Bike wise

It’s a celebration

To get more onto their bikes, towns and cities have been competing to get the most number of people biking to vie for the title of “Cycle Mad City” for the year. Bike Wise Month in February saw 50 towns and cities taking part, attracting over 13,000 participants nationwide. Organisers of two winning councils for 2010 – Ethna Renner from Central Hawke’s Bay District Council and James Baty from Wairoa District Council, share with Bike Wise what’s so great about these events.

It’s about rediscovering

For both, it’s about rediscovering the joys of cycling with families, friends and local communities. “It’s a community event that is really positive and fun. It’s family oriented and everyone enjoys it,” says James. Ethna adds, “The Mayoral Challenge is…about everyone having a go at cycling and coming away feeling like a winner for turning up and taking part.”

It’s also heartening to see how such activities have made a significant impact on individuals beyond the event. Ethna relates the experience of a young girl who won an Avanti bicycle in a previous Mayoral Challenge event: “After winning the bike, to her parent’s surprise, she enlisted in her first ever local triathlon which took place a few weeks later. When she completed the triathlon, her parents were so proud of her that she went on to compete in a series of triathlons.”

James and Ethna’s dedication in organising the Mayoral Challenge events for the past four years is clear from their strong passion and beliefs in the value of cycling that extends not only to the individual, but to the community and the environment as a whole. James explains, “Use of cars for work trips often places a heavy drain on household resources. This usually means either purchasing a second car or accepting a reduced level of mobility.Cycling provides an opportunity for mobility and independence…and offers a low-cost transport alternative for everyone.” For Ethna, “cycling is an excellent low impact exercise” that will significantly improve health and fitness for the individual and community as a whole. “It is also a chance for you to meet people and stayed connected,” says Ethna. James sums it up: “Cycling can result in reduced health care costs, motorised traffic, air pollution, noise, and increased quality of life.”

Have fun!

The Mayoral Challenge events are typically held in the weekends throughout the Bike Wise February month, with short cycle rides led by the Mayors and ending with a many cycling related activities. Wairoa had a ride that started outside Wairoa Community Centre, led by their Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome and finished off at Alexandra Park. Many of the 258 residents came dressed as their favourite celebrity and some even had their bikes decorated. For the 250 residents of the Hawkes Bay region, they did two laps round Russell Park on a Saturday morning, with Mayor Trish Giddens and 10 Hawks Basketball players leading the way. The local radio station got the crowds roaring, while they soaked up the lively atmosphere in their fancy costumes and bikes. Ending off the event with a bang, Sherwood School was awarded the best school for its highest percentage of cyclists. 

Organising tips

For those thinking of organising next year’s Mayoral Challenge, Ethna and James have some useful tips to offer. Ethna shares: “Plan well in advance and if possible, don’t leave anything to chance. Choose your event date carefully and make sure it doesn’t clash with other community events and if possible compliment or tie it in with local events to make it a fun day out for everyone. Have the event at a central location so it is accessible. Ensure it appeals to a wide range of age groups. Make it a community event. Get the community involved as much as possible.” It is also about having plenty of volunteers to share the load. Says Ethna: “We were fortunate to have wonderful council staff who took time out to support an event like this. They were absolutely amazing!” James adds, “Having a good marketing and communications strategy certainly helps and of course, great weather!”

“See you next year!”

Ultimately, such Mayoral Challenge events leave a smile on everyone’s faces, with many looking forward to the next one. “See you next year!” says one of the participants. For those thinking of organising or attending the next Mayoral Challenge event in their local area, do check the Bike Wise website or local councils for details. The 2011 Mayoral Challenge events can be held on any Saturday or Sunday between 1 February and 6 March 2011. Registration to organise these events will open from November 2010 on Bike Wise’s website.

- Contributed by Ethna Renner, Central Hawke’s Bay District Council and James Baty, Wairoa District Council