is lively and informal with colourful presentation designed to appeal to a young audience. Developments are now underway to offer Year 7 children the opportunity to receive practical training in cycle safety.

"Cycling is a fun and environmentally friendly way for teenagers to get around independently," says Justine Hart, Cheshire County Council’s senior road safety officer. "However, cycling on the road can be hazardous and 12 to 15 year old cyclists are an over-represented casualty group nationally. With Safer Routes to School initiatives encouraging more pupils to walk or cycle to school it is important that they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to do this as safely as possible. We hope that The Zone will contribute towards this in a way that will appeal to this age group."

The magazine is available for purchase (subject to availability) by other authorities. For further details and/or to place an order please contact: Justine Hart, senior road safety officer, Road Safety Unit, Backford Hall, Backford, Chester, CH1 6EA. Tel: 01244 603131.
Fax: 01244 603729. E-mail: hartj@cheshire.gov.uk.