KEY POINTS:
The prospect of hundreds of drunken cyclists descending on the Taranaki town of Hawera for a pub crawl has prompted a call for organisers to contact police.
The annual Hawera Push Bike Pub Crawl is this year scheduled for December 20.
Cyclists on a variety of styles of bicycle pedal the 7km from Hawera to Normanby, taking in the seven pubs on the way, before returning.
Police said posters had started appearing for the event and they were keen to talk to organisers about safety and the law.
Sergeant Robyn Burnett said it was not about police being killjoys but about making sure the event adhered to the law.
"That people are safe and that there is minimal disruption to the local community and motorists. "If this is the intention of the organisers then they should step up to the plate and work with us to make sure it happens."
According to one Bebo webpage the event had been running for about 30 years and about 1500 people are expected this year.
The South Taranaki District Council temporarily extends its liquor ban area to include the entire route of the pub crawl.
Police said officers faced drunken riders with little apparent regard to their own safety or that of others.
There had been incidents of assault and disorder, numerous complaints from motorists held up by the event, and local businesses closing early to avoid problems.
Ms Burnett said many riders were not wearing safety helmets or were wearing inappropriate helmets.
- NZPA
