Rodney residents turned out in force for the 2009 Mayoral Cycle Challenge. A total of 5,000 cycling enthusiasts turned up on Sunday 1 March to support Rodney’s bid to retain the coveted title of the ‘The Most Cycle Mad City.’
The total number of cyclists participating in the challenge was counted at 1,680. Rodney earned 2,634 points, a significant increase from the 2008 total of 2,200.
Rodney Mayor Penny Webster led the charge along the Orewa waterfront with her grandchildren. Mayor Webster says that she was relieved that the weather turned out to be excellent for cycling and that she was absolutely delighted with the strong turnout.
“The day really is a fantastic, fun day for the whole of the district. The event shows that Rodney residents truly love the outdoors.”
Mayor Webster says she was pleased to see the number of families cycling together at the event.
In the 2008 challenge Rodney District took out the large centre award, with about 1,500 cyclists in attendance. While no announcement has been made nationally about the winning centres in 2009, Rodney District Council staff are hopeful that Rodney may have the numbers to retain the title.
“I was really impressed with the turnout at the Cycle Challenge,” says Rodney Road Safety Coordinator Jacki Dawson. “Based on the numbers I feel that we are in a strong position to once again take the national title of the Most Cycle Mad Centre,” she says.
“The aim of the Mayoral Challenge is to raise awareness about the benefits of cycling and having over 5,000 people at the event and 1,680 cyclists support the Mayor in our quest for retaining the cycle mad city title was a phenomenal sight, “ she adds.
“We hope that people who participated in the challenge will continue to cycle in Rodney because it is a fantastic and free way of getting to and from school, or work and has the added bonus of helping you keep fit for life.”
Ms Dawson says that it is likely to be around ten days before an announcement is made about the national winners.