More than 8,500 New Zealanders from organisations right around the country swapped their cars for bicycles in February to compete for the title of New Zealand’s most bike-friendly workplace, and significantly reducing their CO2 emissions at the same time.

533 organisations took part in the Bike Wise Challenge in February, a fun, free, online competition which encouraged organisations to get their staff on bikes throughout the month. The winning organisations are those that get the highest percentage of staff riding at least 2 kilometres each during the month.

This year’s national winners were Landcare Research (organisations with over 500 staff), BECA Christchurch (organisations with 100-499 staff, AECOM Christchurch (organisations with 25-99 staff, Child Development Service Mid Central Health (organisations with 7-24 staff), and Public Health South Queenstown (organisations with 3-6 staff).

NZTA National Manager Road User Behaviour Michael Cummins says it notable that over 70 percent of trips made by participants were for transport purposes.

“All together, this year’s participants saved a total of 244,152 kilograms of CO2, which is the equivalent of 4300 cars driving 10 kilometres to or from work each day,” Mr Cummins said.

“They also logged a total of 1.5 million kilometres in the saddle, which equates to 193 million kilojoules of energy burnt – the equivalent of 13,198 pounds of fat or over 15,000 big macs!”

This year’s Challenge featured 699 participants who hadn’t cycled in more than a year before taking part in the event.

Mr Cummins said that as well as the health, cost-saving and environmental benefits, the Bike Wise Challenge, is also a great team-building exercise for organisations.

“Many of the organisations that take part report a boost in staff morale, increased camaraderie, and good-natured competitiveness in the workplace. So if your organisation wasn’t on board this year, make sure you give it a go in 2011!”

The Challenge was part of the annual Bike Wise Month, funded by the NZ Transport Agency and the Ministry of Health.

For the full results of the 2010 Bike Wise Challenge see www.bikewisechallenge.co.nz