One hundred and thirty local tamariki have new bike lights thanks to an AA Southern Lakes District donation and collaboration between Central Otago District Council’s (CODC) Wheels Up road safety initiative and a local charitable trust. 

Four different schools; Alexandra Primary School, Clyde School, Dunstan High School and The Terrace School (TTS) received the lights, which will help keep students visible.

Along with the schools, two community groups received lights; outdoor education programme for wahine Journeys received 12 sets and Bumz on Bikez 16 sets. 

The Central family of a neuro-diverse learner were given three, and one set has gone to the Mayor's taskforce for Jobs.

Pictured are (from left) Foggie, AA Southern Lakes district councillor Graham McNab, TTS students Harper, Sophie, Jade and TTS teacher and bike ambassador Jonny Webster. PHOTO: Supplied

A TTS parent said her son was “absolutely buzzing” to bring home the lights and fit them to his bike.

“It’s given him another reason to get on his bike, if it’s a bit foggy or even as the light is going down a bit after school. It’s been good to keep him active outside and having fun.” 

CODC road safety advisor Chris Foggin (Foggie) said if anyone knows someone in financial hardship who has a need to light up their bike, or you are from a school or other cycling group to contact him via email at [email protected] 

“We’d love to engage with more schools across the district . . . we would love to hear from you.”

Along with his CODC road safety advisor role, Foggie is a founder of Up-Cycles charitable trust who is working in association with CODC to develop Up-cycles strategic goal of making cycling in Central Otago accessible to all. 

Read more: Central teachers become bike ambassadors 

Read more: New role focusing on road safety in Central