Getting more children biking regularly is the goal of New Zealand's top cycling projects this year.
Schools and children are the winners at ASB Cycle Friendly Awards
Getting more children biking regularly is the goal of New Zealand's top cycling projects this year.
We are delighted to reward projects that are getting children on their bikes, said Awards Coordinator Dirk De Lu.
"Having fun on a bike should be part of every Kiwi child's life. These projects empower our children to stay in shape, gain confidence, build independence, and best of all, to enjoy the freedom of cycling."
We all win when more people bike, said Mr De Lu.
"Skilled cyclists make safer drivers, reduce traffic congestion, and lower our health and roading bills."
Other winners focus on promoting stylish dress and comfortable, upright bikes.
Greater Wellington Regional Council Chair Fran Wilde presented the ASB Cycle Friendly Awards at Wellington Town Hall this evening. The awards are organised by the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN).
Winners received bike bell trophies.
Winners by Category
Category: Avanti Best Cycle Facility Project
For transport infrastructure projects which promote cycling and a cycle-friendly environment. Examples are new cycle ways, parking facilities, or roading projects.
Winner: Bikes in Schools, St Mary's School, Hastings
Contact: Elizabeth Crowley, Principal, tel 06-876-6421, http://www.stmaryshastings.school.nz
or Paul McArdle, tel 027-747-9192
Bikes in Schools is a unique project that provides all pupils at primary schools regular access to a bike, helmet and specially designed bike tracks within the school grounds. The aim is to encourage pupils to become active and healthy, develop bike skills, and build self esteem and confidence.
Category: Canterbury District Health Board Best Cycling Promotion Project
For education or encouragement efforts which promote cycling and a cycle-friendly environment. Examples include publicity campaigns, school education programmes, or promotional cycling events.
Winner: Auckland Cycle Style - an evening of fabulous bikes and fashion
Frocks on Bikes, Auckland chapter
Contact: Pippa Coom, tel 021-926-618, http://frocksonbikes.wordpress.com/
Over 450 people braved a mid-winter evening to attend a unique show of stylish bikes and fashion at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour. Guests were treated to valet bike parking, wine and gourmet canapés, invited to try out Copenhagen-style and everyday bikes, and were treated to a Cycle Style fashion show.
Category: NZ Transport Agency Cycle Friendly Commitment by a Business
For companies that have encouraged and supported cycling by staff, customers and clients. Examples include cyclist parking and changing facilities, employee support and incentive programmes, and company 'pool' bikes. Nominations cover both general businesses and those directly involved in the bicycle industry.
Winner: Mamachari Bicycles, Wellington
Contact: Jason Penny, tel 021-065-0801, http://mamachari.co.nz
Mamacharis are second-hand, upright bicycles from Japan. Mamachari Bicycles' mission is to re-normalise everyday cycling in New Zealand by refurbishing and selling stylish bikes to people looking for a comfortable ride. Mamachari bicycles are a chic way of getting about your daily life - suit, skirt, heels and all.
Category: ViaStrada Cycle Friendly Commitment by a Public Organisation
For public or government organisations that encourage and support cycling. Examples include cyclist parking / changing facilities, employee support and incentive programmes.
Winner: Belmont School cycle to school programme
Belmont Intermediate School, North Shore, Auckland
Contact: Principal, Justin Sommerville, tel 021-903-994 http://www.belmontint.school.nz
The Auckland Region is known for its high levels of traffic congestion, concentrated around the school day. 20% of traffic is estimated to be school related. Belmont Intermediate has bucked the trend by actively promoting cycling to school by its students. It is a role model for the region in consistently achieving exceptionally high numbers of cyclists.
Category: Greater Wellington Regional Council Cycling Champion of the Year
For contributions made by individual New Zealanders for the promotion of cycling.
Winners: Paul McArdle and Meg Frater, Bike On NZ, Hastings, tel 027-747-9192, http://www.bikeon.co.nz
Paul McArdle and Meg Frater have applied their energy towards a simple goal: more people biking, more often. Projects such as Bikes in Schools, Police on Bikes, T-BO (teenagers bike on) and Bike On Flaxmere have made headlines, raised funds, been endorsed by the Prime Minister, and most importantly, got more people biking. New projects were launched today in Maraenui and Flaxmere, bringing the number of school kids cycling regularly to 1,000 as a direct result of Bikes in Schools.
All finalists are at http://can.org.nz/awards2010
Contact: Dirk De Lu, Awards Coordinator,
Cycling Advocates Network tel 022-608-0214