The bike, ridden by Urgent Couriers' Deane Tetley, swept into victory followed by Olympic sailor Jo Aleh on the bus (44 mins), and fellow Olympic sailor Paul Snow-Hansen and Labour MP for Te Atatu Phil Twyford in the car and train respectively, both taking 53 minutes.

The annual Urgent Couriers Commuter Challenge, which tests the efficiency of the four different modes of transport, saw all commuters take off from the New Lynn Transport Centre at 0715 this morning, finishing at the Auckland Council's Go By Bike Breakfast at Wynyard Quarter.

Urgent Couriers managing director Steve Bonnici said the challenge, which started five years ago, proves the efficacy and benefits of cycling over driving to work.

"Auckland roading and transport has undergone numerous changes in the last five years, and, yet still we have a serious traffic congestion problem. Leaving the car at home and either cycling or taking public transport even once a week can make a significant difference, both to the environment, and to your health and wellbeing," he said.

Urgent Couriers, the only carbon-neutral Kiwi courier company, co-ordinates the Commuter Challenge to highlight its concern about the environmental impact of cars on Auckland's carbon footprint.

As part of the Bike Wise Month and coinciding with Auckland Council's Go by Bike Breakfast, the annual event aims to encourage the use of bikes and public transport to reduce congestion on Auckland roads.

Ends

For more information please contact:

Clare Naden, Senior consultant, Wright Communications

Phone: 09 366 2457

Mobile: 022 6143826

Email: clare@wrightcommunications.co.nz