Aotearoa Bike Challenge 2020
They say you never forget how to ride a bike—and this February is the month to prove it by joining the Aotearoa Bike Challenge.
The Aotearoa Bike Challenge is a nationwide competition to see which workplaces can get the most people to ride a bike for 10 minutes or more.
There are loads of prizes you can win by cycling, logging your rides, and encouraging fellow students and colleagues. Register now to join the Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington team, and start adding up the kilometres.
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences laboratory technician Teresa Gen has recently discovered the benefits of cycling through the University staff ebike purchase scheme.
"I really enjoy the cycle into work each day because at the hour I leave home it is so peaceful. I don’t have to chase for buses," she says.
"I am keen to explore more of Wellington by bike, but I just need to gain more confidence riding around the city. I would love to head out to Pencarrow lighthouse at some stage and possibly complete the Rimutaka Incline by bike."
The Aotearoa Bike Challenge coincides with Cycle Awareness month—the perfect time to make the most of the good weather and start cycling. Throughout the month, the Sustainability Team, Staff Wellbeing and the Greater Wellington Regional Council are hosting a number of biking-related events at the University to help staff become more cycle-savvy.
The Pedal Ready Course for University staff is a skills training workshop open to all skill levels, held on Wednesday 5 February. Whether you ride a bike regularly or want to brush up your handling skills, this course is beneficial for everyone.
On Tuesday 11 February, the Greater Wellington Regional Council's Travel Choice Team will be on campus during this year's Mahi ki te Whare Wananga event. They can answer all your questions about transport options and cycle routes, and they’ll have their bus trailer for staff to practise putting a bike on the bus rack.
You can also join other University staff competing in the Aotearoa Bike Challenge at the Challenge meet-up on Wednesday 19 February. Connect with other riders and talk about your cycling adventures over a cup of coffee.
The Aotearoa Bike Challenge runs from 1-29 February. More information about these events and the Challenge can be found on the Sustainability page on the staff intranet.