Mayor Sets the Challenge: Get On Your Bike!

Whether you’re a seasoned handlebar hound or just a fair weather pedal pusher, New Plymouth needs your help to win again the title of New Zealand’s Most Cycle Mad City.

The Bike Wise Mayoral Challenge takes place at 9am on Sunday 9 March, when Mayor Peter Tennent will lead the public on one of three bike rides from Ngamotu Beach.

“Part of this is about again winning the national title, but more particularly it’s about supporting a great community event,” says the Mayor.

“So motivate your friends, and grab your children, parents, aunties and uncles and come along with your bikes for a fun event – and don’t forget your helmets!”

This year’s event has been combined with the Methanex Family Fun Ride, and will include activities such as IRB rides and a big dig, as well as spot prizes.

New Plymouth is one of 39 cities and towns taking part in the Mayoral Challenge, which promotes cycling as a fun and healthy option for transport and leisure in an effort to get more people onto bikes.

The participating cities and towns compete against each other to get the most people ‘riding behind the Mayor’. A point is awarded for each cyclist participating, with extra points awarded for celebrities, business leaders, councillors and journalists.

New Plymouth’s event feature three routes: 6km, 11km and 16km, with cyclists choosing the option they prefer and travelling at their own pace.

“It will be a great day for everyone from toddlers to serious cyclists,” says the Mayor.

The Mayoral Challenge is being held as part of Bike Wise Week (23 February to 2 March), which is funded by Land Transport NZ and the Ministry of Health.