Wheels Day hit record numbers across the Eastern Bay with more than 1,000 tamariki wheeling to school in celebration of the annual event.
The Eastern Bay Road Safety Team visited eleven schools, three in Ōpōtiki, three in Kawerau, and five in Whakatāne, turning ordinary school days into wheel-tastic adventures. Lucky participants scored big with 45 road safety prize packs and 20 board games for choosing wheels over traditional transport.
"What really stood out was the huge increase in those wearing helmets. At Kawerau South School, we witnessed an increase in helmet wearing from approximately 20 tamariki at last year's event to 85 this year," Community Safety Advisor Richard Hamer said.
The successful initiative, which has been running for four years now, celebrates and promotes positive transport choices among students and their whānau. Wheels Day isn’t just about fun, it’s revolutionising how kids think about getting to school, creating a generation of wheel-savvy students who are helping the environment and boosting their health.
"After speaking with teachers this year and seeing the positive changes in helmet wearing behaviours at Kawerau South School, next year we will target prizes only at those wearing helmets," Hamer said.
This programme wouldn't have been possible without the support of Tracks Concrete, whose sponsorship fueled all the prize-winning excitement.
