Challenge champions set for bright biking

Wellington region cyclists are being encouraged to be "stars who stand out at night" following the recent Aotearoa Bike Challenge.

The workplace challenge, run by Greater Wellington Regional Council in partnership with NZTA and Wellington City Council, had a focus on encouraging employees to cycle throughout February.

This year 353 organisations took part, involving a total of 3846 participants.

Greater Wellington Regional Council travel choice coordinator Amelia Wilkins says the challenge uptake far exceeded expectations.

"We were really pleased that 762 participants were new riders - it shows how a challenge like this can encourage people to take steps towards an active lifestyle."

Last week Capital and Coast District Health Board (CCDHB) were awarded first place for having the greatest number of participants for an organisation of over 2000 employees. 193 CCDHB staff took part in the challenge, 21 of which were new riders.

CCDHB Sustainability Advisor Jay Hadfield says the bike challenge is a great way to encourage more people to discover how easy and enjoyable riding a bike can be.

"As part of our staff travel plan we’re supporting staff to use active transport modes to get to work, so it was great to once again see so many of our staff embracing this fun workplace challenge."

Now that the clocks have gone back and more people could be cycling to and from work in the dark, Amelia says it is important for people to stand out on their bikes.

"Wearing retro-reflective materials on moving parts is an especially effective way to increase visibility."

To encourage people to carry on cycling Greater Wellington has some giveaways to help people stay visible on their bikes.

These include retro-reflective tape for bikes and helmets, back pack covers and slap bands for riders' ankles.

How people in each district can collect the bike packs:

• Send an A4 sized self-addressed and stamped envelope to:

The Travel Choice team

Greater Wellington Regional Council

PO Box 11646

Manners Street

Wellington 6142.

Or pop in to the GWRC reception on Level 2, 15 Walter Street, Te Aro.

• If you are in Porirua, Kapiti or Wairarapa, contact your local council road safety and sustainable transport team.
• Lower Hutt residents please contact roadsafety@huttcity.govt.nz.
• Wellington City residents please email cycling@wcc.govt.nz