Bike wise

Bike Wise month 2010 saw 55,000 kiwis cycling across the country in a delightful selection of over 300 fun, exciting and safe cycling events.

The many activities like Go by Bike Days, the Mayoral events and the Bike Wise Challenge enticed people to switch from cars, buses and trains to cycling for a day or the whole month. More new cyclists got onto their bikes and found it fun, easy and enjoyable. 

One of the key highlights of the month was the Bike Wise Challenge. More than 2,000 organisations and departments took part, logging 1.5 million kilometres. Three-quarters of the trips logged for the Challenge were for transport purposes, which saved 240,000 kilograms of CO2. That’s 4,300 cars driving 10 kilometres to or from work everyday. The Challenge helped many rediscover the joys and convenience of cycling, with 27% of participants cycling more after the Challenge based on a post-Challenge survey. The Challenge also saw a greater number of new cyclists participating from 7% in 2009 to 22% in 2010. 

Behind the many fun and exciting activities, there is a serious message: cycling can be a practical way to travel. Along with walking, cycling is increasing becoming a highly sustainable way to get around. It’s easily affordable and adaptable to changes such as fuel shortages and price increases. It causes virtually no noise or air pollution and saves money and time. 

Through Bike Wise, the NZ Transport Agency and the Ministry of Health have been working to raise cycling levels and cycle safety. It’s been an annual event since 1995 delivered by a network of highly dedicated group of regional and local coordinators from Regional Sports Trusts, councils, the Police, schools, cycle advocate groups and many more. Over the years Bike Wise has managed to successfully build a growing culture of cycling for both transport and recreation, with the number of new cyclists steadily increasing. 

The next Bike Wise Month in 2011 promises more new and exciting activities. The key Bike Wise dates for 2011 are: