22 November 2016

Auckland Bike Challenge returns as part of nationwide event

The Auckland Bike Challenge is back in February 2017, and is bigger and better as part of the nationwide ‘Aotearoa Bike Challenge’.

The Auckland Bike Challenge is a fun, free workplace competition that encourages employees to give cycling a go during February. Run by Auckland Transport and supported by Healthy Auckland Together, Auckland Regional Public Health Service and Sustainable Business Network, the event supports workplaces to encourage their staff to ride for at least ten minutes a day.

Rides are recorded online, and businesses can compete against other similar sized firms within the Auckland region and nationwide. Prizes will go to the businesses with the greatest number of people cycling to work.

“This year’s first challenge in Auckland was so popular that it will now be run nationwide next year” says Melanie Alexander, Travel Demand Manager at Auckland Transport.

“We hoped to attract 60 workplaces and 192 signed up. Entrants will not only compete against Auckland workplaces and be in to win local prizes, they’ll also be competing against entrants throughout New Zealand who have registered for the Aotearoa Bike Challenge, with the chance to win national and even global prizes.

“Auckland’s new cycle culture has led to a big growth in the number of people cycling. A key reason is the expanding cycle network, it’s getting easier to cycle around the city, and for many it’s already become a great way to travel to and from work”.

Auckland Transport is working with project partners Auckland Council and the Government through the NZ Transport Agency and the Urban Cycleways Programme on a $200m programme of cycle improvements from 2015 to 2018.

“We know that fit, healthy staff are happier and more productive. The challenge is a great opportunity for employers who are focused on building successful teams and sustainable workplaces. The great thing about the Auckland Bike Challenge is that everyone can take part, even if you haven’t been on a bike for years.”

More than 61 staff from Beca took part in the 2016 Auckland Bike Challenge.

“We had an awesome time,” says Beca mechanical engineer Matt Girvan. “The online website system was nice and easy to use, and while the vast majority of entrants already biked to work. the challenge did draw additional riders out of the woodwork. We were also stoked with the support provided by Auckland Transport including an onsite bike mechanics workshop and local Pit Stop.”

Auckland businesses can sign up free to the Auckland Bike Challenge at www.lovetoride.net/auckland

The website includes a live leader board to track local and national results, information on prizes and easy ways to encourage others to participate.

ENDS

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