Record Participation In Bike Wise Business Battle

Record Participation In Bike Wise Business Battle

Thursday 16 March 2006

Four thousand five hundred people peddled almost to the moon in this year’s Bike Wise Business Battle. Competitors from more than 200 organisations took part, cycling a total of 300,000 kilometres – not too far off the distance between the Earth and the Moon which is around 384,000 kilometres.

The Business Battle is co-ordinated by the Health Sponsorship Council (HSC) and runs during Bike Wise Week, which this year was 25 February to 5 March.

Businesses competed for 20 SPARC Push Play Participation Awards, given to the companies that got the highest percentage of their staff to hop on a bike and go for a ride.

HSC walking and cycling programme director Brent Skinnon said high participation in the Business Battle reflects a renewed interest in biking apparent nationwide.

“The Business Battle 2006 was our most successful yet, with participant numbers up by over 40 percent from last year. In fact, co-ordinators from all over the country reported record turn-outs at many Bike Wise promotions and events.

“Cycling seems to be going through something of a renaissance, which we put down to high motoring costs, environmental concerns and more people wanting to be fit and healthy.

“We’re rapt at how many people were prepared to give the Business Battle a go, and with the support received from employers all over the country.”

ENDS

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