Photos: Waad Barakat
Dubai's children now have the opportunity to learn road safety and responsible cycling at their very own 'driving school.' This initiative, part of the road safety cycling programme called "Go With The Floooow," was launched on November 3. The programme targets children aged three and above, aiming to educate them not only about road safety but also the benefits of a fun, healthy lifestyle through cycling. Upon completing the programme, kids can earn a 'driving licence' by collecting five stamps, each symbolizing a lesson learned.
During the inaugural event at the Ripe Market in Umm Sequim, families gathered to witness the excitement as children navigated a course designed to simulate real-life traffic situations. The 'driving school' featured interactive stations, including a mock police station for role-playing and a pretend EV charging station to promote sustainability. A cleaning station was also available, allowing young participants to practice bike maintenance, blending play with practical skills. The programme costs Dh60 per child for a 20-minute session, with sibling discounts available.
Suzanne and Martijn Boelens, parents of two young participants, shared their enthusiasm. Suzanne mentioned how their children, aged seven and four, were eager to collect their stamps. "It's crucial for us to teach them cycling safety, just like we did in the Netherlands. They genuinely enjoy it and are motivated to earn their licences," she said. Martijn added, "The kids learn from each other, which is fantastic. It’s not just about racing; it’s about awareness."
The programme’s founder, Barbara Koenen-Geerdink, left her corporate law career in February to pursue this passion project aimed at enhancing road safety education for children. "I wanted to create something meaningful," she explained. "When I saw my own children riding bikes, I realized the importance of teaching them about road safety. There’s a gap here, and I wanted to fill it." Barbara has also authored a children's storybook featuring a little girl named Rosie and her adventure on a bob bicycle. This engaging tale is part of her broader vision to integrate storytelling into road safety education. Barbara's journey to establish the program involved collaboration with various stakeholders, which took three months to finalize. "When I reached out, I found incredible support," she noted. "Having that backing has been vital."
Looking ahead, Barbara hopes to expand the programme into schools and dreams of establishing her own dedicated school for road safety education. "This initiative allows me to give back to the community while making a real impact. Seeing the children engaged and excited fills my heart with pride." With future plans to expand the programme across the GCC, Barbara's vision is clear: to cultivate a generation of road-savvy young cyclists who can enjoy the outdoors safely.
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