The New Zealand transport agency is launching an initiative to reduce urban traffic volumes by encouraging summer cycling.

The focus of the Aotearoa Bike Challenge is on enlisting businesses and organizations taking part and encouraging the participation of employees.

Government agencies want more people cycling. Photo: Supplied.

'More people cycling to work, to keep fit, or simply for fun has positive benefits for riders and for our transport network,” says Transport Agency National Cycling Manager Dougal List.

'The Aotearoa Bike Challenge is a great way to encourage people to get out and give cycling a go, even if they haven't ridden a bike for a while.”

With the change of seasons and daylight saving it's the perfect time for New Zealanders to get on their bikes and the perfect opportunity to sign up and get ready for the Aotearoa Bike Challenge in February, says Dougal.

MetService General Manager Corporate Affairs Jacqui Bridges says the Aotearoa Bike Challenge will be a wonderful way to encourage staff to get on their bikes and to generate some friendly competition between the teams.

'MetService is a big supporter of staff well-being and we take pride in being a bike-friendly workplace. We'll be promoting the Aotearoa Bike Challenge to all our staff, not only those who are keen cyclists but the rookie bikers too,” says Jacqui.

Organisations from across New Zealand are encouraged to take part in the challenge and get their staff and department teams to compete to see who can get the most people to ride a bike. There are prizes and spot prizes on offer as an extra incentive to take part.

Organizations and departments will compete against those of a similar size for a fair chance of winning. There are six size categories: 2000+ staff, 500-1,999 staff, 200-499 staff, 50-199 staff, 20-49 staff, 7-19 staff, and 3-6 staff.

Participation counts towards departmental and organization scores - the per centage of total staff that participate in the challenge, is how competition between other companies and departments is measured.

Which workplaces can get the most people to ride a bike for just 10 minutes or more?

It's not about who can ride the most kilometres during February 2017, but who can encourage the most people to give bicycling a try. The teams which get the highest percentage of their staff riding for their size category will win.

Prizes including movie ticket vouchers, local restaurant vouchers, bike gear, and one lucky pedaller will win a new bike. You can sign up now at.