AMI Insurance has distributed 800 cycle helmets to 100s of New Zealanders as part of its Bike Month initiative in February, with the intention of persuading more Kiwis to safely take up cycling and enjoy its health and travel benefits.
AMI said it worked with community and cycling groups, in areas such as Mount Roskill and Māngere East in Auckland and Ōpōtiki in the eastern Bay of Plenty, to ensure those who want to start cycling, or were using substandard helmets, or weren’t wearing protective gear at all, get some protection.
“AMI believes that connected communities are safer and stronger,” AMI community engagement manager Eve Whitwell said. “That’s why we partner with groups such as these, providing them with support and resources to make New Zealand a safer and better place to live.”
Various groups including Thrive to Survive Trust, Healthy Families East Cape, Whakatohea Social and Health services, Roskill Bike Kitchen and Auckland Transport were involved in the initiative.
Māngere East resident Teau Aiturau, who helped distribute helmets to South Aucklanders, said: “There’s a lot of people in places like Māngere that want to cycle but they just can’t afford the costs of a bike or a helmet. There’s a need, a big need, and to get these top-quality helmets from AMI is a big boost.”
