February marks the inaugural Auckland Bike Challenge as part of Bikewise Month. Here’s why you need to get yourself and your workplace involved – not only to get healthier and contribute to Auckland’s plans of being a more environmentally-friendly and sustainable city, but to be in to win a bunch of fantastic prizes for your workforce!
Natalie Cyra talked to Scott Winton from Auckland Transport about the Auckland Bike Challenge – and why it’s a fun online event to get your workplace involved with this February.
What is Auckland Bike Challenge all about?
Run by Auckland Transport and supported by Healthy Auckland Together and Auckland Regional Public Health, the Auckland Bike Challenge is designed to encourage workplaces to promote cycling to staff during February – nationwide Bikewise month. Entrant’s bike anytime, anywhere, record their total distance online and compete against similar sized businesses for prizes.
Why is it so important to get Aucklanders into other methods of transport, for example bikes?
AT is improving the transport network by providing people with better access to more travel options. Improved infrastructure for cycling and walking is an important part of that strategy and it is proving successful. Our cycle counters indicate that an increasing number of commuters are realising the personal fitness, health and wealth benefits of biking to work or places of study.
What events are on during the month to motivate and encourage people to get on their bikes?
Auckland Transport is has a full programme of free events during Bikewise Month including Go By Bike Day (Wed 10 Feb) family bike days, Bubs on Bikes and a screening of ET at the Silo Cinema, Wynyard Wharf and free cycle training courses. Check out https://at.govt.nz/cycling-walking/
What has the success been in previous years and what is the goal for this year?
Auckland Transport (AT) has not run a workplace targeted cycle challenge before. This is the first time. AT aimed to get up to 60 workplaces involved and to date 137 workplace have registered, and this is growing every day surpassing our expectations. We are using the Love to Ride platform which includes an app and personal goal setting page. It was developed by a Kiwi who has delivered 120 workplaces challenge worldwide in 9 countries but this is the first time by Auckland Transport.
What are some of spot prizes available for people who get involved?
Major spot prizes of Avanti’s new INC commuter bike, Weekly spot prizes include Nutcase Helmet Vouchers, 4x $100 Bird on a Wire Vouchers, Little Bird organic Tart, High Quality Pumps, and Cateye Nima Front & Rear Safety Lights.
Team prizes include delicious cakes and tarts from Little Bird, a SecuraBike “Compact’ Horizontal Bike Rack.
There are also 60 cinema tickets to give away to individual entrants. Click here for more.
