For Carolyn Symmans, cycling is about more than just keeping fit or saving money on petrol.
Cycling, the 62-year-old osteoarthritis sufferer said, helps to keep her joints moving.
"I've been advised by the doctor to use it or lose it," she said.
Mrs Symmans bikes 14km to Te Puke an average of once a week. She then does her shopping and bikes home again. Today she celebrated her favourite form of transport by biking to Jellicoe St in Te Puke where she took part in a shared breakfast with other cyclists.
The event was one of many organised for the national Bike Wise Week which aims to promote cycling as a sustainable form of transport and a healthy form of recreation.
Over bagels and bananas, Mrs Symmans met fellow Maketu resident Nicky Goldsbury, 49, who had also pedalled her way to the 7.30am brekkie.
The refuelling stop was a bonus for Te Puke Intermediate School student Jessie McIndoe, 12, who stopped off for a bagel with mum Denise, on her way to school.
Joining the group was Beth Walmsley, 65, of Te Puke's Women on Wheels cycling group.
Sport Bay of Plenty active living co-ordinator Penny Mitropoulos said Bike Wise Week, which runs from February 23 until Sunday, encouraged cyclists to travel in organised groups, increasing the awareness among motorists of cyclists on the road.
For more information on events log on to website: www.bikewiseweek.co.nz.
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