Forty youngsters from four Central primary schools are gearing up to be the district’s first rangitahi bike ambassadors.

The pupils are taking part in the Up-cycles charitable trust developed programme to make the Central Otago community more road safety savvy.

The schools taking part are Alexandra Primary School, Clyde School, St Gerards School, and The Terrace School.

Pupils will spend two days largely outside of the classroom completing the course elements including basic helmet checking and fitting, bike parts, bike checks, personal bike skills, how to set up and lead games, being visible, signs, signals and fixing punctures.

On Thursday the pupils started out learning the four Ls to safely get on their bikes (brake levers, lean, look behind and leg over.

Pictured riding with their elbows out are (from left) pupils from Alexandra Primary School Alyssa Longman (12), Angus Keene (11), Grace Foulds (13) and James Batchelor (12). PHOTO: The Central App

Next up the ambassadors will participate in an outdoor first aid course run by Peak Safety Limited on December 3.

Up-cycles spokesperson Chris Foggin (Foggie) said running the training was heaps of fun.

“It’s not about being the best on your bike, or the fastest, being a bike ambassador is so much more than that.”

Eleven Alexandra Primary School Year 7 and 8 pupils were instructed by Foggie about the four Ls to safely get on their bikes (brake levers, lean, look behind and leg over) on Thursday. PHOTO: The Central App

Foggie thanked funders and supporters including philanthropic anonymous donors, the local teachers who have become community bike ambassadors, Sport Otago Tū Manawa Fund, Otago Community Trust, Central Lakes Trust and Up-cycles Charitable Trust.

The Central App will bring readers more information about the rangitahi bike ambassadors in the coming weeks. 

Read more: A 20 year bike ride for Chris Foggin

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