Go By Bike Day – Nelson Region 15 Feb 2012

Bike Wise Month, held in February every year, consists of a number of activities and events across the country, including the Big Bike Fix Ups, Go By Bike Day and the Bike Wise Challenge.

Nelson’s Go By Bike Day is back on Wednesday 15 February with free breakfasts for riders all over town between 7 and 9am.

Free, healthy food will be provided by Nelson City Council and attendees may be lucky enough to pick up one of many cycle friendly spot prizes. The event is being organised by Nelson City Council in partnership with NZTA and local cycle retailers.

Go By Bike Day is the one day of the year when thousands of Kiwis all over the country join together, rain or shine, and cycle to work, school, or wherever they are headed. This event is for anyone who can keep a bike upright – whether they are long-time cycling veterans, or have just graduated from training wheels and looking to hit the road. Nationally many regions were holding the day on February 1 but locally it was delayed so that more people returning to work and school after the holidays would be included.

“Go By Bike Day is about getting people from around the country to give cycling a go and see how easy it is to get where you need to go by bicycle,” says Marg Parfitt, Nelson City Council Transport and Road Safety Adviser.

“New Zealanders have been enjoying cycling here since the first bikes arrived here back in the 1860s. Go By Bike Day is a chance to get back to those roots, jump on a bike, and rediscover how fun and easy it can be. Resources and safety information at the breakfast checkpoints will reach cyclists and invite them to try new facilities or attend up-skilling courses.

“So when you wake up on Wednesday morning, leave the car keys or bus pass on the kitchen counter, and join hundreds of other Nelsonians cycling to work, school, or wherever, on Go By Bike Day munching on bananas, toasted muffins or bagels spread with cream cheese and jam -yum!”

These “FUEL STOPS" for cyclists are in place at:

• Village Cycles - Queen St Richmond
• The Cycle shop - Main Road Stoke (by Super Cheap Auto)
• Railway Reserve - just north of Broadgreen Intermediate Playing Field - hosted Stoke Cycles
• Kelvin's cycles - Rutherford St
• R & R cycles - Rutherford/Bridge corner
• Stewarts Avanti Plus - Hardy Street
• RIDE – Halifax Street
• Motueka - outside the museum in High Street.
• Murchison – Outside Tasman District Council offices

Don’t forget the Family Fun Ride happening in Motueka on Saturday 25 February 2012 and in Takaka on Sunday 4 March 2012. Plus look out for the Get Moving family friendly walking, running and cycling event at Rabbit Island on Saturday 10 March.

Find out more about Bikewise Month at Bikewise.co.nz

via Nelson City Council