OCBC Cycle launches programme to teach young kids to ride bikes
"Teach-a-Child-to-Cycle" programme imparts basic skills and safety concepts to kids from low-income families
SINGAPORE — With cycling becoming a popular recreational sport in Singapore, OCBC Bank has launched a programme to teach young children how to cycle, ahead of its annual OCBC Cycle event on 6 and 7 May.
The "Teach-a-Child-to-Cycle" programme consists of three sessions across three weekends in April, and 15 kids aged between eight and 12 years old have been selected for the programme through Care Corner Singapore, an organisation in support of children from low-income families to experience and reap the benefits of sports.
On Saturday (15 April), the kids were on the second session of the programme, coached by instructors from the Singapore Cycling Federation (SCF) at the Singapore Sports Hub's 100Plus Promenade, as they tentatively cycled around cones while trying to hone their skills.
These kids will be given bicycles and cycling gear from sports retailer Decathlon, and will eventually take part in the Mighty Savers Kids and Family Rides during the OCBC Cycle event.
Safety concepts important for learning kids
For SCF coach Caleb Low, teaching cycling skills actually takes a backseat to imparting safety concepts to them.
"Safety should be the foundation to build on their cycling skills. These kids will be taught how to mount and dismount a bike safely, and why it is necessary to wear helmets and gloves, before they learn basic manoeuvres such as cycling slowly in a straight line," he told Yahoo Southeast Asia.
"We also teach them to be aware of their cycling environment — of other cyclists, joggers, strollers or even pets along the park connection network. This is more important than the actual skills they learn."
There are three categories for the Mighty Savers Kids and Family Rides at the OCBC Cycle event, all of which will be held on 6 May.
Also on 6 May, more than 20 teams are expected to compete in the OCBC Cycle Speedway Championships. On 7 May, over 7,000 participants are set to take part in The Straits Times 20km City Ride and The Sportive 40km Ride.
The public can register online for the OCBC Cycle event until 24 April, or until all available slots have been filled.
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