Palmerston North's businesses; are you ready for battle

You’ve heard of boobs on bikes, but what about a business battle on bikes?

Registrations are now open for the Bike Wise Business Battle. A free competition where organisations across New Zealand compete to get the highest percentage of staff on their bikes at least once during February (Bike Wise Month). Participants only need to cycle for two kilometres or ten minutes, and they can do it anywhere, at anytime.

Kathy McMillan from Sport Manawatu who coordinates Bike Wise activities for the Manawatu says the Bike Wise Battle is about helping people see cycling as an easy and enjoyable way to get to work. With the emphasis on having fun as a group and becoming more active in the workplace.
“Most participants take part to support their workmates but many find they really like it and keep biking after the battle is over. They discover that cycling often takes less time than driving, plus there are no hassles such as traffic, parking and paying for petrol.”

Palmerston North City Council is aiming to take out a category again this year after winning the very large organisation category in the Manawatu/Wanganui region over the last two years. They already have a few avid cyclists and many others who are keen to encourage their fellow colleagues to get out on their bikes.

Rachael Carter from Palmerston North City Council says, “entering a workplace team into the Bike Wise Battle has had enormous benefits for us. It’s been great for staff morale and has really set the work environment abuzz.”
In 2008 more than 600 organisations vied for the title of New Zealand’s most cycle-friendly workplace, and over 11,000 participants took part.

The highest-participating organisations and departments in five different size categories will win a sumptuous morning tea. There are daily spot prizes, so the more biking a participant does, the higher the chances of winning, and all participants go into a draw to win one of three Avanti bike spot prizes.
The Bike Wise Battle is just one of the events being held during February’s Bike Wise Month. To register or for more information visit www.sportmanawatu.org.nz.