Tauranga residents are being encouraged to ditch their cars next month as February 1 marks the start of Bike Wise Month.
This year is the 10th anniversary of the initiative and the NZ Transport Agency is asking people to take up ‘pedal power’ as a mode of transport.
People are being asked to ditch the car keys or bus pass and bike to work next month.
“It’s about getting people from around the country to give cycling a go and see how easy it is to get where you need to go by bicycle,” says Jennie Gianotti, NZTA’s Network User Behaviour Manager.
“New Zealanders have been enjoying cycling since the first bikes arrived in the 1860s.”
She says Bike Wise Month is a chance to get back to those roots, jump on a bike, and rediscover how fun and easy it can be.
“So when you wake up on Wednesday morning, leave the car keys or bus pass on the kitchen counter, and join thousands of other Kiwis cycling to work, school, or wherever.”
Bike Wise Month
Jennie says one of the best things about Bike Wise Month is that there are events catering to everyone.
“If you have access to a working bike, you can take part in Bike Wise Month.”
For more information on Bike Wise Month and to check out upcoming events visit: www.bikewise.co.nz/events.
Jennie says the following benefits can come from riding a bike:
• A 60 minute bike ride burns approximately 600 calories – about the same number as are in three slices of pizza.
• Only half of all adults meet the Ministry of Health definition of being regularly physically active. By incorporating cycling into your daily routine (going to work, shopping or the school run) it becomes easy to reach the recommended 30 minutes a day.
It’s good for your brain:
• Research by the University of California has shown aerobic activity actually helps to grow new brain cells (neurons) in the hippocampus – the part of the brain responsible for memory.
It’s good for business:
• An Australian trial showed employees who exercise regularly were more productive, felt more alert and less stressed in their jobs.