Back in the 1990s, primary school children biked an average of 28 mins per week. Sadly today this has reduced to just 5 minutes a week, with many children not riding a bike at all. 

In an effort to change this, Sport Waitākere is helping to build New Zealand’s Cycle Education System by upskilling teachers in local West Auckland schools that have been fortunate to build a Bikes In Schools track.

The Bikes in Schools Trust has been assisting schools to secure funding for tracks and a fleet of bikes to ensure that children do have the opportunity to ride. The aim is that teachers will then teach the children to ride at school, ensuring that they understand how to keep themselves safe when riding outside the school environment.

As part of the package of installing a Bikes In Schools Track, Auckland Transport funds Sport Waitākere to deliver the professional development to teachers, with the training based on the Bike Ready programme.

In February, teachers at Edmonton School took part in teacher professional development. For some, they had not been on a bike in a number of years. They were taken through how to fit your helmet properly, a quick bike maintenance check, how to get on and off your bike, riding in straight lines, braking, slalom riding just to name a few using some really cool games that have been developed to help engage the students. 

“In West Auckland, the tracks at Konini Primary, Henderson Valley Primary, Oratia District School, Edmonton School and Fruitvale School are open to the public so we encourage you and your family to get out there and give them a go,” says Sport Waitākere Young People Advisor Pauline Butt.

“There are some really cool tracks ranging from simple pathways to more complicated pump tracks as well as some that also encompass some bush riding. We look forward to seeing the tracks at Summerland, Lincoln Heights and Henderson North and St Dominic’s Primary official openings over the next few months.”

For more information on cycling in West Auckland please contact Pauline.butt@sportWaitākere.nz

Article added: Friday 21 February 2020