People Power – Getting Around On The Bike.

Teenagers at Paraparaumu College are using bikes supported by a network of friends to get around. The students are wheeling it, under their own steam to and from school, instead of their normal mode of transport, cars and busses. The promotion is aimed at encouraging others to “people-power” their own transportation and highlight the benefits cycling has.

The challenge for two selected students is to cycle to college, sports & social activities for a full 3 months from 12 October recording their travel and experiences on Kapiti Cycling’s website for the public. A support crew of 6 fellow students is assisting with bike maintenance, fixing punctures etc. and being cycling buddies. All involved have attended a Bike Wise Kiwi cycling skills course and a cycling maintenance course.

The donated well equipped new bicycles, plus visibility gear, cycle computers & lights etc. ensures safety and visibility. The promotion also includes a bus card each for use on days of exceptionally bad weather.

Jordan McKenna will bike from Paraparaumu Central and Kathryn Hughes will bike from Waikanae crossing the footbridge at Otaihanga. Both students will promote good cycling behaviour and encourage other students to cycle to college.

Kapiti Cycling Inc. hope this district will become the most cycle friendly in New Zealand, and ask motorists to show special care for young people cycling on our roads.

Folkus Video from Paraparaumu and Basement Productions of Kelburn are cooperating on producing a Video about the young people’s efforts to promote cycling as private transport.

The promotion is funded by the Bikewise Community Partnership program and run by cycling advocacy group Kapiti Cycling Inc. Major sponsors are On Yer Bike cycle shop, Cycletech New Zealand, Kapiti Coast District Council Road Safety programme, Cycling Advocates Network Inc. and Kapiti Cycling Inc.

For further information, contact Liz Mikkelsen, Kapiti Cycling Inc. 06-364-8187 or 04-385-2621.

Jordan and Kathryn are willing to give an interview on their first day of cycling 12th October 8.15 on the South side of the Otaihanga footbridge.

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