The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary is inviting young cyclists and their families to a hands-on safety event this Friday in the St. John’s area. The free session, co-hosted with the VOCM Cares Foundation, runs from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on July 31, 2026, at the Kenmount Terrace Community Centre.
Kids can bring bikes, scooters, or any wheeled ride and try a police-led obstacle course. Officers will also chat with families about road safety and responsible riding. A community BBQ is part of the afternoon, and spots are limited so pre-registration is required. More details are on the event page.
The event comes as summer weather puts more children on wheels and leads to more accidents, said VOCM Cares Fund Development Manager Jenelle Lambert. “With the nice summer weather there has been an increase in the number of children out on things like bikes and scooters, but with that has also come an increase in related accidents,” she said.
Cycling safety has been in focus locally after a collision on July 5, 2026, at Blackmarsh Road and Mercer’s Lane in St. John’s. A 72-year-old cyclist was hurt but his injuries were not life-threatening. Police remind drivers to leave at least one metre between their vehicle and a cyclist, or 1.5 metres where the speed limit is over 60 km/h.
The RNC already runs a Bicycle Safety program through its community services unit. Officers teach children how to check a bike before riding, hand signals, and safe riding tips. Newfoundland and Labrador has required helmets for all ages since April 2015.
