15 February 2007

Media Release

Go By Bike – It's Carbon Neutral

Thousands of Wellingtonians are bucking a national trend and getting on their bikes.

“In 1996, 1.5 percent of people rode a bike on census day, rising to 2.2 percent in 2001. When the 2006 census figures come out, we expect this healthy trend to continue,” says Cycle Aware Wellington spokesperson Patrick Morgan.

Cyclists are celebrating with a free breakfast on Go By Bike Day, Wednesday 28 February. About a thousand Wellington cyclists will gather in Civic Square to celebrate the bicycle as a great way to get around.

The event, run by Cycle Aware Wellington, will see cyclists demolish a free breakfast and take advantage of bike checks, prizes, entertainment and guest speakers from 7 to 9am.

Go By Bike Day aims to reward those who are already cycling regularly, and to encourage others to give it a go.

Over the ten years the event has been held in Wellington attendance has grown quickly. "Wellington's Go By Bike Day is the biggest in New Zealand, reflecting the attractiveness of cycling as a transport option in the capital," says Mr Morgan. "Last year, the breakfast attracted over 900 cyclists. This year we expect to top one thousand."

“Kiwis are concerned about climate change and are looking for ways to reduce their carbon emissions,” he says. "Our transport system is the major source of greenhouse gases, but cycling is practically carbon neutral."

“Bagels, fruit and coffee are the only fuel cyclists need to get to work.”

Go By Bike Day is part of national Bike Wise Week. It is supported by Wellington City Council, URS, Penny Farthing Cycles, Commonsense Organics and Bike Wise.

ENDS

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