15 February 2005

Labour ministers challenge Greens to bike ride

Labour Ministers Trevor Mallard and Steve Maharey have challenged Green Party co-leader Rod Donald and MP Mike Ward to a bike ride 25 km into town tomorrow morning for National Bike to Work Day.

The parliamentary competitors will set out from Trevor Mallard's Wainuiomata home in the Hutt Valley to arrive in time for the breakfast celebrations in Wellington’s Civic Square, which start at 7am.

“I’ve cycled over the Wainuiomata hill a few times lately. It’s a great way to do my 30 minutes a day of Push Play,” Trevor Mallard said.

“Cycling to work is an excellent way for people to get some regular exercise and fresh air. Also wearing my new hat as Energy Minister, it is important that we encourage alternative forms of transport other than oil-burning vehicles.”

Steve Maharey said a bit of good spirited competition is always healthy.

"It's all part of encouraging New Zealanders to be more active regularly. Doing some form of physical activity everyday is important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle - biking to work is an excellent way to incorporate exercise into your day without making any major lifestyle changes," Steve Maharey said.

National Bike to Work Day is part of Bike Wise Week, which is a nationwide initiative from the Health Sponsorship Council sponsored by SPARC (Sport & Recreation New Zealand).

Sparc has also developed an award-winning resource called Cycle Friendly Employer to encourage employers to make it possible for their employees to cycle to work regularly. Cycle Friendly Employer is available online at www.sparc.org.nz.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media