Christchurch is Cycle-City

Penny Sport Cycles Park to Pier Family Fun Ride, Sunday 20th October, 10am. Hagley Park to Brighton Pier.

Christchurch is one of the few cities in New Zealand to fully embrace the opportunities of cycle-ways and to encourage cycling as a fun pursuit as well as an energy efficient healthy alternative to motorised transport.

On the Penny Sport Cycles Park to Pier Bike Ride city dwellers will have the opportunity on Sunday 20th of October to enjoy a leisurely ride from Hagley Park to Brighton Pier, along the Avon River, and be in to win some great prizes such as Eclipse bikes from Penny Sport Cycles, movie passes from Hoyts, and a Hanmer Escape Package from the Heritage Hanmer Springs and the Hanmer Thermal Resort! Registration forms are available at Penny Sport Cycles, corner of Tuam amd Manchester Streets, the Christchurch City Council, or the reception of Lite FM.

Christchurch City Council Cycling and Pedestrian Transport Planner Michael Ferigo is a keen supporter of the two-wheeled transport option. "There are distinct health benefits from biking because of the intense use of more muscle groups than running,' he says "Climbing a hill on a bike utilizes upper and lower body - and boy, can you feel it the next day!"

Thousands of Cyclists in the Penny Sport Cycles Park to Pier Bike Ride will be beating the traffic congestion and encouraging a healthy lifestyle as they pedal their way along the newly enhanced Halverston Drive cycle way. Lite FM will be providing a Drink Stop at Kerrs Reach - a good opportunity for families to pause and have a break.

Michael points out the benefits of cycling are not just physical health, " A motorist would have to work 300 hours per year to pay for his or her annual commute - a cyclist only has to work about 30 hours. Plus there's no shortage of places to park!"

The Penny Sport Cycles Park to Pier Bike Ride is proudly supported by Christchurch City Council Leisure, Penny Sport Cycles, and Lite FM.

For more information: call Gene O'Connell with the Christchurch City Council Leisure Events Team, 941 6487.