Walk 'n' Wheel to school week gets kids moving

Local school children will be encouraged to take to their heels and wheels when Walk’n’Wheel to School Week kicks off on Monday 28 February said QLDC Transport manager Denis Mander.

The week, which runs from Monday 28 February to Friday 4 March, is a partnership event between the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Sport Central and local bike shops, aimed at getting children to walk and bike to school or to the bus stop.

Mr Mander said eight schools around the district would be involved. They were: Glenorchy School, St Joseph’s School, Remarkables Primary School, Arrowtown School, Wanaka Primary School, Holy Family School, Hawea Flat School and Makarora School.

“We’re focusing on getting children to choose more active modes of transport rather than just letting Mum or Dad drive them every day, “ said Mr Mander. “There is also an emphasis on safety with seven of the eight participating schools running cycle skills courses. These courses will teach the children things like how to be aware when riding in traffic as well as building confidence and helping improve their balance.”

Some schools were taking a different approach with Remarkables Primary School holding a ‘Fancy Feet Day’, where the children were encouraged to decorate their shoes and favourite mode of transport, while Hawea Flat School was running a triathlon training programme.

Bill Godsall of Sport Central said the Walk’n’Wheel to School Week was all about children’s fitness and well being.

“Parents are unwittingly short changing their children by dropping them off and picking them up from school, “he said. “They’re not getting the pleasure and joy of walking and cycling, spending time with their mates and getting the chance to wind down after school on the walk or cycle home.”

He said it was up to adults to lead by example and said the increase in the number of adults cycling and walking over the last decade had definitely provided good role models for children.

He said it was also important for children to be safe and asked motorists to take extra care during Walk’n’Wheel to School Week. Drivers were asked to take care exiting driveways, give an extra wide berth when passing children and drive to the conditions.

Walk’n’Wheel to School Week is a community event supported by the QLDC, Sport Central, Element and Racers Edge.