Eight teachers from three Central primary schools were the first participants in a new schools bike ambassador course that kicked off in Alexandra yesterday.

The teachers from Alexandra Primary School (APS), St Gerard’s School (SGS) and The Terrace School (TTS) spent the first day of the two-day course learning bike basics, including the anatomy of a bike, how to check and fit helmets, road rules and etiquette, among much more.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) road safety advisor Chris Foggin (Foggie) said it was exciting to take the teachers through the programme handbook and resources he had developed.

“The bike games cards from the national bike ready programme will be key for students [to get them out there doing it].”

Foggie giving an overview of the course content at Alexandra Community Centre. PHOTO: The Central App

SGS teachers Sue Wright (front) and Ollie Yeoman check helmets for dents or damage and the stickers to indicate the New Zealand safety standards.

Foggie said by the end of the two-day course the teachers should have the confidence to lead groups safely and engage with other people using the cycle trail or road network.

His approach to conveying cycling content was a flexible one, with a coaching style as opposed to more traditional prescriptive instructor led courses.

“I’m 90% doing and only about 10% telling . . . and that’s what biking should be.”

The schools bike ambassador course is a part of the CODC Wheels Up campaign designed to make the Central community more road-safety savvy.

The teachers also learned about foundation bike skills, trail-side repairs, incident management and reporting, conflict management and first aid. 

Read more: Schools bike ambassador course gains traction

Read more: New role focusing on road safety in Central

 To find out more about the course contact Foggie on [email protected]

Find out about Central’s cycling trails on The Central Apps’ Cycling | Walking button.