AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL MEDIA RELEASE

1 March 2007

Free breakfast attracts swarms of cyclists

The 10th Go by Bike breakfast organised by Auckland City Council drew a record number of cyclists to a free, healthy breakfast early yesterday.

About 550 people breakfasted as cycle buses led by Auckland City's Mayor, Dick Hubbard and Councillor Richard Simpson, converged on Aotea Square.

"The number of cyclists who came to breakfast yesterday indicates increasing numbers of Aucklanders who are keen to travel sustainably," says Mr Simpson, chair of the Transport and Urban Linkages Committee.

"Choosing to cycle means one less car. It burns calories, reduces the city's carbon footprint and saves money on petrol," he says.

Auckland City Council's monitoring shows a 6 per cent increase in cyclists on the road between 2005 and 2006, on top of a 19 per cent increase between 2004 and 2005.

"We are developing more facilities for cyclists - including increasing the existing 65km network of cycle lanes and raising awareness around safety," says Mr Simpson.

Cyclists enjoyed free bike checks, spin class demonstrations, spot prizes, and were entertained by trick unicyclists and live Latin music before the main prize of a Bauer bike and helmet was drawn.

Other initiatives hosted by the council as part of National Bike Wise Week include the Kids Bike Ride at Western Springs on 1 March, between 5.30pm and 7.30pm and a month-long cycle awareness campaign.

ENDS

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