Staff get on bikes for fitness, fun and environment
13 February 2018
The University of Auckland is in a spin of two-wheeled activity with the return of the Auckland Bike Challenge.
The University is competing against other workplaces throughout February to get as many people as possible to cycle for at least 10 minutes, as part of the campaign co-ordinated by Auckland Transport.
Last year, 274 staff took part. Participation this year is tracking well and organisers are hoping this will continue into the final tally.
Sustainability and Environment Engagement Coordinator Charlotte Blythe says the University has sprung into gear with a range of activities to entice staff to get out and ride – and you don’t even need to own a bike.
“The Sustainability Office and Recreation Centre have teamed up with Auckland Transport, Bigfoot Adventures and Big Street Bikers to offer two mini cycling festivals in the Sports Hall, to get people without bikes involved.”
Participants have had the chance to try a selection of bikes, including e-bikes, to practise their cycling skills on a guided obstacle course, and learn about bike maintenance, Auckland’s best cycleways and a new e-bike share scheme.“
Over a hundred staff came to the festivals, and the e-bikes seemed to be a drawcard for many people” says Charlotte.
Ruben Katigbak, a Resident Manager from Accommodation Services, chaperoned a group of forty resident advisors to one festival as part of their training day.“We wanted to promote not only health and well-being but also to raise awareness about sustainability issues and how our community impacts the environment” says Ruben.
“The festival nicely preluded a session in which we challenged our respective hall communities to come up with projects that will address at least two of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals”.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Arts is holding a series of Friday afternoon group rides.
I’m a keen cyclist and would like to spread the joy on two wheels. I thought it’d be a great idea to promote cycling but also make it fun so people would be more inclined to participate. After all, the goal is to reignite the love for cycling or plant a seed for it in those who haven’t been on bikes for a while.
For further motivation, a series of personalised ‘me and my bike’ profiles have been posted on the staff Intranet.
For further information about the Auckland Bike Challenge contact Charlotte Blythe from the Sustainability Office.