Mayors Lead in Cycle Mad City Square Off
Bike Wise media release, 23 February 2007

Mayors in many districts around New Zealand will be donning yellow jerseys this weekend and leading their city’s cyclists in a bid to win the Cycle Mad City 2007 award.

The Mayoral Challenge, held on Sunday 25 February in most districts, is one of a number of events to celebrate Bike Wise Week – 24 February to 4 March. The city that gets the most people riding behind their mayor will win the coveted title.

The Mayoral Challenge was held for the first time in 2006. More than 8,000 cyclists took part nationwide; with the title won by New Plymouth which mobilised 2,000 cyclists behind Mayor Peter Tennant.

This year at least 24 centres will take part (up from 16 last year) and participation is expected to be significantly higher.

“Interest has been amazing after the success of last year,” says event organiser Brent Skinnon of Bike Wise.

“People had heaps of fun on the day, including the mayors, and this year there’s a real spirit of competition among the local organisers who all want their district to win.”

Each district will earn one point for every rider who rides behind the mayor. Extra points will be allocated for high profile entrants – including celebrities, councillors, business leaders and journalists.

Local bodies taking part this year include Rodney, Waitakere, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Tauranga, Rotorua, Gisborne, Taupo, Wairoa, Central Hawke’s Bay, Hastings, Taranaki, Wanganui, Feilding, Porirua, Hutt City, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, Hokitika, Christchurch, Ashburton, Dunedin, Alexandria and Invercargill.

Brent Skinnon says the Mayoral Challenge is a great opportunity for regular cyclists and for those who have been thinking about hitting the pedals for the first time.

“There’s been a real cycling resurgence in New Zealand. If you’ve had a hankering to rescue your bike from the back of the garden shed, there’s never been a better time. You’ll find cycling is a cheap, fun way to get from A to B. It’ll keep you fit and it’s easy on the environment.

“The main point of the challenge is for you to get out and have a good time riding a bike. Lots of fun activities are also organised such as spot prizes and free giveaways, so it’s a fantastic family event. The rides aren’t too long or difficult, so anybody can take part.”

The official Mayoral Challenge day is on Sunday 25 February, though some centres will be holding it on a different day to avoid clashes with other Bike Wise Week events. It is sponsored by Avanti and Tasti Foods.

People wishing to take part can find details about their centre’s Mayoral Challenge at www.bikewise.org.nz.

ENDS

© Scoop Media