Photos thanks to David Wiltshire. The kid’s names are Danielle O’Hara (aged 8) and Jake Milford (aged 8).
An approach was made to Bike Manawatu at the beginning of 2014 to assist in a project at Roslyn School. The project was run by Massey University’s Dr Carlene Starck and assisted by Sport Manawatu’s Phil Stevens where a group of 70 +children were tested and then each week over the following two terms given bike lessons , for some it was adding to their knowledge and bike skills but for 3 young students, they actually learnt how to ride a bike.
The study concluded with further tests to find out if riding a bike did actually improve fitness in this age group. And of course the answer was yes.
The bikes were supplied by Massey University and Bike Manawatu supplied the helmets. From Bike Manawatu’s perspective it was a great initiative to be able to support this project and get more kids actively involved in cycling. It is hoped that these kids will continue to bike as either a form of transport to and from school or perhaps later as a sport.
It is hoped that the programme will now be taken up and supported by other schools and supported by businesses and organisations throughout the community.