Sick of traffic jams? The cost of petrol got you down? Annoyed by the lack of parking in the CBD? Then why not ditch your car and jump on your bicycle for Bike Wise Month.

February sees the return of the NZ Transport Agency's month-long national cycling programme which aims to promote cycling as a fun, healthy and safe way to travel.

February sees the return of the NZ Transport Agency's Bike Wise Month. Photo: File

Sport BOP Western Bay recreation advisor Dahl Gurdit-Singh says a number of cycling-related events will be taking place across the region under the sports trust's Play in the Bay initiative.

'Play in the Bay runs for eight months of the year, with each month themed to a specific activity like walking or indoor sports,” he says.

'For our initiative February is Bike Month, linking inwith the national Bike Wise programme, and this sees us working with local facilities and groups to provide help and support.”

Two of the many events taking place across the Bay this month include the Waikareao Estuary Scavenger Hunt and the Go By Bike Day.

The aim of the scavenger hunt is to encourage locals to get out and explore the 9km pathway that loops around the Waikareao Estuary, says Dahl.

'So people are given a map and eight questions which they have to answer by visiting landmarks that are located along the Waikareao pathway. They'll then submit their answers to Sport BOP and d go into the draw to win a $100 bike shop voucher.”

While the big one for Sport BOP will be the annual Go By Bike Day which is taking place across the whole region.

Dahl says the aim of Go by Bike Day is to encourage both adults and children alike to cycle to and from work or school.

'We'll be setting up pit stops across the region from 6.45am to 9am. People who pop by will receive a few little giveaways, some refreshments and there'll also be a few prize draws,” says Dahl.

There were more than 56,000 Kiwis who took part in some 370 events across the country during Bike Wise Month last year.

NZTA national cycling manager Dougal List is encouraging all cyclists to download the official New Zealand code for cyclists for a comprehensive guide to safer cycling.

'With more than one million cyclists on our roads, it's important that both cyclists and motorists look out for one another and share the roads safely,” says Dougal.

For a list of events taking place in the Bay for Bike Wise Month visit: www.bikewise.co.nz or the Sport BOP website at: www.sportbop.co.nz/februarybikemonth