‘GET ON Ya BIKE’ SAYS THE MAYOR

Dig out the bike pump, dust off the helmet and get rolling – BikeWise month is here!  For the month of February 2009 pedal-pushers of all ages, shapes and sizes will get behind a nationwide campaign to get more Kiwis on their bikes and celebrate what is becoming a way of life for many.

But while many New Zealanders are giving cycling a go, only a small proportion use a bike regularly for transport, with just two percent of journeys to work by cycle.  BikeWise month is part of a concerted effort to increase the use of active, healthy transport modes like cycling. 

“There are all sorts of good reasons to make biking part of the way you get from A to B, especially in Taupo,” says Mayor Rick Cooper.  “Most car trips are less than six kilometres long, a distance that can easily be cycled, and biking often takes no longer than driving.  Parking isn’t an issue, there are no fuel costs, it’s healthy and it’s good for the environment,” he says.

A number of local and national cycling events and activities are taking place during BikeWise month culminating with the Mayoral Challenge and Go By Bike Day on 25^th February where you can enjoy a free breakfast and live entertainment at the Great Lake Centre.

Another initiative running throughout BikeWise month is ‘Spot the Cyclist’.  20 lucky cyclists will be rewarded for riding their bikes – to win all you have to do is be spotted on your bike by the dedicated bike spotter and you will win an instant prize.  So get on your bike to be in to win!

If you’d like to rekindle your relationship with your bicycle, or you’re keen to find a practical way to become more active, go to www.bikewise.co.nz to find out what’s on this month or contact Taupo District Council’s Road Safety Coordinator Christine Hutchison on 376 0899