Travelwise is an ongoing project with a set of practical actions for sustainable school travel journeys.  It is a partnership between  the North Shore City Council and our school.  We are committed to reduce traffic congestion around the school gates, reduction of polluting car emissions in our environment, helping children learn road safety skills, improved engineering infrastructure to promote walking and cycling to school and engouraging children's fitness.

Below are some very useful links for parents and caregivers, followed by information on biking to school, buses and walking to school.

Travelwise  - this site covers travelling to and from school, staying safe and dealing with problems that we may encounter

Travelwise Award Scheme  - promoting certificates, recognition and financial support packages

Walk to School  - covers 'When is it OK for my child to walk to school?'  and getting your child ready and prepared

NZTA  - Educational resources, staying safe and news & stories

What we are doing at BIS 

A number of our students recently completed a 3 day cyclewise programme with Big Foot and we hope to have to offer more of these courses as time allows.  We will be having some skate days later in the year to promote safe use of wheels.

Bikes

It is compulsory that students wear a helmet when riding to school.  Traffic is very dense on all roads leading to the school.  The Principal or Associate Principals reserve the right to withdraw permission to cycle to school if any breaches of roadworthiness or the Road Code occur. Riding in the school grounds is prohibited. Students must get off their bikes at the gate and walk down the drive and do the reverse on the way home. All bikes are stored in the bike sheds by the front entrance.  Bikes  must have a safety chain or padlock.  The school will take all possible care of bikes but is not prepared to accept any responsibility for bikes left unlocked.

NB:  Skateboards/Scooters are not permitted at school unless is it a pre-approved mufti and wheels day.

Buses

The school bus service is provided by Ritchies Bus Company, which determines both routes and fares.  However, the school works in co-ordination with the Company to ensure that all students behave on the buses.  Complaints from drivers are dealt with at school and parents are involved if any serious misdemeanors occur.

The Company has the final say as to who will travel on its buses and the school reserves the right to suspend from travel any students whose behaviour is a threat to the safety of others.

Students line up on the concrete path above the car park nearest the Takapuna

Grammar School driveway by Gate 1.  

Bus routes are as follows:

Stanley Bay to Belmont Intermediate Bus – 081

Morning – departs 8.10am from Stanley Point Rd at corner of Second Ave, Via Stanley Point Rd, Via Calliope Rd, Left into Victoria Rd, Via Albert Rd, Left into Memorial Drive, Via Lake Rd, Right into Winscombe St, arrives at Belmont Intermediate 8.25am

Devonport to Belmont Intermediate Bus – 080 (Belmont Students only)

Morning – departs 8.00am from Devonport Wharf, via Victoria Rd, Via Albert Rd, Left into Vauxhall Rd, Via Old Lake Rd, Right into Hamana St, Via Seacliffe Ave, Left into Williamson Ave, Right into Lake Rd, Right into Winscombe St, arrives at Belmont Intermediate at 8.20am

Devonport to Belmont Intermediate Bus – 083 (Belmont and TGS students only)

Morning – departs 7.55am  from outside Devonport Library in King Edward Parade, Via King Edward Parade, Left into Cheltenham Rd, Left into Tainui Rd, Right into Vauxhall Rd, Via Old Lake Rd, Right into Hamana St, Via Seacliffe Ave, Left into Williamson Ave,  Right into Lake Rd, Right into Winscombe St, arrives at Belmont Intermediate at 8.25am

Return Trips

Belmont Intermediate to Stanley Bay Bus – 081

Afternoon – departs 3.10pm from Belmont Intermediate in Winscombe St, Right into Seacliffe Ave, Right into Williamson Ave, Left into Lake Rd, Via Memorial Drive, Right into Albert Rd, Via Victoria Rd, Right into Calliope Rd, Via Stanley Point Rd, arrives at Second Ave at 3.40pm

Belmont Intermediate to Devonport Bus – 084 (Belmont students only)

Afternoon – departs 3.10pm from Belmont Intermediate in Winscombe St, Right into Seacliffe Ave, Via Hamana St, Left into Old Lake Rd, Via Vauxhall Rd, Pick up pupils from Vauxhall Primary near Morrison Ave, Continue via Vauxhall Rd, Left into Tainui Rd, Right into Cheltenham Rd, Right into King Edward Parade, Right into Church St, Left into Albert Rd, Via Victoria Rd, arrives at Devonport Wharf at 3.55pm

Fares:  Students using the bus are required to purchase a reprogrammable electronic pass available from the driver on all Ritchies Buses.