Children go to school more often by bike or foot thanks to the HiBike game
The HiBike game encourages children to cycle or walk more often, not only to school but also in their leisure time. The game has been developed for primary school children in grades 5, 6, and 7. HiBike increases bike skills and knowledge about traffic rules, making children feel safer and more confident in traffic.
Pilot in districts Zuidoost and Nieuw-West
On Monday 13 March the HiBike game started at two schools: Blauwe Lijn in district Zuidoost and ‘t Koggenschip in district Nieuw-West. Sports coaches and teachers from participating school classes will guide the children. A total of 39 students (grades 6 and 7) from Blauwe Lijn and 70 children (grade 7) from ‘t Koggenschip will be participating in the pilot. The pilot will be evaluated and the future implementation of HiBike in primary schools throughout the city will be determined on the basis of the results.
Duration and course of the game
The game lasts for 6 weeks, during which children work towards three goals: physical activity, health, and traffic education. They receive a sticker for each cycling or walking activity, and a full sticker sheet earns them a cool festival wristband and a chance to move on to the next level. The game kicks off with an event in which children receive game instructions, a BMX demonstration, and a team of bike doctors to check their bikes (such as tire pressure, lighting, and brakes).
Background
Amsterdam is a true cycling city, but only 53% of first-year students cycle to school, compared to the national average of 89%. Especially in the districts of Nieuw-West, Noord, and Zuidoost, cycling rates are low. That is why Amsterdam starts early with promoting cycling at primary schools. We implement various projects to increase bike ownership, bike skills, and improve the image of cycling. Cycling is healthy, takes up little space, and is safer.
More information
The HiBike game was developed by the province of Groningen and customized for Amsterdam primary schools. To learn more about the HiBike game, visit the HiBike website.
