The preschool recently purchased three taxi-trikes and helmets with money from the Glencore Regional Funding program to help their students with physical fitness, social skills, road traffic rules, and bike safety. 

“Because there are two children on each bike, it’s hard work to move around quickly even though they do try,” director Rosie Gibbs said. 

“The other great thing about the trikes is they’re helping the children develop social skills by helping each other out and negotiating whose turn it is to drive next,” she said. 

Ms Gibbs said the children were learning how to share and the importance of giving everyone a go as they road around the playground. 

Mudgee preschool student Emmaline Littler said she liked the new tricycles because they took two people.

“I like being on the back because it’s relaxing and I don’t have to pedal,” she said. 

Hamish Macdonald on the other hand likes the front seat because he gets to drive.

“We get to go really fast,” he said.

The taxi-trikes allow two children at a time (one driver and one passenger) to travel around the paths and AstroTurf at Mudgee Preschool and also have room for a toy or two under the passenger seat.

Ms Gibbs said the children had already figured out the best routes around the playground.

“They have a lot of fun going down the ramp and like to go as fast as they can,” she said.

“We also purchased a pedestrian crossing and will hopefully purchase some road signs in the future.”