Mayors To Get On Their Bikes

Mayors To Get On Their Bikes

Media statement, 10 February 2006

Mayors around the country are bringing the black lycra shorts out of retirement as they prepare to take part in the first Mayoral Cycle Challenge.

The event, one of a number to mark Bike Wise Week at the end of February, pits one region against another as they strive to have the most people ‘ride behind the mayor’. The mayor will lead off, and the region that has the most cyclists following behind will win the coveted title of New Zealand’s Cycle Mad City 2006.

“The response to date has been amazing,” says event organiser Thomas Stokell of HSC.

“We have a large number of centres taking part, and expect up to 10,000 people throughout the country to participate.”

Local bodies that have confirmed their participation are Waitakere, Tauranga, Whakatane, Gisborne, Taupo, Taranaki, Manawatu, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Porirua, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Wanganui, Christchurch and Invercargill.

Thomas Stokell says it should be very obvious who the mayors are.

“Hopefully they’ll be leading the pack. If not, look out for the person in the yellow jersey.”

He says this is a great opportunity for anyone who cycles, or who has ever had a hankering to do so, to dust off their bike helmet and join in.

“Cycling is a great way to keep fit – it benefits the heart and lungs, lowers blood pressure, and helps in weight control. And with today’s high petrol prices, it makes sense economically too.

“Going by bike has become a way of life for many people – you only have to look at the streets around you to see how many people use cycling as their preferred mode of transport”

The Mayoral Challenge takes place on Sunday 26 February. It is sponsored by Avanti and Tasti Foods. People wishing to take part can find local details on www.bikewise.org.nz.

ENDS

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