Taupo’s giant bike on the road to repair

Taupo's giant bike on the road to repair

29 May 2014

Work will soon begin to repair Taupo's giant bike.

Taupo District Council this week resolved to accept an offer from a local engineer to undertake the repairs on the vandalised sculpture for the cost of materials.

The iconic bike was installed on the corner State Highway 1 and Poihipi Road in September 2012 to celebrate Taupo's proud cycling heritage. Taupo District Council contributed $3500 toward the $55,000 cost, with the rest fundraised by the community. The bike was vandalised in February. Parts of the bike were irreparable.

Mayor David Trewavas said the council was faced with the choice of accepting the engineer's offer or commissioning the original artist to undertake the repairs, which had been estimated at around $26,000.

Because the insurance excess would have been $25,000 the full cost of repair would have needed to be met by the council. That cost had not been budgeted.

Mr Trewavas said the council chose to take up the offer from a local engineer as it was the most financially prudent option for the ratepayers. It was a difficult decision to make however we know times are tight and that people want the giant bike reinstated as soon as possible, he said.

The council would have the bike inspected to ensure it complied with health and safety regulations before it was reinstated. Extra vandalism protection measures would be put in place in an effort to prevent similar incidents happening in the future.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Taupō District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz