The NZ Transport Agency is urging more Kiwis to get wise to the joys of cycling this February, with dozens of events planned around the country as part of Bike Wise Month, New Zealand’s annual celebration of cycling.
Bike Wise is a national cycling programme supported by the NZ Transport Agency to promote cycling as a fun and healthy way to travel, while encouraging all road users to share the road safely.
With hundreds of cycling related events on offer around the country throughout the month, there’s something for everyone. Events include family-friendly festivals, competitive races, women’s only events, cycle skills training and even a series of Big Bike Tune Ups where mechanics conduct free bicycle maintenance and safety checks.
“Bike Wise Month features plenty of opportunities for Kiwis to get involved in cycling and we’d love to see more people out there giving it a go this February. With more people out on bikes over the summer months, it’s also an ideal time to remind drivers and people who cycle to look out for each other, be considerate and share the road safely,” says Ernst Zollner, NZ Transport Agency Road Safety Director.
Mr Zollner said the NZ Transport Agency recently launched a Share the Road education and advertising campaign designed to personalise and humanise people cycling so that motorists see beyond the bike. More information is available via www.nzta.govt.nz/about/advertising/other-advertising/share-the-road.html(external link)
This year marks the 12th year of the Bike Wise programme. In 2013, more than 800 events attracted some 75,000 participants nationwide.
Go By Bike Day
A highlight of Bike Wise Month is national Go By Bike Day on Wednesday 12 February, when New Zealanders are encouraged to leave their cars at home and cycle to work, school or wherever they’re going.
Safety first
Before hitting the road, brush up on your skills through the official New Zealand code for cyclists(external link) and remember these key tips for sharing the road safely:
Safety Tips for people cycling
Safety Tips for Motorists
For more information on the Bike Wise programme, activities happening in your area, cycle routes, bike info and more, visit the Bike Wise website www.bikewise.co.nz(external link). You can also get cycling news and updates on the Bike Wise Facebook page (www.facebook.com/bikewise(external link)) and on Twitter www.twitter.com/bikewisenz(external link).