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.
“Bikes in Schools introduces primary school children to regular bike riding in a safe school setting, building a new generation of savvy cyclists who gain a love of cycling for recreation,” says Auckland Council Parks, Recreation and Sports Committee Chair, Councillor Christine Fletcher.
“Bikes in Schools already partners with the council, Auckland Transport, Auckland Regional Sports Trusts and local schools. We are very pleased to support the Trust further with a $85,000 grant.”
The organisation works with individual schools to build a series of bike tracks to teach riding and more advanced skills, as well as a pump BMX track for extra challenge and fun. A Bikes in Schools package includes a fleet of different-sized bikes, helmets, bike storage, lessons from a bike coach and cycle skills training for teachers, who continue to support the programme.
“We are delighted and very grateful for Auckland Council’s support for this important recreation and sport programme,” says Bike on NZ trustee Paul McArdle.
“We want to see more Auckland children being active in our community and riding bikes is a fun and practical way to get them started,” he says.
About community grants
Auckland Council recognises the vital role community groups and organisations play in helping Auckland become the world’s most liveable city.
Grants are one way that the council contributes to a thriving community sector, by supporting organisations to deliver a wide range of services, projects and events that benefit Aucklanders.
Auckland Council’s Community Grants Policy came into effect on 1 July 2015. This policy created a fairer, simpler and more accessible approach to accessing council grants by introducing three main grant types:
• Local grants, administered by local boards
• Regional grants for projects, activities or events that have a regional impact
• Multi-board grants, for projects spanning several board areas but not the whole of Auckland.
This grant was awarded under the Sports and Recreation Regional Grants policy.
