Bike wise

Cycling has now become a whole lot more accessible to young children throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty thanks to a donation of children’s bicycles to Cycle Action Whakatane.

The six new BYK Bikes, were presented by Ross Gilchrist, General Manager of Bay of Plenty based Adventure Brands who distribute ByK, Bauer and Jamis bicycles.

Mr Gilschrist said “For many years we have supported community initiatives and events to promote Cycling and the community at large. We are pleased to be able to donate six ByK children's specific bicycles to support Cycle Action Whakatane to ultimately get more children cycling through the Bikes in Schools programme”. He added that “The benefits already experienced in other areas, where these bikes are in schools, have been widespread for the children and community including health, attention in class, academic achievement, building of self esteem and confidence along with road safety, as the children develop bike and life skills. We consider these results as extremely positive locally and nationally. We will continue to support Cycle Action Whakatane with this programme in the Bay of Plenty”.

Cycle Action Whakatane representative, Richard Hamer said “Some of our members are now working in schools throughout the region, teaching cycling and road safety skills, through the support of Sport Bay of Plenty and the Eastern Bay Road Safety Committee. However, a big and consistent barrier to the children’s learning and active participation has been due to a lack of bicycles. This fantastic donation removes that barrier and will mean more children learning to ride confidently and safely”.

The BYK bicycles provided are the same as the 60 which will be permanently placed at Apanui School, in Whakatane as part of Cycle Action Whakatane’s ‘Bikes In Schools’ pilot project.