Bike wise

Remarkables Primary School in Frankton, Otago is not only celebrating Bikewise month, it’s celebrating Bikewise through the whole of Term 1. 

Year 7/8 teacher Brendon Martyn will be leading a programme which puts the spotlight on all things biking.  The programme starts with looking at the health benefits and different forms of biking, then Queenstown Lakes District Council’s School Travel Planner will talk about bike and helmet safety, clothing and gear, and safe routes to school.  Element – a local bike shop that is supporting a number of school events in the district over February including the ‘Walk n Wheels’ campaign – will be giving their expert advice on bike maintenance giving students the chance to gain hands-on knowledge and skills.  NZ Police will talk about road rules and students will complete the programme by trying out their practical skills for riding and knowledge on bike safety.

“This is a great initiative.  It’s comprehensive, it’s focused and it could be a model that is used in other schools,” says Council’s School Travel Plan Coordinator, Kirsty Barr. 

Brendon Martyn Remarkables Primary School’s Year 7/8 teacher says the programme gives students something to aim for, giving them essential guidelines on the basic skills and knowledge needed to bike safely while also encouraging students to choose biking wherever practical, as a great way to get to school.