A new bike train is encouraging Point Chevalier School children to pedal to class, like a walking school bus, but for bikes!
The project is an initiative of Point Chevalier School teacher Keren Rego and parent Matt Fordham.
After coordinating interest from other parent helpers, Keren and Matt contacted Auckland Transport (AT) for advice and support.
AT's Community Transport team ran a riding competency session with the children to assess their riding skills before joining the bike train.
AT also provide backpack covers, lights and bells to the kids and hi-vis vests to the parents to improve safety on the commute to and from school.
According to Matt, even the winter weather isn’t deterring children from pedalling.
“Even on the coldest mornings not one of the regular riders opted out of biking to school. So far, around a dozen 5-9-year-olds have joined the bike train, and I think we’ll get more joining in during the spring and summer.”
Drivers were asked to be vigilant when exiting their properties or if they see the bike train travelling through an intersection on the way to school.
Join the bike train
If you are interested in starting a bike train so your kids can ride to school, contact your school's Community Transport Coordinator.
Planning is currently underway for better cycling infrastructure in Point Chevalier, to provide a safe space for people of all ages and abilities to ride bikes.
