NZ Transport Agency

28 January 2009

February is Bike Wise Month

This year the annual Bike Wise promotion will be extended from a week to the whole month of February to accommodate a growth in cycling’s popularity and an increased number of activities.

Hundreds of events have been organised across the country to celebrate cycling. They will be characterised by noise, colour, activity and fun.

Bike Wise events are well organised, popular and well supported by local celebrities and personalities. If you’re looking for a story with plenty of visual appeal and lots of human interest, consider covering a Bike Wise event.
Details of where and when Bike Wise Month events are being held can be found at www.bikewise.co.nz/Site/events.

Go By Bike Day: On Wednesday 18 February New Zealanders are encouraged to leave their cars at home and 'go by bike' instead. Breakfast events are accompanied by entertainment and bike-related activities. Delicious, free breakfasts have been co-ordinated in more than 50 centres.

Bike Wise Battle: The Battle is back and bigger than ever. Companies, organisations and departments will compete to get as many of their colleagues as possible to hop on a bike during February. Organisations with the highest percentage of staff participation will win vouchers for scrumptious morning tea shouts. There are daily spot prizes and Avanti bikes to be won.

Mayoral Challenge: During February New Zealand towns and cities will compete for the title of Cycle Mad City by getting as many people as possible to ride with their Mayor on a fun bike ride. A point will be earned for each participant, and bonus points will be given for celebrities. In many centres, more than 1,000 cyclists took part. Mayoral Challenge rides have been organised in 50 centres, up from 35 in 2008.

Bike Wise Month is funded by the NZ Transport Agency and the Ministry of Health. Activities are coordinated around the country by schools, councils, sporting groups and many others.

For more details about Bike Wise Month and the fun, family-friendly events happening around the country, see www.bikewise.co.nz.

ENDS

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