City set to embrace bike challenge

Members of the Whanganui Bicycle Users' Group. Photo: file.

Norman Gruebsch reckons more people should hop on their bikes.

Next month's Aotearoa Bike Challenge promotes the benefits of cycling with some great prizes up for grabs, the Whanganui District Council Active Transport Co-ordinator said.

The challenge, which runs across New Zealand from February 1-28, is supported by the Let's Go programme and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Let's Go is a council-led initiative, promoting walking, cycling and scootering as popular and safe travel choices.

Mr Gruebsch says the council and other organisations including the Whanganui District Health Board, Whanganui Police and the local Bicycle Users Group have already signed up for the event.

"It is fun and free and encourages us all to experience first-hand the joys and benefits of riding a bicycle," Mr Gruebsch said.

Individuals or organisation can sign up at www.aotearoa.bike. Prizes include trips to Croatia and British Columbia.

"You don't need to be a cycle warrior to take part. You may wish to enjoy a leisurely weekend ride with your family on our new shared pathways, or a regular ride to work during the summer.

"We're hoping that together we can get 10,000 people on bikes across New Zealand."

The challenge includes features like automatic tracking GPS apps, individual badges and goal tracking, lots of individual and team prizes, leader boards and more.

More information is available at www.letsgowhanganui.org.nz.