Two newly minted Rangitahi Bike Ambassadors have already put their skills to use, impressing paramedics.

Up-Cycles Charitable Trust’s first Rangitahi Bike Ambassadors completed two part training in early December, learning emergency first aid skills and bike safety.

Up-Cycles cofounder Chris Foggin (Foggie) said The Terrace School Year 7 pupil Kade Kite was riding his bike with friends a few days after the outdoor first aid component was taught and the trail safety backpack given to the 40 participants. 

“Luckily Kade was carrying the gear he’d been given. 

“One of the riders came off his bike and suffered significant arm injuries at the bike skills park in Alexandra.

“He immediately assessed the situation and leapt into action. Using the moldable splint, he stabilised the obviously broken arm, carefully wrapped it and used a triangular bandage to ease the pressure.” 

Foggie said ambulance paramedic staff who attended were blown away with what he had done and topped up his first aid kit with extra plasters and bandages.

A group of rangitahi bike ambassadors from Central primary schools in year seven and eight practice administering first aid in a mock incident during their outdoor first aid training day. PHOTO: Supplied 

In a second accident a young man's seat rail broke on his bike at the Alexandra BMX track resulting in a bad injury. 

He was also assisted by a newly minted bike ambassador until emergency services arrived. 

Foggie said both instances were examples of why the programme was valuable.

“We’re trying to secure funding for the next three years, we want to expand it to new schools and also run it at the same schools again.”

Foggie is stoked that the new 40 ambassadors are role models for their peers, and he’s been hearing how the cycling buzz is growing in schools. 

Parents and teachers have provided positive feedback, some rangitahi are already asking how they can get involved in the next course, and he’s seen more bikes being ridden to school in the last few weeks, he said.

The bike racks at The Terrace School during term four. PHOTO: Supplied

Up-Cycles founders said they are proud of the achievements of the small start up charity.

In two years they have gifted 111 bikes, 57 to young people and 54 to adults. They have adapted bikes and trikes for neurodiverse learners or people with disabilities. 

The trust is currently operating out of a shipping container, managed by a volunteer operational project manager and two silent governance trustees.

If you know anyone in need of some wheels, due to financial, health and wellbeing, recovering from illness/injury, wanting to try cycling, or transport to school/work, contact [email protected]

If you want to support Up-cycles visit their givealittle page

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