3 April 2009
February 2009 was Bike Wise Month. This is the fourth year that Bike Wise has been in full-swing. It was also the biggest by far.
Each year events are attended by more cyclists and the promotion’s mantra, “fitter, faster, cleaner, cheaper, fun” is being heard by more Kiwis. When most car trips in New Zealand are quite short and over distances that could easily be cycled, that’s got to be a good thing.
It’s hardly surprising that Bike Wise events attract more pedal pumping punters every year. Cyclist numbers are growing noticeably in New Zealand. About a third of our population (1.27 million people) own bicycles, and a fifth of those say they cycle regularly.
February was a big month for cycling and also included Go By Bike Day on Wednesday 18 February. New Zealanders were encouraged to leave their cars at home and ride a bike instead to work, school, the shops, or wherever they would normally drive. Go By Bike Day breakfasts were held in more than 50 centres across the country.
The Mayoral Challenge is another highlight of Bike Wise Month. The aim is to get as many people as possible riding along with the local mayor. Around 50 towns and cities competed in this year’s Mayoral Challenge, and about 17,300 people took part nationwide.
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