After receiving concerns from the public about the behaviour of young moped riders whizzing about town after school, Police reached out to some Wellington secondary schools to see how best to educate students about the consequences of their risky antics and encourage safe riding behaviour.
CCTV cameras captured footage of students engaging in risky behaviour, racing each other around Basin Reserve, weaving in and out of traffic, and having a few close calls with buses.
“The road is an unforgiving place for risky behaviour. It’s amazing that no one has been badly injured,” says Road Policing Sergeant Doug McGuire. “Road safety is an important message to get through to our adolescent youth.”
Mopeds offer a cheap and effective method of getting around and are increasingly popular with young students. However, Police are urging our rangitahi to be safe riders and respectful of other road users.
Police and staff from Wellington City Council’s (WCC) Transport Behaviour Change programme planned and set up moped checkpoints at Rongotai College, St Patricks College and Wellington College to educate students about road safety and encourage safe driving behaviour.
Around 60 students attended the checkpoint held at Wellington College last term. Staff provided road safety prevention advice and checked the road worthiness of their vehicles, including registrations and licenses. WCC staff offered advice and rider training through the Ride Forever programme.
“Road safety also includes having the right gear—gloves, covered shoes and long pants—and increasing the experience and confidence of our young riders,” says Anna Blomquist, Acting Transport Planning Manager.
“At the end of the day, we all just want to have our rangatahi home safe,” Sergeant McGuire says.
“The general attitude of the students at the checkpoints was pretty good and I hope this translates into responsible rider behaviour.”
Police and Wellington City Council would like to thank the principals and teachers of Wellington College, Rongotai College and St Patricks College for their assistance.