Get ready to ride! February is Bike Month, and Whakatāne District Council is encouraging people across the district to get on their bikes and take part in a packed programme of community events.
Bike Month 2026 celebrates cycling as a fun, social and accessible way to get around, explore the district and connect with others on two wheels. The month includes community rides, school-based events, free food, spot prizes and the return of the popular Big Bike Film Night.
Whakatāne District Council Community Safety Advisor Richard Hamer says Bike Month is about making cycling welcoming for everyone.
“Bike Month is a great chance to get out on your bike, meet other riders and enjoy our district in a different way,” says Mr Hamer. “Whether you’re a regular rider or just getting back on a bike, there are events throughout the month that are designed to be fun, social and easy to join.”
The month kicks off with Go By Bike Day on Tuesday 3 February, inviting people to ride to Robert Harris Whakatāne between 8am and 10am for free coffee, spot prizes and giveaways, including bike gear and double passes to the Big Bike Film Night.
Weekly Explorer Rides follow throughout February, taking riders through local routes including Burma Road, Onepū MTB Park and the Whakatāne and Coastlands area. These rides offer a relaxed way to discover new places and ride alongside others.
Bike Month also includes Wheels Days at schools in Kawerau, Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki, supporting tamariki to build confidence and skills on their bikes.
The month wraps up with the Big Bike Film Night on Monday 23 February at Whakamax, featuring an inspiring selection of short cycling films from around the world.
Bike Month 2026 events at a glance:
• Tuesday 3 February – Go By Bike Day, Robert Harris Whakatāne, 8am–10am
• Tuesday 10 February – Burma Road Explorer Ride, 5pm
• Wednesday 11 February – Free BBQ and Explore Onepū MTB Park, 5.30pm
• Thursday 12 February – Wheels Day, Kawerau schools
• Tuesday 17 February – Whakatāne/Coastlands Explorer Ride, 5pm
• Thursday 19 February – Wheels Day, various Whakatāne schools
• Monday 23 February – Big Bike Film Night, Whakamax, 6.30pm
• Thursday 26 February – Wheels Day, various Ōpōtiki schools
Bike Month 2026 events are coordinated by Whakatāne District Council and supported by the Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme, Bike Whakatāne Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Robert Harris and Tracks Concrete Ltd.
For full event details, visit the Eastern Bay Road Safety Programme events page on Facebook.