The 3rd edition of Kutti Roadies, a fun cycling activity by Coimbatore United Round Table 186 (CURT #186) was held recently at CODISSIA Trade Fair Complex with nearly 1000 kids taking part in the event to learn about road safety in the sweetest and simplest way.
This event served as a fun cycling activity for kids and also acted as a fundraiser for CURT 186’s Freedom through Education program to construct classrooms and toilet blocks in government-run schools in Kashmir and Kanyakumari.
Balakrishnan, City Police Commissioner participated as the Chief Guest and flagged off the event. Mohan Prasad, Chairman of VGM Hospital, Coimbatore was the Guest of Honour.
CURT 186 which was established in 2004 and till date it has individually built 35 classrooms so far. Now, with the support of Indian Army, this organisation for socially-conscious young men is building a classroom and toilet block in Kargil, Kashmir at a cost of Rs. 14-15 lakh, while it will build similar facility in Kanyakumari at Rs.10-12 lakh.
The needed furniture and painting works will also be provided in both schools. The funds raised through this event will go entirely to that noble cause.
950+ kids aged between 4 and 14 participated in this event. Kids studying classes 1-2 rode 1 km, classes 3-4 rode 2 kms while those studying classes 5-7 rode 5 kms.
The participants rode batch by batch. Each batch consisted just 25 kids. They were given helmets by the organizers and were instructed to follow the road safety rules taught to them earlier.
An expert rider led them. The kids rode slowly and observed the traffic signals that were setup at the roads inside Codissia Trade Fair Complex and acted accordingly. They slowed down their vehicles before speed breakers and followed the rules.
VGM Hospital’s medical team was on-ground to provide needed medical care, if required.
Balakrishnan appreciated the initiative. While talking to the kids and their parents, he said that as adults most of us forget to put safety first while driving. Loss of life due to road accidents are higher than loss due to crime, he remarked.
“Give priority to safety – yours and everyone’s and don’t put it on the back seat,” he emphasized.
Tr. Naveen, Chairman; Tr. Karan, Secretary; Tr. Nihal and Tr. Gowtham, Conveners; Tr. Ashwin Kumar, Secretary, Round Table Foundation and Tr. Arunkumar, Tr. Vignesh, Tr. Balaji and Tr. Praveen Edward.
Helmets, T-shirts, Medals, Certificates and breakfast were provided to all the participants. It is noteworthy to mention that this event was part of Coimbatore Vizha 2024.
