Expect to see more children walking and biking to school in the wake of this year’s successful Walk’n’Wheel Week.

The district-wide event, held at the end of February, promoted safe walking and cycling as good transport options for kids going to and from school and was embraced with enthusiasm by local school children.

“The average increase across the district in walking or biking to school as a result of this event has been in the vicinity of 24%” Queenstown Lakes District Council transport manager Denis Mander said.

“We were delighted with the response from the children and also from local schools who took the programme on board and supported it wholeheartedly.”

Activities varied from school to school and ranged from cycle safety and safe walking programmes to Fancy Feet competitions.

As well as the schools, Walk’n’Wheel Week was run in partnership with Sport Central and the NZ Police with significant involvement from Element and Racers Edge who provided expert support around bike and helmet safety.

The two retail outlets also each donated a bike for a prize draw. An Avanti bike from Element was won by Remarkables Primary School while a Trek bike from Racers Edge was won by Wanaka Primary School.

“We’re pleased at the level of participation in Walk’n’Wheel Week, “Mr Mander said. “It’s a fun way of learning new skills and of course the benefits gained by getting children hooked on walking and cycling can last a lifetime.”

ENDS

For further information, please contact QLDC transport officer Denis Mander phone 03 441 0499

By: Andrea Bunting