Kids BT Newsletter June 2021

 

We are noticing a continuing interest in children and families getting into their bikes. I guess we are always
going to have new ‘customers’, unless people stop having babies! It is very useful to follow up the early
childhood sessions with visits into primary schools with their junior classes. Not everyone has seen Kids
Bike Taupō before they get to school, so these visits are very valuable.

A real highlight this year has been BMX for the Special Needs Unit at Tauhara College. I’ll admit that I was
a little nervous the first time, but the students loved the challenge. Just like everyone else, once they
learned how to control their speed the risk is reduced and they had a blast.
The Secondhand Bike Sale is always fun. We were at the Sunday Market this year, which is a great fit for
everyone. The rain scared away those made of sugar, but we made a little bit of money and the
networking is always worth it. Thanks to Bike Sale for the use of their racks and to Fiona and Rowan for
being there all day. It has been suggested that we do another one closer to spring/summer. Nothing
decided as yet.

Funding continues to be a thorn in our side. We do not charge for sessions, because we want no barriers.
Unfortunately, this seems to have created the feeling that we must have plenty of money. Melissa
continues to submit those applications and somehow we find money.
The Community Bike Shed in Spa Venture Park, at the top of Spa Road where the Taupō Cadets and Nuki’s
Gym are, still operates on a Wednesday afternoon from 3.30pm to 5pm. A big shout out to Preston for
taking over when Jonny went sailing around the Pacific with his family. We can use any reasonable bikes
that are a good brand and able to be recycled. We have been getting more discerning and would rather
not have to take care of other people’s rubbish. How do we stop people from buying bikes from shops that
sell 20,000 other things? If you know families looking for an affordable entry into biking, please send them
to Kids Bike Taupō.

It is great for our district to have a pathway for children and adults to get more confident riding as a
transport option. The Taupō District Council offers free Cycle Road Safety training to schools and groups
and adults through the Road Safety Teams ‘Pedal Safe’ programme. Check out -
https://www.taupodc.govt.nz/transport-and-water/road-safety/cycling-course
There continues to be not enough of KBT to go around, especially in the summer terms. A good place to
catch Ricky Biker is at the after school sessions. Please tell your friends to come along, particularly if they
are not terribly confident about this whole biking thing. All sessions 3.30pm to 5pm
Mondays – BMX Track
Tuesdays – SPARK Trails in Spa Park
Thursdays – Craters Mountainbike Park

Nga Mihi

Cath