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Uni-cyclists winning at life

04 March 2021

The Aotearoa Bike Challenge has wrapped up for another year and UC staff have again excelled, clocking up 25,500km during February.

HOW TO APPLY

UC’s top cyclist for the Aotearoa Bike Challenge in February logged 106 rides, helping to secure UC’s overall result of first place in the tertiary sector, third for Christchurch organisations of 2000+ staff and fifth for New Zealand organisations of 2000+ staff. 

Kiel Hurley received a surprise prize pack from People and Culture Director Amanda Derry for his top effort. He was, however, just one of UC’s many biking champions; Moira Fraser won a randomly selected participation prize and Diana Hinterleitner who signed UC up to the Aotearoa Bike Challenge in 2016 was also recognised for her efforts in encouraging staff to get on their bikes.

Hurley, Fraser and Hinterleitner have all given up their cars in favour of bikes. They praised the increasing prevalence of cycleways around Christchurch for making it much easier to bike around the city.

Cycling relates to several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Good Health and Wellbeing, but also Climate Action and Sustainable Cities and Communities. The 17 SDGs are an internationally agreed roadmap to a more equitable and sustainable planet. Cycling relates to several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Good Health and Wellbeing, but also Climate Action and Sustainable Cities and Communities. The 17 SDGs are an internationally agreed roadmap to a more equitable and sustainable planet.

The 240 staff who participated in the February challenge helped to reduce 5,202kg co2 carbon emissions, reduced congestion on the roads, boosted health and got around town for free, while also saving money on parking. 

UC encourages staff and students to bike to work by providing secure bike parks, offering a bike repair service, and stationing air pumps around campus.

The Uni-Cycle route takes cyclists from Christchurch city through Hagley Park and through Riccarton Bush straight to the UC campus. For a full list of cycle routes in Christchurch check out cycle maps here.

Why cycling beats driving

  • It's cheaper
  • Park where you want - for free
  • It's faster within 5km of your destination
  • You get fitter
  • You're not limited by roads
  • It's enjoyable
  • Less road rage
  • Bike baskets make quick shops even faster
  • It’s better for the environment and reduces carbon emissions
  • You’re decreasing the amount of motorised traffic dominating community space
  • Less wear and tear on the roads
  • Increases safety for those already cycling by adding to the visibility of cyclists
  • Helps stop the demand for green space to be converted into car parks
  • Contributes to healthier communities by reducing the strain on public health services

More information
 
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