Wao Aotearoa launches Friday Bike Bus.

We are launching a new weekly Bike Bus in Albert Town as part of its wider Ride for Change programme, a six-month initiative designed to shift how students travel to school while reducing transport emissions across the Upper Clutha.

Transport remains the largest source of emissions in the Upper Clutha, driven in part by thousands of short car trips made each weekday during school drop-off and pick-up times. The Bike Bus offers a practical, community-led response, replacing short car journeys with safe, supervised bike rides while building confidence and road skills in young riders.

Departing McMurdo Park, Albert Town at 8am every Friday during term time, the Bike Bus follows a set route that can be joined at key points, with drop-offs at Holy Family Catholic School and Wānaka Primary School. Children ride together in a supported group, with lead and tail riders, managed road crossings, and a no rider left behind approach. Discussions are also underway for another Bike Bus for Te Kura o Take Karara students. 

The Friday Bike Bus is coordinated and led by Rob Barry, Wao Aotearoa’s Ride for Change Programme Lead, who also delivers ongoing group-riding and road-safety skills during each ride.

“This programme is designed around repetition and confidence,” Barry said. “When students ride together regularly, supported by adults and their peers, they don’t just get fitter — they develop road awareness, independence, and a sense of belonging. That’s what leads to lasting behaviour change.”

The Bike Bus builds on the proven success of Wao Aotearoa’s Bike for Books campaign, delivered in Upper Clutha schools last year. Through that programme, children and families completed more than 5,400 bike trips, travelled over 12,000 kilometres, and avoided an estimated four tonnes of CO₂ emissions by replacing short car journeys with active travel. Importantly, these were everyday school trips, demonstrating how supported riding can quickly become a habit.

Beyond emissions reduction, Wao Aotearoa says the Bike Bus delivers immediate wellbeing and community benefits. Parents report calmer mornings and improved mood, schools see students arriving more settled and ready to learn, and neighbourhoods benefit from fewer cars on the road during peak times.

Parents register once and can choose to join the Bike Bus on any Friday throughout the term, providing flexibility while maintaining safety and structure. Participation and impact are tracked throughout the programme, including kilometres ridden, emissions avoided, and changes in travel behaviour.

“This is about creating everyday change,” Barry said. “Small rides, repeated week after week, add up to healthier kids, more connected communities, and real climate impact.”

Registrations are now open, with full details, safety information and route maps available at wao.co.nz/bike-bus.