Children are taking to their bikes in the Queenstown Lakes district this month.
Queenstown children have been encouraged to ride to school today for the national Go By Bike Day, which is part of Bikewise month.
Queenstown Lakes District Council travel demand manager Rae-Anne Kurucz said it was a fantastic initiative.
Children who cycled to school would be rewarded with some bikewise goodies from the New Zealand Transport Agency and a healthy lunch from the council.
Queenstown Primary School pupils would hold a Go By Bike day tomorrow and get goodies and a healthy snack for their efforts, Ms Kurucz said.
"The whole school will receive a cycle skills course, with support from the entire community.
"From the council, the police and the school through to local businesses and parents, it will be a real push for kids to think about how they can safely travel to school on their bikes," she said.
Children who lived a long way out of town were encouraged to park and ride.
"If they normally get dropped off at the school, they can talk with parents or caregivers about being dropped off a few kilometres from school with their bike, which all helps with the reduction of traffic congestion and parking issues," Ms Kurucz said.
Arrowtown School will have its day on bikes on February 26.
"It's just great that we have had so much support from schools this year," Ms Kurucz said.
Children up to 10 years old needed to be accompanied by an adult, and all children and adults must wear helmets and reflective gear.
"We want this to be a safe and enjoyable experience for all children," she said.
Queenstown Lakes District Council staff had signed up to a staff travel plan and more than 50 employees would find new ways to get to work by biking, walking, catching the bus, car pooling or parking and riding this month.
Ms Kurucz said Mayor Clive Geddes would announce an "exciting district-wide initiative" relating to cycling on Monday.
