Get on your bike and be in to win is the message being sent to those keen to give cycling a go.
The new shared cycle path and footpath along East Coast Road from Constellation Drive to Forrest Hill Road is now ready to use, and to celebrate the council is holding a month-long promotion.
Cyclists using the path from April 8 to May 8 can win a $200 bike shop voucher and other prizes.
North Shore City's transport planner, Nicola Maire, says cycling is a great way to get fit and have fun.
"We're actively involved in promoting cycling around the city as part of a wider campaign to improve cycling opportunities and provide alternative transport options around the city," she says.
"The competition is a great way to encourage people to try out the new path and it's easy to enter. Cyclists using the path just need to show their helmets at the Sunnynook Dairy or Gulf Takeaways, fill in a form and pop it in the entry box. The winner will be announced on May 12."
"The council organises a variety of cycling events," says Ms Maire "and information about this competition and other events can be found at www.travelsmarter.co.nz"
The new East Coast Road shared cycle path and footpath is part of the council's Share with Care programme that encourages walking and cycling, especially for school travel, and provides an off-road route for those that may not feel confident cycling on the main road. These initiatives promote safe, healthy travel and are designed to reduce traffic congestion on our roads.
Other improvements that have been made during the building of the path include rebuilding vehicle crossings over footpaths, installing pram crossings, replanting to enable good visibility between vehicles and pedestrians, improving street lighting and works to reduce stormwater run-off from roads to private properties.
The path forms part of a wider network of on road and off road cycling routes around the city.
