Several schools with Bikes in Schools Tracks in West Auckland have been taking advantage of additional funding from Auckland Transport to upskill their teachers in cycle skills, while also ensuring their bike fleets are in tip top condition thanks to funding from Bikes in Schools – all with the ultimate aim of getting more children enjoying cycling. 

The teacher training is provided by Sport Waitākere and is based on the national Bike Ready programme where teachers learn basic safety and cycle skills which they are then able to teach the students. For some teachers it is like stepping back in time as many have not been on a bike for a number of years but with support, they are soon flying around and picking up new skills to impart to their students.  

The Bike Professor has been into the schools and given all their fleet bikes a maintenance check to ensure all participating schools have a fully operational fleet. The Bike Professor has also revamped the containers which now mean the students can access the bikes themselves rather than having to wait for an adult to lift the bikes up and down onto the hooks that they were using previously. 

Sport Waitākere Young People Advisor, Pauline Butt, says it is hoped that the additional support will see more students in schools gaining those vital cycle skills. 

“Cycling is an important part of any childhood delivering fun, adventure and a great opportunity for physical activity. Working in partnership with Bikes in Schools and ensuring our teachers are well equipped to teach students is an important step to getting more children out and enjoying the adventures that riding a bike offers,” says Pauline. 

There are a number of Bikes In Schools tracks available for the community to use after school or at weekends including Fruitvale Primary, Edmonton Primary, Henderson Valley Primary, St Mary’s Primary (Avondale), Oratia Primary and Konini Primary. Take the family and check out these tracks for some fun family adventures! 

Article added: Wednesday 07 July 2021