Local organisers are ramping up for Bikevember with a smorgasbord of events planned to encourage people to get out on their bikes more often. 

During November bikers can learn to build a pannier box for their bikes, take part in a free e-bike safety course, or learn about bike maintenance at one of two dedicated sessions; they can also take part in the social Bikevember events like a movie night featuring a screening of cycling film The Old World, a group bike ride around the lake, or head to Kai for live music and banter with fellow bike lovers. 

Taking place all over the country, Bikevember’s theme of ‘Get Smart, Get Active’ encourages Kiwis to get out on their bikes, and in Wānaka it is being organised by Wao Aotearoa, Bike Wānaka and Wānaka Community Workshop.

“Bikevember is a month dedicated to encouraging the community to get on their bike, give biking a go, share the love for cycling and move more sustainably around Wānaka,” Wao co-founder Arna Caig said.

More cycling means “less noise, less air pollution, greater community health, and of course fewer emissions,” Arna said. 

A Ministry of Transport household travel survey shows 31 per cent of New Zealanders aged over 15 have biked in the last year and around half of the country’s households have a bike in working order. 

As well as events taking place during Bikevember, there will be discounted activities from a range of businesses for Bikevember participants, everything from yoga to discounted beers, and exclusive prizes.

Bikevember kicks off on November 1 with a launch event at Kai Whakapai taking place from 4-8pm featuring live music by Robert Glen. 

“Come and ride down to Kai Whakapai to find out more about what is happening during the month and enjoy some live music with us,” Arna said. 

All the events, discounts, prizes and more information about Bikevember can be found at the Facebook page here.

PHOTO: Supplied