No Major Incident Or Injury At Pushbike Pub Crawl

New Zealand Police National News Release
9:05am 21 December 2008

Police are pleased that an annual pushbike pub crawl in Hawera passed without major incident or injury yesterday (Saturday, 20 December).

Around 1600 riders descended on Hawera to ride to Normanby and back, visiting up to nine pubs en route before spending the evening in Hawera town.

Organisers of the event failed to respond to a police appeal to make the growing event safer, but local businessman Dick Sybrandy did step forward to fund and implement a highway plan including a coned off cycle lane and reduced speed limits.

There were in excess of 20 police officers and police volunteers working shifts throughout the day along side Roadsafe Taranaki and Health Protection staff.

Area Commander Insp Frank Grant said: "I'm generally pleased with the way the day went, more so than in previous years. I wouldn't lose any sleep if the event didn't go ahead as the staff assisting from around the region could be better utilised, but I also accept that the event is iconic for Hawera and for one-day a year the majority of people are out to have a fun and trouble-free day.

"The extra high visibility police resources put in place this year gave the opportunity for staff and volunteers to build a good rapport with those taking part. It also meant they were able to spot any tensions rising and diffuse situations before they escalated."

A handful of people fell off their bikes, the most serious injury being a man who fell onto a glass bottle cutting his hand. 15 people were arrested in total throughout the day and evening for a range of relatively minor offences including wilful damage, breach of the peace and assault.

"You can't expect to have 1600 people on bikes mixed with significant amounts of alcohol and not have some incidents, but they were minimal and minor and we can't ask for more than that", said Mr Grant.

ends

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