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Central Otago Bike Ambassador Training a Success

Peak Safety Day provides pinnacle of achievement for bike ambassadors.

COBA Training Ambassadors at Matangi Station
Chris Foggin

News & Events Central Otago Bike Ambassador Training

Trainer and bike enthusiast Charlie Lester-Rosson spent the day with the 18 attendees, which includes a couple of new faces to the bike ambassador tribe, ages ranging from teenage to 70-plus.

Central Otago District Council Road Safety Advisor and course coordinator Chris “Foggie” Foggin was thrilled to have Ms Lester-Rosson come all the way down from Rotorua to share her expertise.

"Not only is the course the first of its kind in the region, but it is also being delivered by a local star on the trails up north; Charlie is one of their bike patrollers, so is a great fit for our group."

Central Otago Bike Ambassadors undertake first aid training.

The course was delivered as part of the Central Otago Bike Ambassador (or COBA) programme. 20 years ago in the UK, and more recently here in NZ, Foggie was involved in developing emergency services cycle patrol course. What has transpired is a bike ambassadors programme that enhances and develops our enjoyment of riding bikes, rather than the enforcement element of formal patrolling.    

Up-Cycles Charitable Trust has purchased the "Nek Minute" first aid kits to be given to the ambassadors – a Trust which has also been established by Foggie to repair second hand bikes and donate them to those in need.

Mr Foggin is keen to offer another three-day course with a new cohort. Tentative dates for Day 1 and Day 2 are Saturdays 7 and 14 December 2024.

If you are interested in increasing your knowledge and sharing your love of biking with the community and visitors to the district contact:

CODC Road Safety Advisor
Chris Foggin
P: 027 473 3514
E: Chris.Foggin@codc.govt.nz

Peak Safety Outdoor Safety and Emergency Management trainer Charlie Lester-Rosson (right) pictured with CODC Road Safety Advisor Chris Foggin.

A COBA student practices CPR.

Community Bike Ambassadors on Day 3 of their course, held at Matangi Station near Alexandra.

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