About Bikes in Schools
Bike On New Zealand Charitable Trust (CC44779) was founded in 2010 with a simple aim: help more New Zealanders experience the joys and benefits of riding a bike.
Our vision
Regular and equal access to bikes and bike tracks within the school environment for all New Zealand school children.
Children should not need to own a bike, have parents who cycle, or live in a particular neighbourhood to experience riding. A bike, a helmet, and a safe place to ride are there for every student.
What we do
We offer free, hands-on advice to any school or council in New Zealand keen to set up a Bikes in Schools project, covering everything from project management to funding to getting it built.
Our free guide draws on what we've learned working with schools right across the country. It walks through the what, why, and how of setting up a Bikes in Schools project at any school.
Bikes in Schools in action
Bikes in Schools is a complete biking package built within a school so every student can ride on a regular basis. The school owns a fleet of 30 to 50 bikes in four sizes, a helmet for every child, on-site tracks, secure storage, and cycle skills training.
The impact
Regular access to riding a bike goes from around 30% of students to 100%. That impact is immediate and measurable.
What schools tell us
Feedback from principals, teachers, parents, and students consistently shows that riding builds confidence, self-esteem, and resilience. Children get fitter, gain skills, and start using a bike for everyday transport. Families often ride more together too.
Independent research
Independent research by the Eastern Institute of Technology tracked three schools over two years. Teachers reported increased fitness, motor skills, and coordination. The percentage of overweight children dropped, against the national trend.
ACC report, 2019
In 2019, Mackie Research released a report commissioned by ACC titled Fun, Active, Safe and Social. It confirmed positive outcomes across health, skills, and participation.
See every school with a Bikes in Schools project across Aotearoa, 400+ and counting.
Planning a Bikes in Schools project?
Our guide covers everything: bikes, helmets, tracks, storage, training, costs, and funding. It's free, and so is our advice.
