Families that cycle together have a great time together

CYCLING AS a family is an ex- cellent way for parents to keep in shape while sharing some fun with their children. It is imperative, however, that certain precautions are adhered to so the day is not marred by accidents large or small.

The Bicyling Association of British Columbia has the following advice for grown-ups taking little people on a ride. For more infor- mation, call the association at

© should wear a bicycle helmet designed for children. Remember that the head will be the first part of the whole system to hit the ground. Neck strength must be sufficient to support a helmet.

© should wear sleeves and shoes to prot=ct arms from scrapes and feet from scrapes and spokes.

© should get to dismount often to run off steam and eat.

® should not weigh more than the

Before children are eight or nine years oid, they probably don’t understand traffic but they will imitate you.

737-3034 or their 24-hour hotline at 731-RIDE.

CHOOSING A CHILD SEAT

If you choose a bike seat, be aware that the centre of gravity of the system changes, making baian- cing harder and mounting . and dismounting a challenge.

© it should be made of rigid plastic * it should have ‘harnesses, preferably seat and shoulder —.

* it should have spoke covers

® you should be able to mount it rigidly to the frame so it does not

sway © high backs and padding are other

. Your chitd: .

* should be able to understand simple commands such as “put your feet up”? and “‘stop leaning over.” —~ .

seat is designed tc carry.

Yon, the cyclist: © should have low gears especially for hills. It is hazardous to stand up on the pedals because of the side-to-side sway. © can use a fence or post to help mount and dismount. ® could use a front rack and pan- niers to distribute weight more

- evenly.

® could put snacks in your back pockets for hungry little kids.

TRY A BICYCLE TRAILER

If you choose a bicycle trailer, you will pay five to ten times as much as 4 bike seat, but will have an all-purpose aid to cycling in return. © if it has a seat post hitch, it needs small wheels for balance. © if it has a low hitch, it can have larger wheels.

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LATE FRENCH IMMERSION

SENTINEL SECONDARY SCHOOL

1250 Chartwell Drive West Vancouver

© it should have a safety chain or lock in case the hitch comes loose. © aluminum and heavy-duty nylon are good for lower weight.

© flags are an asset to visibility.

Your child, or children: ® should be securely strapped into the trailer. © can weigh up to 80 or 100 Ibs. total. ® should wear a bicycle helmet designed for children. © should get to eat, sleep and get out as often as they decide.

You, the cyclist: ® need low gears but can comfor- tably stand up on the pedals while climbing hills. ® must allow for extra length and width on the road. © must get used to everyone in town asking questions and poin- ting.

KIDS LEARN BY WATCHING

Before children are eight or nine years old, they probably don’t un- derstand traffic but they will im- itate you. If you take them on the road, two parents or adults are best; one to lead and one to follow. Don’t expect too much! It will be slow.

Consider putting children on the back of tandem bicyles for long bike tours -—~ they will tire less. Even 10-year-olds wander when tired and they will tire easily.

Remember to be on your best riding behavior; your bad habits will be well learned through imita- tion. :

When they are with their young friends, they may ignore all of your good advice, in the excite- ment of the adventure. Creative discipline and encouragement may be necessary to avoid accidents.

Awareness of bike maintenance can be started as soon as they can ride.

oy

23 - Sunday, April 29, 1990 - North Shore News

[Just fou Kida’

PRESCHOOL - MID-LONSDALE AREA

QUEEN MARY PRESCHOOL has openings for September 1990. Since the School Board has implemented Dual Entry into Kindergarten, Preschool! has become vital in prepar- ing your child for early entry into the school system. Our pro-

gram will provide it all and much more.

3 YEARS OLDS ~— TUESDAY and THURSDAY 9:00-14:30 a.m. 4 YEAR OLDS — MON., WED., FRI. 9:00-44:30 a.m. CALL BARB 988-7650 p.m. FOR MORE INFO.

THE LITTLE LEARNERS SCHOOL WEST VANCOUVER

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Offering an academically enriched programme, reading, math, French, music axd computer. Children from 32 months.

Telephone: 926-8673

Preschooi Kindergarten Grade School High School 2725 St. Christophers Road North Vancouver, B.C.

THE

VANCOUVER Canada V7K 2B6 WALDORF Telephone (604) 985-7435 SCHOOL

lay Fair OPEN HOUSE

MAY 12 — 10-3 p.m.

¥ We have openings for 4 yr. olds in our kindergarten starting September

An outstanding educational programme open to any North Shore student entering grade 7 in September 1990.

Late French Imrnersion is an exciting junior secondary programme (grades 7 to 9) leading to integration with the early immersion programme at the Grade 10 level.

Academic Programme

A full academic programme that paraliels the English stream curriculum in all subject areas at the 8 to 12’level and that leads to the issuing of a bilingual certificate.

87% French instruction in grade 7 63% French instruction in grades 8 and 9 38% French instruction in grade 10 25% French instruction in grades 11 and 12

Compiementary Programmes

An opportunity to enrich linguistic skills developed in the language classroom through: ¢ participation in the Fete franco-coiombienne des enfants © enrolment in French elective courses (Peer Tutoring, French Culture and Communications) at the senior secondary level ® French field trips ¢ cultural exchanges to Quebec * summer homestay programmes : ¢ French work experience opportunities ® bilingual art classes

A limited number of places are still available. For further information about this exciting programme, please call 922-3291.

At the West Vancouver Parks and Recreation Department our popularity is built on summers of success! Our qualified staff offer a full range of summer programs and activities for kids at a variety of locations throughout

the community.

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Look for more information in the West Vancouver Parks and Recreation Dent. Summer Brochure during the first week of June!

SUMMER REGISTRATION DATES: FOR MORE INFO, CALL Recreation Centre........ Sat. June 9th, 8 a.m. - 12 noon 926-3266 Eagie Harbour Centre. .... Tues., June 12th, 7 pm. - 9 p.m. 921.7425 Aquatic Centre.......... Wed., June 20th, 8 am. & ongoing. 926-8585

West Var:couver Parks & Recreation Department