“Can we trip our bikes on the sidewalk? » The query from the municipal police officer raises his arms. “Sure, however solely as much as 8 years previous,” the youngsters reply. “However after we are over 8 years previous, what can we do if there isn’t any cycle path? », asks Cléophée. “Properly, we’re driving on the highway,” Louis replies.
On this small college within the metropolis heart of Rennes, a number of municipal law enforcement officials got here in uniform to teach CE1 and CE2 college students in regards to the Freeway Code. The target? Present them with recommendation to keep away from placing themselves at risk when strolling, biking or driving a scooter. On the finish of a number of consciousness workshops, the scholars will go away with their “pedestrian go”. This nationwide system, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this yearhas it made it doable to coach “good pedestrians” and “good cyclists” who respect the foundations? Tough to evaluate. However the initiative continues.
“It removes the taboo of the uniform”
“Sharing public area is just not simple for adults. So think about for the youngsters what this represents. They could be misplaced, not understanding the place and when to cross, the place to look. We’re right here to advise them. » Serge is without doubt one of the municipal law enforcement officials who volunteer to survey Rennes faculties and go the well-known “pedestrian allow”.
Annually, practically 1,500 CE1 and CE2 kids are skilled there. “They’re kids who start going to school or activities alone. It is vital for us to assist them. Even when they’re accompanied, they generally inform us that their dad and mom look at their phone while crossing or make them get out of the automobile on the incorrect aspect,” says Karine, municipal police officer. All through the workshops, the officers attempt to elevate consciousness and remind individuals of the hazard encountered on the street. Their mission is crucial. However is it bearing fruit? ” I hope so. In any case, it creates a hyperlink between the police and the youngsters, it removes the taboo of the uniform,” believes Serge.
Alarming figures amongst adolescents
Whereas alarming road safety figures have simply been revealed, prevention appears to be one of many keys to decreasing the variety of deaths. Final 12 months, 58 kids below 13 lost their lives in a road accident. It’s worse amongst adolescents, with 133 adolescents aged 14-17 killed, or 39 greater than the earlier 12 months. “After we work with kids, they’re youngsters and adults who we are going to discover in a while bikes or in automobiles. We’ve got to show them good conduct,” assures Serge. “Particularly once they inform their dad and mom about it. They haven’t any filter, they’ll lecture them,” explains the municipal police officer.
Look fastidiously earlier than crossing, don’t run, don’t interact with out warning even if the little guy is greendo not trip a motorcycle with earbuds, put in your helmet… That is the type of recommendation given by the police. “I realized that you simply needed to look the driving force within the eyes to see if he noticed us,” says Malivanh. Day by day, the 8-year-old lady comes to high school on foot or by bike. “However I want to come back on foot, that approach we are able to stroll within the park, we’re protected. Once I come by bike, we take the highway, there are many automobiles, vehicles and it stinks. There are some who do not take note of us. I’m afraid of getting an accident sooner or later,” she says.
His good friend Clément additionally comes by bike to his college. “You need to pay shut consideration to the automobiles. Generally, some individuals go very near me, so I’ve to stay to the sidewalk. It scares me a bit.” At their peak, the silhouette of a bus turns into monumental and the electric scooter goes like a rocket. All of the extra purpose to alert them but in addition reassure them. “I don’t like going wherever alone. I’m cautious once I stroll or trip a scooter however generally it scares me,” says Cléophée.
Aged 8, the little lady is aware of that she is going to wish to get her driving license when she is sufficiently old. “To go see my grandparents or go for a stroll.” Cléophée, like all the opposite kids we met, assures us that she will likely be cautious and can all the time respect the Freeway Code. Till she is sufficiently old to take her license, she must cope with all these adults who’ve forgotten the essential guidelines a very long time in the past.
