PictureUSO rider Ie'u Tuiavii modelling the USO cycling kits at the 2012 New Zealand USO Bike Ride Launch at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.

  WHY CYCLING?

USO Bike Ride since 2011 has spent time in Samoa, Hawaii and around New Zealand. Through talking to many elders-parents and grandparents we have discovered that cycling is not a new activity in these settings.  "Back in the Day" cycling was a popular activity. It was a main form of transport and getting around the islands. The same cannot be said for modern times.  Today, wherever Polynesian people live, there are small numbers of Polynesian people cycling yet high levels of poor health.  USO is one "Cog" in improving the health and wellbeing of whanau and communities


THE BENEFITS OF CYCLING WITH
USO Bike Ride:  

While cycling is a great form of exercise that combined with a balanced diet can prevent and improve the management of long term conditions such as gout, cancer, heart disease, obesity.  For USO Bike Ride it's not just about the bike.

Our whanau ora approach is inclusive of wananga, language, culture, waiata, spirituality, emotional and financial wellbeing.  

 

  • Social cohesion-enjoy cycling and wananga in the company of others of similar abilities
  • Commutacating to and from work or school is your exercise. No need to join a gym or go to exercise in the evenings which means more family time
  • WIth USO we have many stories of share how to overcome the health challenges whanau face
  • A solid foundation in cycling will open up opportunities to try Mountainbiking, Triathlons, Duathlons, Multisport events, Track cycling.
  • Humour and fun are two other pillars of our kaupapa
CHALLENGES OF CYCLING
  • Safety
  • Cycling skills
  • Cost
  • Wearing Lycra
  • Perceived as individual

USO advocate for better improved signage and infrastructure for all road users.  We run safe and supportive beginner cycling sessions with an aim to increase commuter cycling numbers.  Through learning how to cycle, participants become better users of road vehicles.  Our supporters and sponsors are also behind our kaupapa of improving the health and wellbeing of Polynesian people by bike! 

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