Media Releases

Better by bike

Life is better by bike, is the message at this year's annual celebration of cycling, Go By Bike Day, 13 February.

"Biking is booming in Wellington," says Cycle Aware Wellington spokesperson Patrick Morgan. "Since 2006 the number of people commuting by bikes has doubled."

He says people are rediscovering the simplicity and convenience of getting about by bike.

"There's a new wave of people riding chic European-styled bikes, fixies, cargo bikes and electric-assist bikes."

New Zealand cycle safety received a significant financial boost this week through a $1.2million investment by the Road Safety Trust.

This monetary commitment is recognition of the quality of BikeNZ's and the Cycling Advocates' Network's (CAN) road safety programmes and will assist with the delivery of BikeNZ's Introduction to Road programme around New Zealand, over a three year period.

Cyclists need to make sure they are well lit as daylight saving ends, say the Cycling Advocates Network and Bike NZ.

"The end of daylight saving on Sunday means it's time for cyclists to check their lights and batteries," says CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan.

"Some may be caught out by earlier evening twilight, so we all need to be extra careful."

"Lights, reflectors and high-visibility riding gear make you easier to see," says Mr Morgan.

"Cycling offers the ultimate trip: it's a fast and flexible way to get around, while improving your health at the same time."

New Zealand's best cycling projects, campaigns and champions were announced at the 2 Walk and Cycle Conference in Hastings today.

The finalists were applauded for their contributions to making cycling a fun, safe everyday activity for all New Zealanders.

The Department of Conservation and NZTA banded together to provide world class cycling and walking paths between Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. The success of this effort along with the techniques learned hold promise for better access to all of New Zealand's Parks.