Travelling on two wheels bike wise

February is BikeWise Month and to celebrate, Hamilton City Council is hosting BikeWise days.

BikeWise is a national programme of activities that promote cycling as a fun, healthy and safe way to travel.

Hamilton City Council neighbourhood sport and recreation co-ordinator Andrea Timings said the events - to held in Hamilton East and Frankton - would cover cycle skills training, unicycle challenges, obstacle courses, electric bike demonstrations, tasty food, face painting, bouncy castles and live music. There will also be cycle safety equipment to give away to everyone who attends, along with spot prize draws. An adult's commuter bike and a kids' Mongoose bike will be given away at each event.

The Hamilton East event will be held on Sunday, February 10 from 1-3pm at Steele Park on Grey Street. The Frankton event will be held on Monday, February 25 from 4-7pm at Swarbrick Park on Rifle Range Rd.

A beginner cycle skills training course will be held at the Hamilton East event which will include bike checks, riding with one hand, signalling, left and right hand turns and braking. If you attend the beginner course you are eligible to attend the intermediate course at the Frankton event. The intermediate course covers both on and off road cycle skills, as well as negotiating intersections, riding with traffic, and positioning on the road. Courses are limited to 12 per session. To reserve a place phone Hamilton City Council on 838-3600.

Andrea encourages the whole family to attend the events and to take along their bikes, helmets and a picnic.

Thousands of keen Kiwis cyclists are expected to participate in a series of events around the country this month as part of Bike Wise Month.

With hundreds of cycling events registered to take place throughout the country, there will be an event to suit every budding cyclist, from family-friendly festivals to competitive races, and even a series of Big Bike Tune Ups, where free bike checks are offered to ensure bikes are in safe working order before setting out.

As part of Bike Wise Month, Go By Bike Day will be held on Wednesday, February 13 when New Zealanders will be encouraged to leave the car at home and cycle to work, school or wherever they are going. Cyclists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to take part and a number of free breakfasts will be held in select towns and cities. See www.bikewise.co.nz/events to see if there are any Go By Bike Day events happening in your area.

For more information on Bike Wise Month, activities in your area, cycle routes, choosing a bike and more visit www.bikewise.co.nz. You can also share your cycling stories and get frequent updates on the Bike Wise Facebook page www.facebook.com/bikewise