Isthe region safe for riders?
’Manawatu, the best place in New Zealand to ride a bike’. This was the vision promoted by the Palmerston North City Council Cycle Investigation Working Party in 2011.
Good on PNCC for having an ambitious vision. But does the vision become reality, as opposed to being a dream? Is it just going to be a great place to ride for only our most determined and passionate cyclists, or is it for the children of Palmerston North as well?
One of the best recent cycling related stories in our city has been the support for the nationwide Bikes in Schools programme.
The programme assists schools with acquiring 50 to 60 bikes with all the necessary accessories, including installing bike tracks and other facilities. Schools also raise funds and the bikes become school property. Those who don’t have their own bikes get the use of a school bike.
The tracks can be used outside of school any time by the community. Terrace End, St Mary’s and Longburn schools led the way in 2016 and others have been keen to get involved. This gives pupils a chance to develop cycle skills in a safe environment. As well as developing cycle skills and learning how to ride safely, there are other benefits such as physical activity.
With matched funding from NZTA, several more schools can join the programme, but to get this funding, NZTA for Bikes in Schools requires councils to ensure there is follow-up delivery of education and promotion activities.
In other words, it’s not just about getting kids riding bikes on tracks at school. It’s also about making sure children have the skills and that the road environment is safe for them to bike to and from school.