Former world-ranked motorbike racer to deliver e-scooter safety workshops in Waterford

A new initiative that aims to promote the safe use of e-scooters, e-bikes, and motorbikes has been officially launched in Waterford. 

'Kickstarting the Community' is an education and rehabilitation programme that has been developed as a result of residents' safety concerns regarding e-scooters. 

It has received over €70,000 in funding from the Department of Justice to get up and running, according to RTÉ. 

The initiative will see a "practical, hands-on workshop" being delivered by former world-ranked motorbike racer Hilton Hincks. 

When it was just a pilot programme, only people selected through organisations such as youth groups could take part, but now it will be extended to others, including Transition Year students.

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There are a number of groups behind the initiative, including Treo Port Láirge, Waterford-based gardaí, Waterford City and County Council, Waterford and Wexford Education and Training Board, the Probation Service, Youth Diversion Projects, the Road Safety Authority, and other local community groups.

The programme is the first of its kind to target the use of e-scooters and e-bikes and comes following a number of incidents in the county in which young people have died or been seriously hurt. 

"This is a timely initiative with real benefits for young people and the wider community. Participants get the chance to reset their choices, live safer lives and learn how to enjoy motorbikes and e-scooters without endangering themselves or others,"  Chairperson of the Waterford Local Community Safety Partnership, Seán Aylward, said.