Carless days make a comeback

Rotorua's Amanda Hunt has traded her keys for a helmet and a bicycle, joining the Bay-wide challenge for Car Free Week.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has challenged businesses, schools and individuals in the area to leave their cars at home, at least once this week, and either walk, ride or catch the bus.

The Waiariki Institute of Technology staff member has taken up the call, starting an institute-wide challenge for her colleagues.

"What has been really good is it has triggered people's thinking. I have had colleagues come up to me asking for bike maps."

Ms Hunt said she had always enjoyed walking and biking to work but had made a special commitment this week to try to bike every day.

"It makes us think about reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and doing our bit."

She said not only was it environmentally friendly and sustainable but it also saved money and was a healthy alternative to driving.

"Those who live a long way from work can drive halfway and walk halfway or maybe hop off the bus one stop early."

Ms Hunt said to show their support Waiariki was offering a prize of 10 free coffees, at the Green Bean Cafe, for whoever went to work without their car the most this week.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council public transport subcommittee chairman Doug Owens said he hoped the campaign would help people try new modes of transport.

"We want people to think about the whole week and see whether they can change how they travel more than once during the week," Mr Owens said.

"Whether you look at using our buses for a day, or make the most of the warmer spring mornings and walk or cycle, we encourage you to give it a go."

Rotorua's Fat Dog Cafe is rewarding people who bike or go on the bus this week by offering people a $2 coffee when they show their bus ticket or helmet.

Whakatane's Lady on the Rock (New World) will also be running the deal.

Held on September 22 each year, World Car Free Day is recognised in more than 40 countries and 1000 cities.

People are encouraged, if they haven't already during the week, to take up the challenge on Satur-day and go without their car.