NEWS RELEASE
4 February 2008

Attention Wellington cyclists - your city needs you

Bike the Bays - Wellington’s favourite family ride is back.

Join Mayor Kerry Prendergast on Saturday 23 February and help defend the city’s title of Cycle Mad City 2007.

Wellington city is one of 16 cities and regions taking part in this year’s bike challenge. The free event is one of many to mark Bike Wise Week, a nationally-coordinated event promoting biking as a fun and healthy means of transport and enjoyment.

Other local authorities taking part in the cycle challenge are North Shore, Waitakere, Tauranga, Whakatane, Gisborne, Taupo, New Plymouth, Manawatu, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Porirua, Nelson, Wanganui, Christchurch and Invercargill.

The challenge is part of the annual Bike the Bays event, which Mayor Prendergast will lead followed by thousands of people on bikes, trikes and skates. Last year a massive 1800 people took part in the event and wheeled Wellington to victory, seeing it crowned New Zealand’s Cycle Mad City 2007.

“This year we again need thousands of people to help us retain our cycle mad city title. So come on everybody, get on your bike and join us,” says Mayor Prendergast. “This event is not only about showing the rest of New Zealand that Wellington is its most cycle mad city—it’s also a great opportunity for Wellingtonians to get outside, enjoy our beautiful harbour, and get some exercise—all at the same time.”

This year there are three Bike the Bays rides. The rides start at Frank Kitts Park Esplanade and go around the bays to either Waitangi Park (4km return, 11am start), Evans Bay (13km return, 10.30am start) or the 32km loop around Miramar Peninsular, arriving back at Frank Kitts Park (10am start).

The ride to Waitangi Park will have marshals and is traffic free as riders can stay on the shared path around the waterfront. The Evans Bay and Miramar loop have directional staff and water stations. There are no road closures and riders need to follow road rules at all times. The rides will be followed by a picnic at Frank Kitts Park with live bands, giveaways, and food stalls. Prizes include bikes and bike accessories. Don’t forget to bring along food for your picnic, plenty of water and a helmet. You must wear a helmet to participate in the event.

Register on the Feeling Great website www.feelinggreat.co.nz and you could win a new bike.

ENDS

© Scoop Media