Young cycle enthusiasts from around the region have been honoured today for their contribution to the Tauranga City Council Cycle Plan.

Around 80 students, parents and teachers from nine schools around the district packed out the council chambers this morning for a special awards ceremony.

Students were treated to screenings of each winning video entry and a lunch with Mayor Greg Brownless, members of the TCC Transport Committee and a number of councillors.

Winning schools include Pillans Point Primary School, Mount Maunganui Primary School, Golden Sands Primary School, and Mount Maunganui Intermediate School.

Mayor Greg Brownless says it's great to see children excited about cycling.

'It sets the scene for the future,” he says. 'Kids get a love for cycling and as they grow into adults they're going to continue cycling.

'The alternative is that we have a city that's full of even more cars and buses and people getting unhealthier, so I think it's great they are getting a love for it from an early age.”

He says the quality of entries this year was outstanding.

'I've seen potential movie directors, actors and public speakers.”

Joining the festivities was TCC Transport Committee chairperson Rick Curach. In a speech to the audience, he says it's fantastic having youth involved in the plan.

'More than 60 per cent of feedback on our Cycle Plan was received from people under the age of 16,” he says.

Schools were asked to make their own videos to encourage the public to provide feedback on the Council's Cycle Plan.

Fifteen schools in total took part in the competition. Winning entries are available for viewing on the TCC website.