Rotorua's Go By Bike Day

PEDAL POWER: Rotorua Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson and Mayor Steve Chadwick lead by example. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The city's top two leaders kicked off the Rotorua Bike Festival by cycling to work as part of the festival's Go By Bike Day.

Rotorua Mayor Steve Chadwick and Deputy Mayor Dave Donaldson met up en route at City Focus, one of a number of Go By Bike Day refreshment stations set up around the city by Sport Bay of Plenty.

Mrs Chadwick said it was great so many people were cycling to work and to school, and she hoped they would continue doing so after the festival.

"Rotorua is fast developing a reputation as a cycling mecca and the Bike Festival is certainly helping build on that reputation," Mrs Chadwick said.

"Apart from the obvious health benefits of cycling, and the environmental advantages from a reduced number of vehicles on our roads, Rotorua's mountain biking offering is giving a real boost to our local economy by attracting people from all over the world."

Mr Donaldson said this year's Rotorua Bike Festival was an outstanding collection of bike-related events.

"There's something for everyone in the Bike Festival - from absolute novice recreational cyclists right through to our keenest, most competitive mountain bikers."

He urged local residents to get out and support the many Rotorua Bike Festival events taking place around the district.