Carterton schools receive bike storage boost as part of funding for improved travel options for the community.
Five Carterton schools will welcome additional storage for bikes through funding from Waka Kotahi’s Transport Choices Programme secured by Carterton District Council.
The Programme helps councils develop strategic cycle networks, create walkable neighbourhoods, and establish safer, more sustainable school transportation options as part of the government’s Climate Emergency Response Programme.
CDC received an additional $180,000 through Transport Choices to complement the Connecting Carterton – Schools’ Link cycleway project.
The project will provide undercover bike sheds and racks, and funding to decorate the sheds to match each schools’ identity. Schools raised the lack of adequate bike storage facilities as a barrier to children using their bikes to get to and from school.
Clare Crawford, Principal at South End School, has welcomed the new initiative.
“We’re excited to plan for a new bike shed at South End School,” said Clare.
“Our current bike shed has been converted into a cloakroom, which means students have to leave their bikes and scooters out in the rain or sun. With the development of a safe cycleway, we’re looking forward to seeing more children riding bikes or scooters to school, and it’s great news that they will have a secure and covered place to store their bikes.”
The Council is working with schools to determine their storage requirements, while the Connecting Carterton – Schools’ Link cycleway is in the concept design stage. Both initiatives are expected to be complete by 30 June 2024.