Bike tree up in Village Green

More than 150 old and broken bikes and bike parts, donated over recent weeks by Rotorua residents have been used for the Bike Tree. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

Rotorua latest piece of public art, the 'Bike Tree,' is being set up on the Village Green today by contactors working for Rotorua Lakes Council.

The temporary installation is constructed from around 150 old and broken bikes and bike parts, donated over recent weeks by Rotorua residents.

Rotorua Lakes Council hopes to test spot lighting of the tree tonight.

The Bike Tree will remain in place at the Village Green until after Crankworx, the world's largest mountain bike festival which kicks off in Rotorua next week.

Rotorua Lakes Council project coordinator Brigitte Nelson said it would help reinforce Rotorua's growing reputation as the southern hemisphere's mountain biking capital and as a great New Zealand destination for cycling of all types.

"This is an innovative concept with a touch of the 'wow factor,' and it's certain to become a real talking point during Crankworx. Hopefully we can use it again for other events in the future - like next year's Rotorua Bike Festival, for example."