Go By Bike Day set to breeze into Tauranga

Hundreds of keen cyclists swapped the car for a bike this morning as part of Sport Bay of Plenty's annual Go By Bike Day.

Breeze past the traffic and discover the benefits of active transport with Go By Bike Day next Wednesday.The annual event is part of Sport Bay of Plenty's Play in the Bay Bike Month calendar, which seeks to connect the region with low cost and free recreational activities revolving around cycling.

Sport Bay of Plenty recreation team leader Sonia Lynds said Go By Bike Day was all about encouraging people to get active and give cycling a go.

"Cycling is a great way to commute to work and school, or to get around town. Not only is cycling good for you, it's also good for the environment, reduces traffic congestion and makes you feel good."

Go By Bike Day comes to Tauranga. Photo / Supplied

Lynds said Go By Bike Day and other Bike Month activities were a convenient and fun way for people to start counteracting sedentary habits such us screen time or using a car for short trips.

"Nearly a third of New Zealand adults spend less than 30 minutes a week participating in sport or active recreation, but the Ministry of Health recommends adults do at least 2.5 hours of moderate or 1 ¼ hours of vigorous physical activity spread throughout the week. Cycling to work or school is a good first step to being more active, plus it's an easy way to make the most of the time we have available for physical activity."

To encourage people to get on a bike and get active, Go By Bike Day will include pit stops along popular cycle commuter routes between 6.45am and 8.45am on Wednesday, February 27.

Supporters will be on hand offering free snacks and refreshments to riders, including Good Buzz Kombucha, as well as spot prizes such as vouchers to My Ride Mt Maunganui.

In the lead-up to Go By Bike Day, Sport Bay of Plenty has also teamed up with The Hits and Koops Cycles Avantiplus to give away a bike. Head to The Hits Bay of Plenty on Facebook and post a picture of you on a bike for your chance to win!

FIND A PIT STOP NEAR YOU:

• Red Square

• Cameron Rd, opposite Tauranga Boys' College

• Corner Chapel St and Maxwells Rd

• Simpson Reserve, Pāpāmoa

• Harbour Bridge (marina, cycleway side)

• Opposite Salt Marsh Reserve, 428 Ngatai Rd, Ōtumoetai

• Omanu Bowling Club carpark, Golf Rd

• Grenada St – by Reilly Ave Reserve

• Reserve opposite Katikati College

For a full list of Bike Month activities, events and competitions, visit sportbop.co.nz/bikemonth.