JODI Vickery, the National Ladies Mountain Bike Master Champion 2006, current 'Go Ride' cycling coach for the South West, and National Standards coach for Road Safety has teamed up with Marhamchurch-based children's bike specialist Helemill to highlight the importance of safe cycling for National Bike Week 2009.

Helemill is owned by mother-of-two Maggie Shaw, who has been at the forefront of introducing British children (and their parents), to the benefits of pedal-free bikes which are designed to encourage youngsters how to balance and control their riding at a far earlier age than ever before.

To coincide with National Bike Week, Helemill has joined forces with Jodi to launch a new range of colourful high-quality helmets, all built specifically with toddlers in mind, and to promote the 'Ride without Risk' message.

"It's great that someone as inspirational as Jodi is lending us her support for National Bike Week," said Maggie. "Helemill is all about combining stylish contemporary design with high-quality materials but above all else, safety remains paramount. With the pedal-free bikes children as young as two can start to enjoy the benefits of cycling but, as parents, we also want to make sure that this is done in a safe and appropriate way. Together with Jodi we want to reassure mums and dads that their little ones can get out there and learn to ride almost as soon as they can walk — as long as they have the correct equipment."

Jodi added: "Cycling is such a great sport for children to get into and the sooner they are introduced to it the better, especially in an age where so many of them seem to spend the whole time indoors playing computer games. After all bike-riding keeps them fit, healthy and active and gives them so much enjoyment. But of course, it's vital that parents make sure this is done in a safe and responsible manner. Helemill's 'Ride without Risk' campaign highlights this message and I fully support it."