27 February 2006

The Great Auckland Commuter Challenge

27 February 2006: Early morning rush hour will have a whole new significance this Wednesday, 1 March, when a number of public figures using bikes, buses, cars and trains will compete against each other to see which mode of transport is the fastest way to get into the city. The Great Commuter Challenge is hosted by Cycle Action Auckland (CAA) as part of National Bike Wise Week which runs from the 25th of February to the 5th of March.

CAA Chair, Bevan Woodward says the goal of the Commuter Challenge is to promote sustainable forms of transport as a key solution to Auckland's transport problems.

“We have New Zealand’s leading choreographer, Michael Parmenter cycling from the West, competing with Green MP, Keith Locke on the bus. Transatlantic rower, Rob Hamill will cycle on his custom made bike from the East and compete with the CEO of Auckland’s Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) Alan Thompson on the train and Heart of the City CEO Alex Swney on the bus” says Mr. Woodward.

The races will start at 7:25 am. The competitor’s progress will be monitored in real time using HereIam GPS pocket locators and displayed on a large screen at the finish line in Aotea Square, where Auckland City Council are hosting the annual Bike to Work Breakfast. The competitor’s progress can also be viewed online at www.hereiam.co.nz

ENDS

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