Tuesday 21 February 2006

Come on Auckland - bike it, you’ll like it!

Aucklanders are invited to join in Bike Wise week celebrations from 25 February – 5 March. With lots of fun events around the region to get people out on two wheels, everyone will find something to suit. Free bike checks, free breakfast, unicycle lessons and the opportunity to win great prizes are just some of what’s on offer over the week.

Events include:

- Family and kids bike days (in Auckland City, Waitakere City, Manukau City and North Shore City)
- Bike to Work Breakfasts (Auckland City, Franklin District, Manukau City and North Shore City) on Wednesday 1 March 2006 (National Go by Bike day)
- Bike Wise Business battles
- The Great Auckland Commuter Challenge (organised by Cycle Action Auckland).

Three great reasons to join in:
- It’ll be fun!
- Using your bike for short journeys helps you get fitter! (Biking to work or the shops naturally builds exercise into your day)
- Cycling about the place is better all round for everyone as it's faster, cleaner for the environment and cheaper too.

A listing can be found on MAXX regional transport: http://www.maxx.co.nz/cycle/bike-wise-week.html, where new regional Cycling Maps and Cycle Guide covering the whole of the Auckland region are also available.

Chief Executive Officer, Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) Alan Thompson says, “During this year’s Bike Wise week (Sunday 25 February to Sunday 5 March), we hope Aucklanders will dust off their bikes, pump up their tyres and use the MAXX cycle maps and guide to get out and about on two wheels.”

Anna Percy, Sustainable Transport Manager ARTA says, “The various Bike Wise week celebrations, especially the Bike to Work breakfasts on Wednesday 1 March, are a way for ARTA and local councils to say thank you to the people already biking and to offer more Aucklanders an opportunity to give cycling a go. Currently only around one per cent of commuters cycle, yet compared to driving it can often be faster, gets you fitter, and is much cheaper. Cycling also helps reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

“Ultimately we want Aucklanders to consider biking or walking short trips as second nature rather than always taking the car. We’re working with local councils to get a safe regional cycle network with improved facilities that meet the needs of cyclists.”

The MAXX rail network will be offering cyclists a special deal during this year’s Bike Wise Week. To find out more talk to onboard staff or visit www.maxx.co.nz.

Bike Wise Week is from Saturday 25 February to Sunday 5 March and Go by Bike Day (or Bike to Work Day) is on March 1. It is a national week to encourage more people to cycle in New Zealand. Coordinated by the Health Sponsorship Council, Auckland’s events are run by local councils and cycle advocacy groups such as Cycle Action Auckland.

ENDS

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