Recently the tamariki of Central Kids Fordlands in Rotorua received a box of blue helmets to keep them safe on the runner bikes at kindergarten. These helmets were gifted from Bike On New Zealand.

We love our bike kaupapa at Fordlands Kindergarten. Bikes and wheeled toys develop children’s balance, motor development and proprioceptive awareness. Success when riding grows children’s confidence and a sense of agency. Wheeled toys can provide an exciting physical challenge. Rotorua is internationally known as a Mountain Biking Capital. Our city is building an ever growing network of shared pathways to get around the city, including the new Utuhina stream shared pathway in Fordlands. Introducing children to the joy of riding safely at a young age could support a life-long interest in cycling and outdoor activities.

We believe it is important to have:

1. well-fitting helmets that are accessible to children at all times when the wheeled toys are available
2. a rule that children must ware a safety helmet at all times when riding wheeled toys
3. safety helmets that are checked regularly and replaced as required

The generosity of the Bike On team, has enabled us to meet this criteria and ensure the safe continuation of this valuable learning resource for our tamariki.