MEDIA RELEASE
5 February 2010
February is national Bike Wise month and Taupo District Council is getting behind it with events for cyclists of all ages.
Bike Wise month is New Zealand’s annual celebration of two-wheeled transport, where Kiwis of all ages are being encouraged to give cycling a go at one of hundreds of events taking place across the country throughout February.
Bike Wise Month is aimed at highlighting the benefits of cycling and getting as many New Zealanders as possible onto their bikes. Road Safety Coordinator Christine Hutchison says the benefits of cycling are obvious. “It’s not just good for your health, think of the petrol and parking money you save, and it’s better for the environment. It’s a win-win situation.”
Taupo District Council, in conjunction with Bike Taupo and Sport Waikato are holding a Family Fun night on Wednesday 10 February 5pm at the Taupo Events Centre carpark. Families are encouraged to come along with their bikes and join a huge convoy of cyclists on a fun ride to Owen Delany Park.
“It will be a lot of fun, and their will be something to suit all levels of riders, like a leisure ride, and a more advanced course for experts,” says Ms Hutchison. Toddlers will be catered for on a special toddler course in the carpark, and there will be a sausage sizzle at 6.30pm.
Taupo District Council are also holding a month-long “Spot the Cyclist” competition, in which a dedicated ‘spotter’ is selecting five lucky cyclists around town each week, giving them a spot prize from one of Taupo’s bike shops. “So far it seems to be working, we’ve seen lots more people out on bikes this month. We’ve given away lots of prizes already.”
Prize winners Amy (5) and Regan (10) Wallis (pictured) say they ride to school most days. “It is fun and you get fitter. My big brother takes good care of me,” said Amy.
Ms Hutchison says being the ‘Cycling Hub’ of New Zealand means there are no excuses to get involved. “Taupo is such a wonderful place to ride bikes, and we want to see everyone in the district using their bikes more - for getting to work, for kids to get to school, and riding just for fun.”
Ms Hutchison wants to thank the support of More FM, Taupo Times, Life Cycles, Top Gear Cycles, Pack & Pedal, Huka Honda/Huka Cycles Taupo, Avanti Plus Corner Shop, and particularly Bike Taupo. “We have an awesome cycling advocacy group, Bike Taupo, who have been responsible for creating many fantastic tracks in the region, and making cycling in Taupo what it is today.”?
‘Spot the Cyclist’ competition winners Amy (5) and Regan (10) Wallis