More than just a naked bike ride

With the price of petrol at an all time high there has never been a better time to "get on your bike" says cycling advocate Victoria Davis, of Golden Bay.

More than 100 naked cyclists are expected to do just that at the annual World Naked Bike Ride in Golden Bay next month.

Ms Davis, a founder member of Bike Lanes in Paradise, said that the clothing-optional ride aimed to celebrate the wide ranging benefits of cycling while at the same time highlighting the vulnerability of cyclists on our roads.

"Cyclists are dying on our roads and yet central Government has reduced funding [for cycleways] to councils. It's bizarre," Ms Davis said.

"Cycling should be an enjoyable form of transport, not scary. We need drivers to be aware of cyclists and other vulnerable road users and we still need to get that message out there."

Calling for a comprehensive road safety campaign, Ms Davis said cycling had social, environmental, economic and health benefits.

The naked bike ride will start at 3pm on March 12 from Tarakohe, and, as in previous years, cyclists are encouraged to adorn themselves with body paint. There will be prizes for the best body painted message and the funniest entrant.

Entrants will ride two kilometres along the coast road to Pohara, where the ride finishes with a beach party.

For the first time, cyclists will take advantage of the new cycle-walkway completed last June from the Pohara Valley corner to the Top 10 Campground on the route.

"It's a fantastic cycleway and it would not be there if it was not for campaigning cyclists who pressed the Tasman District Council to do it," Ms Davis said.

- © Fairfax NZ News