Cycling Builds Momentum in New Plymouth District

Bicycle fun has grown in popularity in February, as increasingly more people have taken part in the Wild West Bike Fest.

As the district’s first month-long celebration of cycling for fun and recreation, the bike fest has attracted more people to its events as the weeks have gone by.

And the people most keen to be involved? “Families,” says Sustainable Transport Coordinator Nathaniel Benefield.

“I had expected the majority of participants to be established cyclists – commuters, off-road cyclists and the like – but parents with children have by far been involved the most.

“Parents want their kids involved for the health benefits, while the kids themselves just want to ride – it’s about finding the opportunity.

“It’s really reassuring to see, for the long-term growth of cycling for fun and transport.”

The Wild West Bike Fest has so far held 16 events around New Plymouth and in Lake Mangamahoe Forest, with just three more to go: An Alleycat Rogaine at 5.30pm today (Wednesday) at the Mitchell Cycles car park, Critical Mass at 5.15pm this Friday (27 February) from Puke Ariki Landing, and The Stampede costumed ride along the Coastal Walkway from 5.00pm this Saturday (28 February).

The aims of the month-long bike festival have been to encourage more people onto bikes and get them riding more regularly – for instance, by cycling on short trips rather than driving a car.

“The benefits to the individual and the community are immense if we’re able to get more people out of cars and onto bicycles,” says Mr Benefield.

“Nationally there is significant growth in the number of recreational bikes, such as BMX and mountain bikes, being sold.

“During this festival we’ve had company mangers and representatives from a couple of schools approach us saying they want to put serious effort into developing transport plans for their staff and students, to encourage more of them out of cars and onto bikes.

“And the New Plymouth Mountain Bikers club, which has run a few festival events in Lake Mangamahoe Forest, has had 15 families sign up as members just from this festival, which is great to see.

“It appears that we’re beginning to build momentum in developing a stronger cycling culture in New Plymouth District,” he says.

Planning will begin shortly on next summer’s bike festival, with plans to start it earlier in the season so the public can take more advantage of the warm weather.

 

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