Bike On NZ’s “Bikes in Schools” is a unique concept that aims to provide all pupils at primary schools regular access to a bike, bike helmet and specially designed bike tracks, within the school environment.
All elements, from the bike equipment to the tracks, are provided to the school for FREE, enabling all children equal access to the biking facilities. The aim of the initiative is to encourage primary school pupils to become more active and healthy, help them develop various bike skills, build their self esteem and confidence, all while in a safe and familiar environment.
St Mary’s School in Hastings has been the pilot venue with Bikes in Schools providing 62 new bikes, 225 helmets, a dedicated staff resource, a 550m cycle track, two pump tracks, a skills track and a bike shed.
The Prime Minister John Key officially launched Bikes in Schools and the pilot at St Mary's School on 19 February 2010.
The feedback from pupils and staff has been overwhelmingly positive. Bikes in Schools also resonates strongly with parents, as they want their children to be active and healthy but also safe!
Bikes in Schools is supported by New Zealand’s three most recognized biking organizations, Bike NZ, CAN and The Ministry of Health and NZTA’s Bike Wise. All three are fully supportive of the initiative and their endorsements add credibility to the campaign.
Top NZ cyclist Sarah Ulmer and Double BMX World Champion Sarah Walker are both big advocates of the initiative.
