Editorial: Pedal power gives visitors unique view

There have been a lot of wheels turning on the roads, pathways and recreational areas of the Bay over the past few days, and that will continue well into next week as the great Summer Cycling Carnival continues.

But when the event concludes the bikes will not be shut away until next year - for there is a well established hub of regular cycling around these parts and it's great to see.

While journeying along the Marine Parade this week I pretty well encountered every age of rider, and of bike for that matter.

Basically, if it has pedals it's just fine.

There was one elderly chap cycling along on what could best be described as a semi-vintage bike and he had his shopping stacked on the back.

Then there were the scores of little kids enjoying the cycling park near the big playground.

They were learning road rules and how to have the most fun.

The bells were ringing and there was only the occasional oops moment.

Meanwhile, along the seafront pathway, a group of (shall we say) mature riders cheerfully rode line astern toward Awatoto.

There were waves and quickfire banter with cyclists and walkers coming from the other direction - and there were also plenty of them.

It was the same when I ventured out to Greenmeadows later - the cycle and walkways out that way were being well used.

I noticed a couple of hired bicycles amid the fleet - so holidaymakers staying here for a spell are also getting out and pedalling their way to seeing the landscape.

They're also likely wearing off the Christmas banquets, which is extremely sensible, because if you can shed a few grams and see some fine scenery at the same time then what could be better?

There has been a real shift in the pedalling and walking thing over the past decade.

More people are enjoying those pursuits because the councils, and community service groups, have created remarkable trails which are arguably the best in the country now.

And the Big Save Elite Road National Championships settling into the Bay for the next few years underlines that.

For recreation, sport, fitness and fun - the wheels are certainly turning in the Bay.