Getting There - On Foot, By Cycle - Priority 9 Part 3
Last updated on
20/05/2009 5:48 p.m.
A strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand transport
February 2005
Cycle Safe Christchurch provides best-practice cycle training to Christchurch kids
Cycle Safe Christchurch is an intensive cycle safety education programme developed to improve safe cycle skills and encourage cycling among young people. The programme, which has been running since 1997, focuses on Year 6 primary school pupils. In the 2003/04 year it trained 3 700 pupils in 90 schools, reaching the majority of Christchurch 10 - 11-year-olds.
Usually spread over four consecutive mornings or afternoons, the course involves a mix of classroom, playground and on-road instruction delivered by dedicated teams of instructors. This approach is in line with best practice recommended by international research. There are five course modules: cycle maintenance, clothing and cycle check; riding skills; road rules and simulations; on-road riding in groups; and an individual on-road test.
Those who pass receive a certificate. Parental involvement is encouraged in the on-road components and in marking the practical road test. Parents are also contacted if their child is struggling with aspects of the course and are encouraged to help with practice.
The programme has received a very positive evaluation by the Injury Prevention Unit at Auckland University. This has shown that the skills are learnt and demonstrated and the parents of children that pass the test are more likely to permit them to ride to school.
The Cycle Safe team is part of the Transport and City Streets Unit of the Christchurch City Council. The team consists of a full-time co-ordinator, two senior instructors and a pool of seven part-time instructors. The team has developed its own brand and resources.
The Cycle Safe programme is free to schools and funded by the Christchurch City Council with subsidy from Land Transport New Zealand. Bikes and helmets are supplied by a local cycle business and helmet manufacturer.
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