Funding approved for Cycle Safe programme in Christchurch primary schools

Thousands of Christchurch primary school students will continue to learn safe cycling skills following Land Transport New Zealand’s approval of further funding for the city council’s Cycle Safe programme.

Land Transport NZ will contribute $147,000 in funding towards the total cost of $277,630 for the programme this financial year, with the remainder covered by the council.

Cycle Safe is an education programme run by Christchurch City Council to encourage more students in the city to cycle to school. The programme helps students learn the skills needed to cycle safely, giving them the confidence to ride to school. The aim is to reach 3000 Year 6 students per year.

The programme has been cited as an example of ‘best practice’ in the Ministry of Transport’s national strategy to promote walking and cycling.

Land Transport NZ Southern Partnership Manager Jackie Curtis said support for the programme was part of Land Transport’s commitment to promoting healthy, safe and sustainable transport alternatives.

“The health and environmental benefits of cycling have been proven again and again. When students bike to school they arrive alert and they help to reduce traffic volumes – both good things.”

Ms Curtis said there was evidence that Cycle Safe had increased the proportion of students cycling to school, but more data was needed and Land Transport’s funding was subject to an approved monitoring programme being undertaken.

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