HDC staff put feet to fleet bike

Hastings District Council staff can now get fit, save fuel and reduce their carbon-foot print while getting across the city, on the council’s first “fleet bike”.

Waste Minimisation Officer, Dominic Salmon, says the bike gives staff an environmentally friendly, economic and healthy alternative to using council vehicles around town.

“The bike is a healthy addition to our fleet of vehicles and it’s a great way of getting around town to meetings. Bikes are cheap to run, promote fitness and helps Hastings District Council achieve its goal of reducing carbon-emissions,” Dominic says.

“As a bike costs only a fraction as much to run as a car, especially with escalating petrol prices, the bike should pay for itself in a matter of months.”

“Not only will staff arrive at their destination alert and revived by a dose of fresh air, but using the easily parked bike will eliminate the stress caused by having to find a carpark.”

The bike comes equipped with a lock, high-visibility gear, two different-sized helmets, a bike computer to record mileage and panniers to help carry paper work or laptop.

Hastings District Council is not the only New Zealand council using pedal power to get staff around – Christchurch City Council now has three bikes.