Group sets safety wheels in motion

Pedestrians on Wheels had a special guest at their get-together this week, and Santa got a warm welcome from Glenda Leitao, Dot Thiele and Noelene Lane.

The Pedestrians on Wheels group is all about making Whanganui safe for scooters and wheelchairs, but their members also have fun along the ride.

Club president or "leader of the pack" Noelene Lane says the group started over 10 years ago and meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month to socialise and discuss safety concerns.

"We get together at our meetings and we talk about footpaths that need repairing, hanging over branches, things that are difficult for us to get around."

The group then approach the regional council or other organisations to have obstacles removed, or surfaces improved.

"We have the ear of Glenda [Leitao] at Horizons, she'll usually point us in the right direction."

The group also try to inform their members about safe practice.

"We have educational days where we've had the policemen in to talk us, and keep us updated about the rules and regulations."

"We do things like try to get people off the road unless there is no footpath, if you see someone with a scooter on the road, you can be pretty sure they're not a member."

The group currently have 25 members but Mrs Lane says she'd like to see more join.

"We have people on mobility scooters, we have people in wheelchairs, we've never turned anybody away that wants to join us."

She says while they may spend some of their time talking about safety, the group are anything but serious.

"We have a lot of fun, we're not a grumpy group."

"Summertime we try to get out and do little picnics, or met somewhere and have a cup of tea."

They have a Christmas function each year after the group vote on a venue.

"This year we've got a secret Santa coming in and some off us are going to take turns sitting on his lap."

Membership only cost $10 per year, if you would like to join contact Noelene Lane on 0277580471.