More locals are getting out on their bikes this month thanks to Biketober, a local initiative designed to encourage people to leave their cars at home and take the bike instead more often. 

A wide range of events covering all things biking are taking place throughout the month and sell-out sessions and good feedback from participants so far are encouraging signs, Biketober organiser Berit Landgraf said. 

“We’ve had a lot of fun motivating people to get on their bikes,” Berit told the Wānaka App.

The ‘Bike Market’ celebration - the inaugural Biketober event - brought people from all generations together. 

Transport emissions account for 20 percent of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“That’s something that's really valuable in that mix - you get the little grommies speeding around and also older people coming together and enjoying biking.” 

Other events so far have included a biking-focused school holiday programme, a ‘family picnic’ style event for keen e-bikers to get together, and a ‘Green Drinks’ educational session. 

Berit said it was a small but significant win that every person who attended the Green Drinks event, held at Scroggin Cafe, travelled there by bike. 

While recreational biking is always supported, the goal of Biketober - informed by the Get SMART, Get Moving campaign - is to encourage people to choose biking more often for their everyday transport needs. 

Biketober organiser Benit Landgraf said it had been a lot of fun motivating people to get on their bikes.

Transport emissions are the fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in New Zealand and account for 20 percent of all the emissions we produce, according to the Ministry of Transport. 

Berit said reducing our dependence on cars is important and while change doesn’t always happen overnight, every little bit counts.

“It’s about celebrating those little changes people make,” she said. “Seeing the positive in small changes can also help people stay motivated.”

Planning for next year’s Biketober is already underway and Berit said she is keen to hear from anyone in the community who would like to be involved to help grow the event.

Check out the remaining Biketober events here.

PHOTOS: Supplied