Local school children will be encouraged to take to the streets on ''heels and wheels'' when Walk'n'Wheel to School week gets into gear next Monday.
The joint-partnership event between the Queenstown Lakes District Council, Sport Central and local bike shops is aimed at getting children more active by walking and biking to school, or even to the bus stop.
Eight schools from around the district are taking part: Glenorchy School, St Joseph's School, Remarkables Primary School, Arrowtown School, Wanaka Primary School, Holy Family School, Hawea Flat School and Makarora School.
''We're focusing on getting children to choose more active modes of transport, rather than just letting Mum or Dad drive them every day,'' QLDC transport manager Denis Mander said.
''There is also an emphasis on safety, with seven of the eight participating schools running cycle skills courses.
"These courses will teach the children things like how to be aware when riding in traffic, as well as building confidence and helping improve their balance.''
Remarkables Primary School is getting in early this Friday, with a ''fancy feet day'' and bike parade.
Children will be encouraged to decorate their shoes and favourite mode of transport.
Kingsview Primary School also got off to an early start when it held a bike skills day last Friday.
Sport Central regional co-ordinator Bill Godsall asked motorists to take extra care during Walk'n'Wheel to School week, especially while exiting driveways, and to give an extra wide berth when passing children and drive to the conditions.
He said the week was about children's fitness and wellbeing, and parents were unwittingly short-changing their children by driving them to and from school.
''They're not getting the pleasure and joy of walking and cycling, spending time with their mates and getting the chance to wind down after school on the walk or cycle home.''
Adults had to lead by example, and the increase in the number of adults cycling and walking over the past decade had definitely provided good role models for children, he said.
