Scooting along nicely and safely

Masterton primary schoolkids are embracing scooters as a way of getting to school and are learning the safest way to ride, thanks to an innovative new training programme.

The programme is being offered by Greater Wellington Regional Council and Masterton Primary School teacher Stephanie Hoy said about 30 per cent of the school's children come to school on scooters.

She said they were hoping to benefit significantly from the scooter safety programme that will run from March 11-15.

The scooter training is part of the Wellington region's school Travel Plan Programme, which is designed to help communities to promote safe and active travel.

It's being offered to more than 1000 children at schools in Masterton, Trentham, Epuni, Churton Park and Te Aro.

Ms Hoy said it was an initiative that the school was happy to be involved in.

"The middle and junior syndicates [classes] of Masterton Primary School are looking forward to completing the programme.

"We are hoping it will teach the children not only safety components of riding a scooter, but also scooter etiquette when out in the community."

Melanie Thornton, Greater Wellington Regional Council's sustainable transport manager, said there has been lots of interest from schools in the region.

"This year we're offering training to about 1000 children, which is all our current funding enables.

"We didn't do any special marketing or advertising, just sent the word around schools involved in our travel plan programmes, but there's certainly a big demand for it."

Regional council chair Fran Wilde said the programme teaches basic road safety skills.

"As well as having fun, the kids learn important and useful handling skills, traffic awareness, footpath etiquette and what to do at pedestrian crossings and intersections

"Many of these skills are essential for all kinds of travel."