Bike Waikato February 2023 Newsletter
Matt to step down as co-chair
To focus on his transport role at Hamilton City Council, Matt Leach will be stepping down as co-chair of Bike Waikato. Matt has done wonders during his time with us and the committee thanks him for all his hard work.
Here are some final words from the man himself:
“Sadly, this is one of my last acts as Co-Chair of Bike Waikato, having served on the committee since 2020. It’s been my privilege to work alongside incredibly passionate and knowledgeable people who have worked tirelessly to get more people on bikes, safely. Although my work has always been focused on our behind-the-scenes activities, it’s been an incredibly rewarding role to play and I’ve learnt a lot in the process. I hope I’ve taught a few people a thing or two along the way, and that my personal experiences have helped shape and grow a community who will continue to make their voices heard.
My decision to step aside before the end of my term doesn’t end my work in the transport world. I’m fortunate enough to have been offered a new role at Hamilton City Council as their Transport Relationship and Engagement Lead, where I’ll be supporting the delivery of transport priorities for Kirikiriroa. It’s an honor to take on this challenge and I promise not to forget the connections and conversations I’ve had over the past three years.
Lastly, I want to acknowledge the blood, sweat and tears of our previous chairperson, Richard Porter, and Peter Bos (from when our organisation operated as Cycle Action Waikato). Bike Waikato would not be where it is today if not for the efforts of these gentlemen, and I hope I’ve steadied the ship since acting as Co-Chair over the last several months. Fortunately I know the organisation will remain in good hands with Melissa Smith stepping up as both Chairperson and Spokesperson. Melissa brings enthusiasm, determination and a fresh approach that will benefit the Bike Waikato community. I’d wish her luck, but anyone who has survived a local council election campaign doesn’t need it!
To our community, stay safe on your many bike journeys ahead and remember to always enjoy the ride – no matter how many punctures you may get along the way.” – Matt
Aotearoa Bike Challenge
There is one week to go during Bike Month 2023, but that still leaves time for you to ride and shine as part of the Aotearoa Bike Challenge! 
Together the Bike Waikato community has made 559 trips for a total of 6,837 kilometres. That makes us the number #1 group or club in the country for trips! 
Healthy people and healthy places are what we’re all about at Bike Waikato. Get involved by joining our club at aotearoa.bike and help us bring back the bike as a way for people to move around our towns and cities.
Bike Month update
We are celebrating the end of Bike Month 2023 in style this weekend!
Matamata-Piako District Council will get the wheels moving with Bike Day Out from 10am on Saturday at the Matamata Domain, before Bicycle Revolution Cambridge come rolling around the bend in the afternoon with the Good Union Summer Roll from 3pm at Lake Te Kooutu.
Hamilton City Council will then pick up the pace from 10am on Sunday at Claudelands Park with the return of Love Your Bike Day.
Make sure you check out the Facebook events for these bike-minded organisations to get all of the event details!
Bike Friendly Business Awards
Here are the businesses that stood out during our nominations, now is the time to vote on your favourite!
We received some great feedback on what makes a business “bike friendly”.
We found that secure and reliable bike parking was a commonality amongst the nominees. Many were also nominated for having a positive attitude towards employees cycling to work and having in-house bike repair stations.
Hill Laboratories and Waikato Regional Council were both nominated as Bike Friendly Businesses. Because they aren’t front-facing businesses, instead of carrying them through to voting we chose to ask them about the importance of providing cycling facilities to staff. Here’s what they had to say.
