As Bikewise Month focuses people’s thoughts on giving cycling to work a go, the Queenstown Lakes District Council is getting set to build on that foundation with its annual ‘Right Way’ campaign, Mayor Vanessa van Uden said.

Right Way, beginning on Tuesday 1 March, aimed to encourage people to think about how they might travel in a different way for one day a month. Last year’s Right Way campaign saw over 90 families, businesses and individuals take the pledge to participate and Mayor Vanessa said she’s keen to see it grow even further.

“Travelling the ‘Right Way’ has an effect on traffic congestion and pollution that affect the wider community and also has a huge spinoff for people at a personal level, “ said Mayor van Uden. “Depending on how you choose to travel you can save money and ‘up’ your level of fitness and ‘down’ your stress levels.”

Travelling the ‘Right Way’ included car pooling, walking, cycling and taking the bus. People could also consider combining the activities by doing things like taking the bus to a certain point and then walking or driving part of the way then using their bike to complete the journey.

“’Right Way’ is a great opportunity for all of us to consider our daily travel arrangements and see if we can make adjustments, “said Mayor van Uden, “We don’t expect that everyone in the district is suddenly going to take to their bicycles or begin walking everywhere but there are many people who will be able to commit to trying different ways of getting around for one or more days during the month. Who knows? Maybe those small changes could become permanent.”

From Tuesday 1 March, people can register their intention to travel the ‘Right Way’ and go in the draw to win a ‘Right Way’“ travel package of a months’ free travel with Connectabus and a new bike. Everyone who signs up will also receive a drink bottle.

The Mayor will be travelling the ‘Right Way’ herself when she takes the lead in the Mayoral Bikewise Challenge on Sunday 6 March. The Challenge, a casual bike ride from Kelvin Heights to Earnslaw Park via the Frankton Track, is open to anyone with a bike.

A barbeque would be held at the finish line and a lucky spot prize winner at would also be chosen to receive a new bike.

“I’m really looking forward to the Mayoral Bikewise Challenge and invite everyone to join me for a fun Sunday morning ride, “she said.

Underscoring the messages of Bikewise Month and the ‘Right Way’ campaign, a Ride to Work day would be held in April as part of the Queenstown Bike Festival.

ENDS
Image: Mayor Vanessa van Uden prepares for the Mayoral Bikewise Challenge

For further information please contact QLDC communications officer Jo Blick 03 441 0499.

Please note: A Mayoral Bikewise Challenge led my deputy mayor Lyal Cocks will take place in Wanaka on Sunday 6 March at 10.30 also. The route for this ride has needed to be amended and will be announced on Monday.

By: Andrea Bunting