Bike Wise

Bike Wise Month February 2010

February is Bike Wise Month and Nelsonians are being invited to experience the joys of life in the cycle lane with several events to entice people out of their cars, off their couches, and onto their bikes.

The annual cycling celebration has become so popular that a full month is now needed to accommodate more than 500 events held around the country.

Bike Wise Month is all about lifting cycling’s profile and getting more Kiwis to realise or re-discover how enjoyable and convenient it is. Events have a heavy emphasis on fun, and they’re designed to suit anyone. You don’t have to be a hardened pro or own any special gear. Just dust off your bike, grab a helmet, round up the kids, and get involved.

Wednesday 17 February – Go by Bike Day

There’ll be a free breakfast and some great giveaways for everyone cycling to work or school on Wednesday 17 February. Both Nelson Mayor Kerry Marshall and Deputy Mayor Rachel Reese are planning on taking part on the day. Make sure you do, too, and call in to the following locations to fuel up for free:

  • RIDE Nelson (formerly BikeHQ), 29 Halifax Street, Nelson
  • R & R Sport, Cnr Rutherford & Bridge Streets, Nelson
  • Stewarts Avanti Plus Nelson, 114 Hardy Street, Nelson
  • Kelvin’s Cycles, 109 Rutherford Street, Nelson
  • Cycle Surgery, 675B Main Road, Stoke
  • Railway Reserve, near Broadgreen Intermediate, Stoke – hosted by Stoke Cycles
  • Village Cycles, Richmond

Bike Wise Challenge

The Bike Wise Challenge runs from 1-28 February. This year there is a new web address as the name of the competition has changed. Now you need to go to www.bikewisechallenge.co.nz to register to take part. Remember, the Challenge is not about cycling the most kilometres, it’s all about getting more people to experience and remember how fun and easy cycling can be.

As well as the health benefits, cycling offers a cost-effective way to commute, with savings made on petrol, parking fees and even gym memberships.

In 2010 there will be daily prize draws for those people who manage to encourage someone who hasn’t ridden in a year or more to get back on a bike.

Upcycle

UpCycle, a coaching programme designed to help Nelson/Tasman residents get back on their bikes is now calling for enrolments.

UpCycle is a Bicycle Nelson Bays initiative that has helped 40 people over the past two years. And this year, Nelson Marlborough District Health Board’s Nutrition and Physical Activity Programme (NPA), with support from Nelson City Council has made it possible to expand the programme and offer it to 100 people.

You can enrol now for the ongoing programme that covers four components: helping participants purchase a bike, bike maintenance, basic skills, and competent road-riding. Phone +64 3 544 3957 for more details and to enrol.