A bicycle-maintenance project, instigated by the Neighbourhood Policing Team in Dromore, has equipped children with practical skills to keep safe on the roads this summer.
The P6 and P7 children from St Colman’s PS and Dromore Central PS rolled up their sleeves to learn basic bike maintenance including how to fix a puncture, check brakes and adjust gears. They put these newfound skills to good use by helping to refurbish bicycles which will be given to local charities to distribute.
Explaining more, Chief Inspector Adam Corner said: “This has been a great learning experience for these children who worked really well together and should be very proud of what they’ve done.
“The bikes were donated by the community and local businesses through the project partners, Dromore Chamber of Commerce. The children then set to work to restore them to their former glory. These good-as-new bikes have now been given over to International Meeting Point Belfast to donate to people in need of this transport.
“In addition to these useful skills, the children have also received life-saving road safety advice from our officers and Gwen Bartley from the Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
“This has been a positive example of us engaging well within our neighbourhoods and our thanks to the children who have impressed us all with their enthusiasm, ability and community spirit.”
The wheels for this project were put in motion by the area’s neighbourhood policing team initially as an anti-social behaviour diversion project back in 2022. It has been part-funded and supported by Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon PCSP.
Giving her support to the project, Deputy First Minister and local MLA, Emma Little-Pengelly said: “This is a great example of partnership success in the Dromore area. From the schools involved to the various agencies, including Dromore Chamber of Commerce and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, this project is giving children really useful practical skills and teaching them road safety in a very memorable way while truly giving back to their town and local area.
“I’d like to congratulate all involved and the local officers for their efforts in setting up this initiative. My praise also goes to the children involved for their hard work.”
Stephen Smith, of local business JR Magill Cycles which has been operating in Dromore since 1904, provided the expertise and guidance on basic bike maintenance to the young people involved.
Heather Bentley, principal of Dromore Central PS, said: “The Bike Project was an event we were looking forward to and it did not disappoint. Not only did the pupils involved develop some extremely useful skills regarding bicycle maintenance and repairs, they also had the opportunity to learn valuable lessons in road safety. All of this was achieved whilst having the opportunity to foster and grow friendships with our neighbouring school, St Colman’s PS. Thank you to all involved in both the planning and delivery of this event.”
Maeve Savage, principal of St Colman’s PS, said: “We were delighted to be involved in this programme, along with Dromore Central PS, as it has benefited our children in so many ways.
“They gained practical skills which will remain with them for life, they formed new friendships and importantly they’re left with a sense of pride in the contribution they’ve made to helping others in their local community. We hope to be involved in more projects like this in the future as it brings our young people together in such a positive way.”