Tandems Take Over the City

MEDIA RELEASE

28 February 2008

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In an operation coined ‘Project Tandem’, 40 staff from leading infrastructure design firm Maunsell hired all Auckland’s available tandem bicycles and rode to Aotea Square in yesterday’s annual Bike Wise Go By Bike Day event.

At 7am yesterday morning, the Maunsell team left their Newmarket office dressed in fluorescent yellow cycling shirts and outrageous costumes.

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Go By Bike Day is part of the nationwide Bike Wise Week campaign which encourages cycling for transport and recreation. Cyclists from all over the city rode to Aotea Square for a free hearty breakfast, bike servicing and entertainment.

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Maunsell, in providing design and advice to local authorities, is regularly involved in advising on cycling projects from developing high-end cycling strategies and guidelines to designing safer cycle lanes and cycle paths.

New Zealand Managing Director Dean Kimpton says, “Maunsell has a strong focus on incorporating sustainable designs into its transportation solutions, which includes incorporating the needs of cyclists. We are very proud to be involved in an initiative that raises awareness about the benefits of cycling.”

“Bike Wise Week resonates with Maunsell’s vision to enhance and sustain our built, natural and social environments, thereby creating a better world in which to work and live,” he says.

“Riding tandem bikes was also a great way to demonstrating our commitment to working together!”

Land Transport New Zealand Bike Wise Event Manager Paul Eagle says, “It was so exciting to see Maunsell take a different and innovative approach to Go By Bike Day and ride the tandems. Their commitment to sustainable transport really shows through the effort and thought that went into organising their team.”

However, it wasn’t just Maunsell’s Auckland office employees that took part in the Go By Bike Day events.

Over 80 people from Maunsell’s five New Zealand offices also took part, most of whom already regularly cycle to work.

“As part of our company’s travel plan, we actively encourage our staff to use alternative transport to cars such as cycling and public transport to get to and from work. Bike Wise is an important initiative because it increases awareness of more sustainable transport alternatives, reducing our impact on the environment, and is good for your health,”says Mr Kimpton.

Go By Bike Day activities were held in 49 towns, cities and districts across the country. Auckland Regional Council organised the Auckland City event and estimated the attendance of over 650 cyclists.

ENDS

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