Local Council and Community Come Together To Support Kids Bikes in Schools Program in New Zealand
New Zealand's commitment to getting their kids riding bikes is continuing to grow. As we have mentioned previously, the national Bikes in Schools Program aims to get as many kids riding a bike regularly in school by providing kids bikes, kids helmets, storage and maintenance support, and bike tracks for the kids to ride on. Many schools and community groups are tapping into the Council and local Community businesses to raise the funds needed to get the program into place at local schools. Which is exactly what has happened at the latest school to get on board, Kaiti School in Gisborne. "The cost of setting up the initiative at each school is about $60,000. This includes bike tracks, a fleet of bikes and helmets for every student and cycle skills training for students and teachers. Gisborne District Council is contributing $50,000 a year for 10 years, via the $12 million allocated to active transport priorities towards the project. Ms Duncan, owner of Gisborne Cycle Tour Company, said low cycle ownership and participation in cycling in this region highlighted the need for a project like this. And just announced also is the great news that Auckland Council has awarded a significant regional sports and recreation grant to the Bike On NZ Charitable Trust to help expand the highly successful Bikes in Schools programme - another $85,000 towards getting kids riding bikes in schools in the region. Links:
- http://www.bikeon.org.nz/media.html
- http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2192500-135/kaiti-first-with-school-bike-tracks
- http://gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2131471-135/making-tracks-at-kaiti-school
- http://ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/articles/news/2016/02/bikes-in-schools/
- http://www.cyclegisborne.com/