Pedal into something new this Bike Month

This Bike Month Council is challenging riders to explore one of the Western Bay’s great cycleways, they haven’t tried before.

Each February Aotearoa, New Zealand celebrates Bike Month, and riders from around the motu challenge themselves to get back on their bikes in the name of health, wellbeing and getting around in an environmentally friendly fashion.

“There are over 90 kilometres of cycle trails in the Western Bay,” says Scott Parker, Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s Reserves and Facilities Projects and Assets Manager.

“Bike Month is the perfect excuse for people to hop back in the saddle and try out one that’s new to them. We’ve got something for everyone to enjoy, from mountain bike trails to tamariki-friendly shared paths.”

There are scenic cycling and walking trails around many of our towns such as Te Ara Kahikatea, a 4km loop in Te Puke, and trails that connect our communities, including the 3km path from Waihī Beach / Island View to Bowentown.

Fit riders wanting a longer ride can connect trails from our District across to our Bay of Plenty neighbours, for example, from Papamoa you can ride 20km to Paengaroa, then carry on cycling 31km to Okere Falls.

There’s even trails for our mountain bikers at TECT Park, half way between Tauranga and Rotorua.

Scott says cyclewayscontribute to our communities in many ways. “Cycleways can help our communities safely commute to work and school, provide recreational opportunities, and they support economic development in our towns.

“Council’s long-term vision is to create a network of cycle/walkways connecting all our communities - from Waihī Beach all the way to Pukehina.

“The Western Bay of Plenty has so much to offer,” says Scott. “It’s easy to forget how lucky we are. We have colourful towns, beautiful beaches, stunning native forest and the rugged Kaimai Ranges – all in our backyard.”

The latest cycleway/walkway to open in the Western Bay is the Ōmokoroa golf-course foreshore cycleway. This trail connects the Precious Family Reserve trails to Kayelene Place, skirting around the golf-course coastline, including sea views and a boardwalk section.

To start exploring some of our Western Bay cycleways visit westernbay.govt.nz/cycleways or checkout this cycle trail booklet.

For more information on the Aotearoa Bike Challenge visit lovetoride.net/nz