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About our Bike Train
The Bike Train was set up to give kids a great start to the day and reduce traffic around the neighbourhood. We're also finding it gives the kids a sense of independence, teaches them how to ride safely, and frees up time for parents in the mornings.
The Bike Train runs every morning, rain or shine. We're not doing afternoons...yet.
All updates about the Bike Train are sent out via the WhatsApp group, which you can join using this link. The group is open to the public, so don't share personal/confidential information.
If you'd like your child to join the train, complete this registration form and then email Matt to let him know you've done so.
Safety
Safety is our top priority, and everyone has a part to play. We've designed the safest route possible, and placed notices in every letterbox on the route.
Driveways
Driveways are our biggest risk. We pass 80 each morning, and reversing drivers cannot see our kids. Follow these steps, in order:
- Go slow. The parent at the front of the train must cycle slow enough to allow them to stop mid-driveway if needed.
- Yell stop. The parent at the front of the train must check every driveway as they ride past. If they see a car with a driver in it (whether moving or not) they must yell 'Stop', stop in the driveway, and catch the driver's attention.
- Kids yell stop. The kids who attended the driveway safety training have been drilled to then stop immediately, and also yell 'Stop' so the riders behind them hear.
- Check rear driveways. The parent at the back of the train must then check any other driveways the train may be stopped in front of.
- Move on (or not). Depending on where the train has stopped, the parent at the front of the train may signal the driver to leave the driveway - or start the train again.
It doesn't hurt to take the kids (and ourselves) through dummy runs of this now and then, especially if there is a new child on the train (explain things to them beforehand).
Intersections
- Block. After checking an intersection is clear, the parent at the front of the train must stand in the middle of the intersection to block traffic while the kids cross the road.
- Wait. Make sure the kids wait until you say it's safe to cross. Especially at the corner of Wakatipu and Pt Chev roads.
- Walk. All kids and train drivers must walk their bikes across all intersections.
Tell the child at the front of the train where you want them to stop after they've crossed the road - otherwise they have a tendency to stop as soon as they reach the kerb and the rest of the train is left stranded mid-intersection. e.g., in the intersection shown in the photo above we get the front child to wait by the beige telco box.
How to ride
- Keep a line. Encourage the kids to ride in a line behind one another. This reduces racing/competing, and helps share the footpath with other users.
- Keep distance. The kids need to keep enough of a distance from the rider in-front to allow them to stop without colliding.
- Ring bells. Especially around cafes, shops, corners - and when you're approaching a pedestrian...let people know you're coming.
Gear
- For kids. All kids must ride with a high-vis vest (loads of colours for $6 here), high-vis bag cover, and front and rear lights. Gloves are a good idea in winter.
- For parents. All parents must ride with a high-vis vest. These improve visibility while blocking intersections and so help keep both you and the kids safe. Matt has a stock of these from Auckland Transport if needed.
Parent roster
The roster lists which parents are taking the Cycle Train each morning. It's filled out each term, but anyone can make changes to it when needed.
If you can't drive the train on a day you're rostered, message the group via WhatsApp to find a replacement then update the roster.
Any problems updating the roster, let Matt know via WhatsApp.
Route and stops
The map shows the route and stop times. Times are approximate, but the train never leaves the stops earlier than shown.
Stops are:
- 8:05am Corner Kiwi Road, Tui Street.
- 8:10am Corner Huia Road, Tui Street.
- 8:12am Corner Huia Road, Wakatipu Street.
- 8:15am Next to crossing at 186 Point Chevalier Road.
- 8:17am End of Target Street.
- 8:25am School.
If your child can't make their usual day, you don't need to let the group know - the Cycle Train will just continue without you.
If you're running a couple of minutes late, let the group know via WhatsApp and if the drivers get the message they'll wait.
Drivers - make sure you don't leave a stop before the times above, and keep WhatsApp notifications on...
Be safe, have fun!
Winter hot chocolates for Bike Train kids from Ambler Cafe, 2018.
Bike Train 2018 kids getting end-of-year certificate and bike tool.