Kiwis racing to Bike Wise Month events

Bike Wise Month is now in full swing and the annual Bike Wise Challenge, which pitches businesses against each other in a race to get the most bums on bikes during February, is heating up.

“We’re two thirds of the way through Bike Wise Month and already there have been 270 events held around the country,” said Jennie Gianotti, NZTA’s Network User Behaviour Manager.

“The variety of bike-themed events has been particularly impressive; we’ve seen helmet design and bike dress-up competitions, cycle games for kindergarten kids, group rides, races and even a romantic night ride on Waiheke Island for Valentine’s Day.”

Go By Bike Day events were held in 25 towns and cities on February 1 to launch Bike Wise Month, and on February 15 in Auckland, with thousands of Kiwis swapping petrol power for pedal power and commuting by bike.

The new-for-2012 Big Bike Fix Ups have also proven popular, with nine standalone free bike maintenance ‘clinics’ set up so far. Many more bike maintenance sessions were held at other events.

There are still lots of events happening across the country, and anyone wanting to take part can head to www.bikewise.co.nz for information on what’s going on in their region.

The website is also the best place to register for the New Zealand-wide Bike Wise Challenge – which pitches organisations against each other to see which can be the most bike-friendly in February. It’s running until the end of the month, and is still open for entry.

The Challenge is more than just a fun competition; it’s also a great way to get staff enjoying the many benefits of cycling.

Did you know?
• Just 30 minutes cycling a day (such as a daily commute) is all you need to halve the risk of becoming obese (Ministry of Health 2006/2007)
• People who exercise regularly are more alert and feel less stressed in their jobs (University of Bristol)
• Cycling in urban environments is often at least as quick as driving (Cycling Promotion / Bicycle Federation of Australia)

To keep updated on Bike Wise Month activities visit Bike Wise’s new Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bikewise) and the Twitter feed www.twitter.com/bikewisenz.