Kids Included in Wellington City Cycling Strategy
We're constantly amazed at the contiuation of the Bikes in Schools program and how it is increasing year on year. The support of local businesses, community groups and Councils means it is at the heart of a lot of decision making - getting kids fit and active riding bikes is known as a great community iniative and it seems New Zealand are leading by example. It seems that Wellington City Council is leading the way with their initaitives focused on children riding safely and in higher numbers.
They are the first local body to fully fund and manage the implementation of Bikes in Schools projects
Bikes for Schools launch at Holy Cross School in Miramar Now at three Wellington schools, the Bikes in Schools program supplied a package of 50 bikes, helmets for every student, purpose-built tracks, bike storage, and cycle skills training. West Park School, Karori West Normal School, and Holy Cross School were selected from a pool of 12 competing schools to pilot Bikes in Schools in Wellington. "This new initiative gives over 1300 students each year the chance to become more confident and competent on bikes."
"The whole school has learnt to ride bikes." "The playground is buzzing on the weekend and that was actually part of the vision that we create a community hub".
You can listen to a great interview on Radio NZ that talks about the initiative at Holy Cross School where the bicycle track strategy was difficult in such a small school yard area - but they made it work and the results are awesome.ByK Bikes are proud to be a provider of kids bikes for the New Zealand Bikes in Schools program.
Wellington Council is setting plans for a full network of tailored cycleways to connect their city
Last week Wellington City Council agreed to support a draft cycling framework that will see a full network of tailored cycleways that will CONNECT 53 SCHOOLS attended by 25,000 pupils."I've listened to the voice of Wellingtonians and it's clear that they want us to get on with it," said Cr Peck. "I have had grandfathers asking me to give their grandchildren the ability to cycle safely around our city."
"They will be tailoring cycleways in Wellington with a range of safe cycling options that will fit with the different streets, town centres and parks of the city – ranging from protected cycle lanes to shared streets, 'quiet' routes, and high quality off-road solutions, coordinated cycling improvements and town centre upgrades, public transport improvements and roadworks."Opened a new family-friendly Mountain Bike track in Wellington
Fully funded by the Council, the new Peak Flow track is the first of its kind in Wellington and was requested by the Makara Peak Supporters to allow for easier downhill rides. Councillor Paul Eagle says "The Council is committed to making mountain biking accessible to families and those new to the sport by providing an easier downhill option. This track is a fantastic new addition which reinforces our commitment to keeping Wellingtonians active." Links:- http://wellington.govt.nz/services/parking-and-roads/cycling/cycling-safety/bikes-in-schools
- http://wellington.govt.nz/your-council/news/2015/03/more-wellington-kids-riding-bikes
- http://wellington.govt.nz/your-council/news/2015/04/capitals-council-supports-framework-for-safer-cycling
- http://wellington.govt.nz/your-council/news/2015/04/new-mountain-bike-track-opens
- http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/thiswayup/audio/201756377/bikes-in-schools
- All photos credit to Wellington City Council website