Kiwis Spurn Cars For Bikes

Kiwis Spurn Cars For Bikes

1 February 2007

Bicycle imports outstripped car imports in 2006, as New Zealand's cycling renaissance continues. Figures from Statistics New Zealand show that cycle imports have jumped almost 40 percent since 2002 with nearly 230,000 cycles imported into New Zealand in the year ending June 2006. This compares to just over 200,000 new and used car imports in 2006, down 30,000 on the previous year, according to the Motor Trade Association.

Bike Wise Programme Director Brent Skinnon says he is delighted by the figures, but not surprised. "Nearly 95,000 people took part in Bike Wise Week last year. Cycling is low cost, helps you keep fit, and is good for the environment. But above all, people really want to do it. Over 750,000 New Zealanders own bikes - cycling has become a way of life."

Bevan Woodward, Chair of Cycle Action Auckland, also welcomes the news. "New Zealand has allowed itself to become one of the most car dependent nations on earth. We have 3.2 million vehicles for a population of just 4.1 million. The fast and furious traffic roaring through our communities causes significant air and water pollution, growing climate change emissions, congestion on our roads and damage to our society. "Our children are suffering from obesity, for example, yet they are now driven on journeys which only one generation ago would have been walked or cycled. I'm glad of any indications these trends are reversing."

Tony Smith, Sales and Marketing Manager for Avanti Cycles New Zealand says the rise in petrol prices over winter is one reason why New Zealanders are turning to pedal power.

"Many people purchase a new bike so they can commute to work, and women in particular are starting to cycle for fitness. We also have lots of people digging out their old bikes and bringing them in to our stores for repair."

He says there was a huge increase in the number of families buying bikes last year. "Bikes for kids between the ages of three and 12 are selling more, and parents often get a bike for themselves so the whole family can cycle together." Organisers of New Zealand's big cycle events have noticed a continuing increase in cycling's popularity. Joce Moyle, media liaison officer of the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge, says they capped the number of riders participating this year on the event's 30th anniversary.

"We've limited the number of participants to 11,000. The original event in 1976 saw 27 riders take part, so you can see how much the event has grown."

ENDS