MAYORAL CHALLENGE REVEALS TOP CYCLING CENTRES
Bike Wise Media Release 9 March 2007

Twenty-six centres around New Zealand squared off in this year's Mayoral Challenge, and the results are now out. Wellington is officially New Zealand's most cycle-mad city, and Selwyn is our most cycle-mad town.

The awards are given each year to the centres that can muster the most cyclists to ride behind their mayors. The event, part of Bike Wise Week, involved almost 10,500 cyclists nationwide.

In the capital, Mayor Kerry Prendergast led 1,799 cyclists in a ride around the Wellington bays, achieving a total of 1,834 points, more than any other city. One point was awarded for each rider, with extra points gained for high profile entrants such as celebrities and city councillors.

A second award for districts with a population of less than 58,000 people went to Selwyn which mobilised 678 riders achieving 783 points.

This is the second year that the Mayoral Challenge has run. Last year 8,400 cyclists took part in just 18 centres. Bike Wise Programme Manager Brent Skinnon said he was thrilled at the way the event has grown.

"The Mayoral Challenge is all about getting out and having fun on a bike, and I'm pleased that so many people got behind the idea and came out to enjoy themselves. Even the mayors had a great time."

He said that the increased turnout was a further sign that the bike is back, and that cycling is becoming a way of life for more and more people.

"Over 100,000 people took part in Bike Wise Week events this year; that's way more people than play rugby. People are starting to cycle more because it's such a great way to get around. It keeps you fit, doesn't produce greenhouse gases, and takes about the same time as a car on small trips.

"If you're looking for a way to become more active in your daily life, then try cycling. You'd be in great company. More than 100,000 New Zealanders can't be wrong!"

ENDS

Full list of results
Region / People on Ride / Total Points

Rotorua / 151 / 231
Porirua / 363 / 404
Wanganui / 231 / 386
Orewa / 1400 / 1615
Waipa / 167 / 387
Feilding / 279 / 1074
Selwyn / 678 / 798
Tauranga / 65 / 75
Hokitika / 196 / 226
Hutt / 986 / 996
Central Otago District / 86 / 176
Whakatane / 158 / 268
Tasman / 175 / 205
Wellington / 1799 / 1834
Waitakere City Council / 180 / 210
Nelson City / 546 / 646
New Plymouth / 600 / 810
Ashburton / 153 / 408
Dunedin / 302 / 352
Invercargill / 168 / 220
Marlborough / 629 / 664
Hastings / 296 / 476
Gisborne / 150 / 400
Taupo / 285 / 410
Central Hawke's Bay / 326 / 546
Wairoa / 60 / 170
Total people / 10429

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