Give biking a go during Bike Wise Week

Friday 17 February 2006

It’s fun, it’s healthy, it’s cheap and it’s better for the environment. So give biking a go during Bike Wise Week in the Bay of Plenty.

You’ll be joining hundreds of cyclists involved in a variety of events all over the region between Saturday 25 February and Sunday 5 March. Activities range from a mayoral challenge in Whakatane to school cycle safety classes in Tauranga and a trendy café-to-cafe bike ride in Rotorua.

Bike Wise Week is a nationwide event that promotes biking as a fun and healthy means of transport, explains regional coordinator Mike Seabourne. “Cycling has become a way of life for many Bay of Plenty residents, who want to save money, keep fit, and take care of the environment.

We invite them to come and enjoy the Bike Week activities in their area, but we’re also really encouraging people who have a bike but don’t often use it to have a go. They might find they really like it!”

Mr Seabourne says cyclist safety is the focus of Bike Wise Week this year. “We ask road users to watch out for cyclists and, as the advertisement goes, to take care they ‘Don’t Burst their Bubble’. You must give cyclists enough room, at least a metre, when you pass them.” It is also important to indicate and check for cyclists before turning, he adds.

Cyclists can make it safer for themselves by checking their bikes are working properly, putting on their helmets correctly, and wearing clothes that ensure they are visible on the road. It also pays to refresh your knowledge of the road rules. Children under 10 years should to be accompanied by an adult.

Mr Seabourne says cycling has many benefits. “After only a few weeks, people who start cycling improve their fitness and leg strength, reduce their body fat, feel more invigorated and enhance their mental well-being. Regular biking reduces blood pressure, absorption of cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. Cycling is also one of the cleanest forms of transport, as there are no vehicle emissions, and saves on petrol, car maintenance and parking costs.

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“It’s fun, it’s healthy, it’s cheap – what have you got to lose!” he says.

ENDS

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