How much do you love your bike? What about your health, or even our beautiful Bay of Plenty?

Sport Bay of Plenty is encouraging locals to show their love with Go By Bike Day.

The annual event is part of Sport Bay of Plenty's Play in the Bay Bike Month calendar, which seeks to connect the region with low cost and free recreational activities revolving around cycling.

With Go By Bike Day coinciding with Valentine's Day, this year's theme is ‘Love Me, Love My Bike'.

Sport Bay of Plenty Recreation Team Leader Sonia Lynds says the theme was a perfect fit with the ethos of Go By Bike Day.

'Go By Bike Day is about encouraging people to give cycling a go as a way to commute to work, to school or even just to get around for the day. Cycling is not only good for you, it's good for the environment, reduces traffic congestion and makes you feel good!”

From 7-9am on Wednesday, February 14, there will be pit stops stationed along popular commute locations, where riders can fuel up on free snacks and refreshments.

The pit stops will be manned by Sport Bay of Plenty staff and the participants on the Youth Engagement Programme, schools and supporting organisations.

There are also spot prizes to be won, including $100 vouchers to Avanti Plus Mount Maunganui at each pit stop, and bonus prizes for any riders who get into this year's theme and dress up themselves and/or their bikes.

Plus, you can also get your hands on a free Go By Bike Day sticker, a first-ever for the event and a fun way to show your love of cycling all-year round.

Photos are encouraged at the pit stops, and if riders want to share photos of their adventures, you can do so by posting them to the Play in the Bay Facebook page.

Pit Stops

1. Park Road Beach Reserve, Katikati (opposite Katikati College)
2. Opposite Salt Marsh Reserve, 428 Ngatai Rd, Otumoetai
3. Cameron Road, opposite Tauranga Boys' College
4. Red Square
5. Corner Chapel Street and Maxwells Road
6. Harbour Bridge (marina, cycleway side)
7. Omanu Bowling Club car park, Golf Road
8. Simpson Reserve, Parton Road, Papamoa

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