In a media release last week, Wao Aotearoa said Ride for Change was created to cut emissions and build healthier school communities.
‘‘Transport remains the largest source of emissions in Upper Clutha, driven in part by thousands of short car trips made each weekday during school dropoff and pickup times.
‘‘Departing McMurdo Park, Albert Town at 8am every Friday during term one, the bike bus follows a set route that can be joined at key points, with drop-offs at Holy Family Catholic School and Wanaka Primary School,’’ the group said.
The bike bus, a bicycle convoy of school pupils, will operate in both rain or shine, supervised and co-ordinated by Ride for Change programme lead Rob Barry.
‘‘When students ride together regularly, supported by adults and their peers, they don’t just get fitter — they develop road awareness, independence and a sense of belonging,’’ he said.
The free bike bus programme begins in Albert Town at 8am with three additional pickup spots for bikers to join the group.
The bike bus requires children under the age of 8 to be accompanied by a parent and encourages those over 8 to be accompanied by a parent or friend’s parent to increase volunteer numbers.
‘‘This is about creating everyday change.
‘‘Small rides, repeated week after week, add up to healthier kids, more connected communities and real climate impact,’’ he said.
Mr Barry said they had talked with representatives of the schools to find where a majority of their students were based. ‘‘We go where the kids are. ‘‘They get to learn a safe route to school and hopefully it’s something they will continue to use,’’ he said.
The bike bus is the second Ride for Change initiative to be run by Wao Aotearoa.
Bike for Books was a initiative where kilometres cycled by children were tallied and they were rewarded with books donated to school libraries.
Mr Barry said he was inspired by the children taking part in Ride for Change.
‘‘I think this is such a cool initiative.
‘‘I am really inspired by the kids and their courage to try new things.’’
