New learn-to-ride course for kids

Kids learning to ride bikes now have a new place where they can practise the basics in safety.

Contractor Fulton Hogan have built a new learn-to-ride bike course in the grounds of Ilam School that the public can use at the weekends and outside school hours.

Modelled on the popular learn-to-ride bike park in Westburn Terrace, the course is laid out so that kids can practise all the skills they need to ride safely on the road – balancing, turning, signalling and passing.

“We have been doing a lot of work in the Riccarton/Ilam area for Christchurch City Council, building a new cycleway and replacing ageing underground pipes. We know this has caused some disruption for locals so we wanted to give something back to the community,’’ says Fulton Hogan project manager Daniel Squire.

“Creating, connecting and caring for communities is important to us. We hope that the learn-to-ride bike course will be well used by both the school and the wider community and will help kids build their confidence so that they can cycle safely,’’ Mr Squire says.

Ilam School principal Paul Dolan says the learn-to-ride course is a wonderful addition to the school environment that allows the children to practise road safety skills in a fun, safe way.

“The school community is incredibly appreciative of Fulton Hogan’s support and generosity in creating this new asset,’’ says Mr Dolan.

Council Acting Head of Transport Lynette Ellis says it is good to see contractors getting involved in the local community.

“If we want to encourage active forms of transport, we need to teach kids the skills they need to bike safely on our roads and cycleways.

“It is great to see one of our contractors taking the initiative to provide a new course for the community where kids can practise the basics in a safe, traffic-free environment,’’ Ms Ellis says.