New Zealand Bike Wise Month starts

2010-02-01 05:56:06 GMT2010-02-01 13:56:06 (Beijing Time) Xinhua English

WELLINGTON, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Monday is the beginning of the annual celebration of two-wheeled transport: Bike Wise Month, highlighting the health and environmental benefits of cycling and getting as many New Zealanders as possible onto their bikes.

New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Andy Knackstedt said people needed to stop using their cars when they could be riding bikes, New Zealand Press Association reported on Monday.

He said a third of all vehicle trips in New Zealand are under five kilometres and that is quite an easy distance to ride a bike.

"The message this month is to give it a go and who knows, you might just like it."

Seventy percent of New Zealand families with children have one or more bicycles at home. Cycling is a fun, healthy and environmentally-friendly form of transport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy.

Knackstedt said Bike Month also has a message for motorists which is to respect bikers' rights to be on the road.

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