The Hutt is officially cycle mad

Upper and Lower Hutt Cities have been named the most Cycle Mad Cities in New Zealand, (for cities with over 58,000 residents), with the highest percentage of their residents taking part in February’s Mayoral Challenge.

More than 1,700 people from the Hutt Valley took part in the combined Upper and Lower Hutt Mayoral Challenge on 28 February 2010, despite the ride being shortened due to the tsunami warnings on that day. Participants followed Mayors David Ogden and Wayne Guppy on Hutt City’s annual Bike the Trail ride down the Hutt River trail. The ride is flat, easy and scenic, with two options for distance – 12 kilometres or 24 kilometres. The ride was followed by a BBQ, live music, giveaways and a trial riding display.

The Mayoral Challenge was part of Bike Wise Month, a true celebration of the bicycle – an effective means of transport invented nearly 200 years ago - and the health, environmental, social and financial benefits it offers. Bike Wise Month is funded by the NZ Transport Agency and the Ministry of Health.

For cities with between 11,000 and 58,000 residents, Waipukurau in the Central Hawke’s Bay came out on top for the second year running, while Wairoa beat the competition for towns with less than 11,000 residents

NZTA National Manager Road User Behaviour Michael Cummins said more than 8,500people in 50 cities and towns right around the county took part in a Mayoral Challenge during February.

“It was fantastic to see so many people dusting off their bikes and helping their city or town to become New Zealand’s most cycle mad city,” Mr Cummins said.

“Cycling is both a cost-effective and sustainable mode of transport and an enjoyable form of exercise. By using their bikes more regularly, New Zealanders can save money, and get a great work out at the same time.”

To see how your city or town fared in the 2010 Mayoral Challenge visit www.bikewise.co.nz