Raumati joins world schools for cycle-to-school project

Raumati will soon be joining Barcelona in Spain, Portland in the United States, and many other forward-looking communities by providing a supervised cycle to school scheme for primary school students.

The Raumati Bike Bus initiative already has over 30 students and volunteers signed up for its launch early in 2024.

Kāpiti Cycling Action, with the support of Raumati Beach, Raumati

South and Te Rā primary schools, is arranging training in mid-November for everyone interested in participating.

“This is a great opportunity for students, parents and volunteers to dust off their bicycles and get to ride to school every day,” project manager Richard Young said.

The Bike Bus is a daily supervised ride to school on the quieter roads and cycle paths which students join along the route; just like a bus, it will run at a set time every day with marshals at the front and at rear to keep the students safe.

“Whether students ride 1.5km or just the last 300m from their home, it’s a great way of encouraging active transport to school and keeping traffic off the roads.”

Later in November the routes will be planned around where registered students live, with free training provided — and a chance to all ride together as Santa’s helpers in the Kāpiti Christmas Parade on December 10 at Southward Car Museum.

“So now is a great time to register through the Raumati Bike Bus Facebook page or using the QR code on the posters and leaflets at each school or just email bikebusraumati@gmail.com.”

Both the Raumati Community Board and Kāpiti Coast District Council

have provided funds to set up, train and equip each rider with lights, hi-vis and a bell and the council is keen to widen the programme to all schools in the district.

Mayor Janet Holborow is right behind the scheme: “Any initiative that encourages the tamariki in our community to get to school under their own steam has to be good not only for them, but the wider community.”