29 January 2016
Huge numbers join workplace cycle competition
More than 137 workplaces and 1600 individuals will be competing against each other in the inaugural Auckland Bike
Challenge.
Organised by Auckland Transport and supported by Healthy Auckland Together and Auckland Regional Public Health, the
Auckland Bike Challenge encourages employers to promote cycling to staff during February – Bikewise month. Entrants
record every bike journey they make during the month (to work and after work time), add their distance covered with
other participants at their workplace and then compare it with organisations of a similar size. Teams then compete for a
number of prizes.
Auckland Transport Travel Demand Manager Melanie Alexander says registrations are double what was expected. “It’s pretty
incredible. Workplaces are embracing the challenge, it is a nice fit for workplaces wellbeing and sustainability
objectives. That is especially the case for workplaces in the city centre where improvement works will make choosing to
bike to work a great option.
“We are seeing a real increase in the number of people cycling in Auckland which is great. An increasing number of
commuting cyclists are realising the personal fitness, health and wealth benefits of biking to work or study. ”
One of the employers participating in the Auckland Cycle Challenge is Auckland architecture firm Jasmax. Around 40 staff
are taking part and the company is running internal competitions with spot prizes and organising lunchtime rides.
Managing Principal Marko den Breems says: “We have a number of keen cyclists here at Jasmax already, and are busy
working to encourage more to join us. Raising awareness of the new cycle routes and their potential to make cycling in
the city safer will help us to do that.”
The Auckland cycle network is expanding with the recent opening of the pink Lightpath, Nelson Street Cycleway and
improvements on the Northwestern Cycleway making it easier for Aucklanders to ride to and from work safely. Auckland
Transport, NZ Transport Agency and Auckland Council are working on a $200 million programme of cycle improvements over
the next three years.
The Auckland Bike Challenge goes from 1 February to 29 February and employers can enter any time throughout the month.
To enter go to www.lovetoride.net/auckland
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