The NZ Transport Agency’s annual Favourite Places to Ride competition is proving more popular than ever with more than 6,800 nominations already received – well on track to break last year’s record.
This year the competition is bigger and better with a new Top Town award. This will go to the city or town that receives the most nominations across the Urban Ride, Off-Road or Adventure Ride and Community Facility categories.
It is exciting to watch the towns battle it out, says Transport Agency National Cycling Manager Dougal List. “The leader board has been constantly changing as residents rally in support of their local rides.”
“Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch are all vying for the top spot with smaller centres like Rotorua and Taupo also giving them a run for their money. This is creating some regional rivalry as all of them are convinced they have what it takes,” says Dougal.
“Auckland has some of the best cycleways in the world, so of course we will take out the Top Town Award,” says Auckland Transport’s Manager of Walking, Cycling and Road Safety Kathryn King. “Auckland is a big, vibrant city and is also in the process of building a world-leading cycling network that will take you from the suburbs to the city, then out to the country or coast.”
Both Wellington and Christchurch believe they offer cyclists enough to take the title from the country’s biggest city.
Wellington has a fantastic range of cycle routes, says Wellington City Councillor and Public Transport, Cycling and Walking portfolio leader Sarah Free.
“We have the jewel in the crown, which is the Wellington waterfront. But we also have some fantastic, off-road paths which are like these little oases which take you out of the traffic, and bring a bit of joy to our daily commute.”
Christchurch City Councillor Mike Davidson, who is involved in the city’s cycle network, says riding a bike in Christchurch caters for everyone. “It’s one of the biggest cities in New Zealand and it is also mostly flat, which is inviting for a lot of people,” says Mike. “We also have our fair share of hills if you’re up for a challenge.”
Mike, a regular cyclist, says he does not think there will be much competition for the Top Town award. “I don’t think anywhere comes close to Christchurch.”
Nominations for New Zealand’s Favourite Places to Ride will be open until Wednesday 31 May and the winners will be announced in early June.
The categories for this year’s competition are:
Simply by taking part Kiwis go in the draw to win their share of $1000 in bike shop vouchers.
The competition is part of the Government’s commitment to making cycling a safer and more attractive transport option for New Zealanders. Through Kiwis sharing their favourite routes it helps to encourage more New Zealanders get out on their bikes and discover new rides in their community and around New Zealand.
To find out more and to nominate your favourite places to ride, visit www.nzta.govt.nz/favplaces(external link)
