Time to get on your bike, Rotorua for Bike Month

Frocks on Bikes organiser Rachel Doelman is all ready for Bike Month. Photo / Stephen Parker

It's time to get on your bike, Rotorua.

February is Bike Month, 28 days of activities dedicated to encouraging people to get on two wheels and hit the trails.

From mountain biking for beginners to information about e-bikes, there are plenty of things to keep cycling enthusiasts entertained.

Bike Month is part of Sport Bay of Plenty's Play in the Bay initiative, which seeks to connect the Bay of Plenty with low cost and free recreational activities.

Recreation team leader Sonia Lynds said the event was a collaborative effort between Sport Bay of Plenty and local government, local recreation providers, and local businesses, which all "recognise the benefit of cycling as active transport or as a hobby".

"From first-time riders after 20 years to regular commuters, we think you'll be pleased with the programme we have put together."

Events and activities are also tailored to suit the natural recreational areas, cycle trails and events available in Western, Central and Eastern Bay of Plenty.

People will be able to create works of art using the app Strava in the Vincent Van GPS competition.

There will also be a Frocks on Bikes event, spin classes and beginners' mountain biking, as well as two educational workshops.

Frocks on Bikes organiser Rachel Doelman said the event started in Wellington with a group who wanted to encourage as many women as possible to get on their bikes in a non-threatening environment.

It has now spread throughout the North Island, and across the ditch in Australia.

"It's quite cool how it's sort of spread."

Average turnout at Rotorua rides was usally between 25 and 30 people, she said.

Go By Bike Day is one of Bike Month's flagship events where people are encouraged to commute to work via two wheels, with pit stops along the main commuter trails between 7am and 9am to provide refreshments and spot prizes to travellers.

With Go By Bike Day falling on Valentine's Day, the theme is "Love Me, Love My Bike" and celebrates a love for health and fitness, active transport and the environment.

Bike Month also coincides with the New Zealand Transport Agency's Aotearoa Bike Challenge, a month-long free competition that's all about seeing which workplaces can get the most people to ride a bike for 10 minutes or more.

Bike Month events

Friday, February 2, 6pm-7.30pm: Beginner Mountain Biking (part one), Whakarewarewa Forest.
Friday, February 9, 3.30pm-5pm: Sulphur Flats Family Ride, Puarenga Park.
Saturday, February 10, 11am-1pm: Frocks on Bikes Summer Ramble, location TBC.
Monday, February 12, 6pm-8pm: Cyclezone Bike Tech Night Class, Cyclezone.
Wednesday, February 14, 11.30am-1.30pm: Picnic in the Park, location TBC.
Friday, February 16, 6pm-7.30pm: Beginner Mountain Biking (part two), Whakarewarewa Forest.
Tuesday, February 20, 9.30am-10.30am: Cyclezone E-Bike Information Session, Cyclezone.
Saturday, February 24, 9am-4pm: Revolve Super V, Whakarewarewa Forest Mountain Bike Park.