People are trading their cars for bikes for Go by Bike month this month.

Today is Go by Bike Day in Tauranga, Katikati and Whakatane.

Tauranga MP Simon Bridges says biking to and from work is a great alternative to taking the car.

'Cycling is a valuable contributor to healthy communities.

'Not only does it help people incorporate exercise into their daily lives, it is a safe an enjoyable way to get cars off the road and get people to work.”

Sport Bay of Plenty CBOP recreation advisor Lauren Atkinson says the Aotearoa Bike Challenge is a great way to try cycling and win prizes.

Register at www.lovetoride.net/bop, cycle for at least 10 minutes between February 1 and 28, log your rides and encourage your colleagues to sign up and ride too. The higher percentage of staff cycling the more chance you have to win prizes.

'Bike Month may also be the incentive you need to leave the car at home and cycle to work or school.”