To celebrate new shared pathways outside schools across the district, Whakatāne District Council, Bike Whakatāne Trust and Full Cycle Bikes are offering tamariki the chance to win a bike helmet airbrushed with their own design.

All tamariki need to do is say how they share with care on the new pathways.

Council Team Leader Strategy and Asset Management Ann-Elise Reynolds said the new pathways give students a place to walk, cycle and scooter to school safely.

“We really want to encourage kids to take active modes of travel when going to school, but for this to be possible, we need to provide the appropriate infrastructure. 

“These shared pathways give tamariki that safe space. When sharing the pathways with care we’re looking for everyone, not just our kids, to stay left, be respectful of other users, go slow, and take care crossing the road.

“Many of these shared pathways cross driveways, so if you’re coming out of your driveway be aware with these paths there will be more people and children using them. So, go slow, come out forward if you can and, if your driveway is hidden, maybe beep your horn so people know you’re there.”

So far, Council has installed shared use pathways around schools in Whakatāne, Murupara, Matatā and Edgecumbe. More shared use pathways are coming, to provide a connected network of safe active travel routes around the district.

The shared pathways are part of Council’s Active Whakatāne Strategy which aims to make active modes of travel, like walking, cycling and scootering, safer and easier through education and purpose-built infrastructure.

More information and entry forms for the competition can be found at www.whakatane.govt.nz/helmet-comp

The competition closes September 16 and is open to children aged five to 13 with four custom helmets to be won.