Bike programme aids confidence
Events such as the Porirua Grand Traverse could have dozens more cycling entries in coming years, thanks to the KiwiSportfunded initiative Pedal Ready.
Almost 60 pupils at both Russell and Corinna schools have completed the basic skills programme, which saw many children get on a bike for the first time and gain cycling confidence.
Since October, 45 year 5 and 6 Corinna School pupils have learned about helmet and bike safety checks and practised their balance, control skills and hand signals. They’ve also found out how a bike operates.
‘‘ Many children couldn’t ride a bike before we began the programme,’’ says year 5 and 6 teacher Liam Smiley.
‘‘By the end they were really buzzing and very excited by the fact they were riding a bike.’’
Pedal Ready is available free of charge to school children in the Wellington region and is split into two grades: the initial grade provides three, one-hour sessions teaching bike handling and cycle control in an off-road environment; grade two training takes place on roads in realistic conditions.
Earlier this year several senior students at Russell School completed both grades. Principal Sose Annandale said the improvement in pupils’ interest in cycling, confidence and competence was remarkable.
The programme is provided by cycling skills specialists en Velo, which received received $107,500 from KiwiSport through Sport Wellington to deliver Pedal Ready to Wellington schools over the next three years, in partnership with the regional council.
So far more than 450 children from 12 schools have completed the basic cycling skills programme, and about 30 adults have attended instructor training sessions.
Pedal Ready regional co-ordinator Marilyn Northcotte says learning to work the myriad of moving parts on a bike – pedals, handle bars, brakes and gears – all simultaneously, helps children to exercise their manipulative skills, coordination and body sense.
‘‘As children learn cycling skills they develop body awareness and explore movement. They gain balance and learn about transferring their weight. Children also learn about relationships to people and objects as they copy the instructor, follow their peers and move in and out of obstacles,’’ says Ms Northcotte.