Companies squaring off in cycle challenge

10 February 2009

Companies squaring off in cycle challenge

Don’t be surprised if you see more two-wheeled commuters on the road this month. February is Bike Wise Month, and the annual Bike Wise Battle is on again. All across the country employers are encouraging staff to get on their bikes and rack up the kilometres in an effort to out-do the competition and secure the title of New Zealand’s most cycle-friendly workplace.

This year more than 11,000 employees representing around 600 companies and 1,800 departments have signed up to brave a bike seat for the ‘good of the firm’.

The Bike Wise Battle is a highlight of Bike Wise Month, a nationwide campaign aimed at getting Kiwis to up their activity levels and reduce their carbon footprints by getting back on bikes. To win the title of most cycle-friendly workplace, organisations compete against others of similar-size to see who can get the highest percentage of staff riding.

Workers only have to cycle for 10 minutes or for two kilometres at a time to take part. Tallies are entered at the Bike Wise Battle website so companies can see how they’re doing and pick up the pace if needed.

NZ Transport Agency Media Manager Andy Knackstedt says participation in the Battle is at an all time high, reflecting a growth in the popularity of cycling as a form of commuter transport.

“The rising number of people choosing to cycle to work is really noticeable. People want to be more active, save money on fuel and do their bit to lessen global warming, so cycling to work makes a lot of sense on an individual level.

“But cycling also makes good business sense. Many employers are providing showers, changing rooms, secure bike parking and fleet bikes for work use because they enjoy having healthy, active staff and a clean, green reputation.”

He says, however, that the Bike Wise Battle is mainly about having fun.

“We want people to experience the enjoyment of cycling as an easy way of getting from A to B, and the Battle helps people do that.”

Organisations can join the battle at any time during February, by registering at the Bike Wise Battle website on www.bikewisebattle.org.nz. More information is available at the website including a list of organisations taking part and a real time tally of over-all participant numbers.

ENDS

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