A month-long programme of events, activities and workshops, revolving around cycling, is encouraging the Bay of Plenty to put pedal to the metal this summer.

Bike Month is part of Sport Bay of Plenty's Play in the Bay initiative, which seeks to connect the Bay of Plenty with low cost and free recreational activities.

Held during February 2018, the programme has been created by Sport Bay of Plenty's Recreation Team and is suitable for all ages and abilities, says recreation team leader Sonia Lynds.

'This calendar is also a real collaborative effort between our team and local government, local recreation providers and local businesses, who all recognise the benefit of cycling as active transport or as a hobby.

'From first-time riders after 20 years to regular commuters, we think you'll be pleased with the programme we have put together.”

Events and activities are also tailored to suit the natural recreational areas, cycle trails and events available in Western, Central and Eastern Bay of Plenty.

For example, in Tauranga, Play in the Bay has paired with Frocks on Bikes Tauranga, who are holding a social cycle through Papamoa to Dinner in the Domain, as well as Tauranga Rotary Sunrise for a cycle Adventure Race through K Valley.

In Central Bay of Plenty, a hoon through the Redwoods and a family friendly ride along the Sulphur Flats is on offer.

Meanwhile in Whakatane there are social cycles through the dunes in Opotiki, a Bike Picnic Party at Warren Park Bike Park and a scavenger hunt along Warren Cole walkway.

Across the region, Go By Bike Day is one of the month's flagship events where people are encouraged to commute to work via two wheels, with pit stops along the main commuter trails between 7am and 9am to provide refreshments and spot prizes to travellers.

With Go By Bike Day falling on Valentine's Day, February 14, the theme is ‘Love Me, Love My Bike' and celebrates a love for health and fitness, active transport and the environment, and the Play in the Bay team are encouraging commuters to dress up and decorate their ride for bonus prizes at the pit stops.

Schools are encouraged to take part by hosting their own pit stop on Go By Bike Day, or similar throughout February, with vouchers from Avanti Plus Mount Maunganui, Whakatane Cycle Centre and Cyclezone up for grabs.

Bike Month also coincides with the NZ Transport Agency's Aotearoa Bike Challenge, a month-long free competition that's all about seeing which workplaces can get the most people to ride a bike for just 10 minutes or more. It's not about the number of kilometres completed, but how often you get out for a ride.

Sonia says with an increased awareness of active transport and health and fitness, there has never been a better time to get pedalling.

'Our cities are growing by the day and with it comes increased opportunities to create infrastructure which supports cycling.

'Our cycleways go through some of the region's most beautiful areas and we would love to see more people making the most of this – it sure beats sitting in traffic!”

For a full list of activities, events and competitions, visit the website: www.sportbop.co.nz/bike-month