PM bursts Clark’s bike bubble

Health Minister David Clark’s plan to enjoy a spot of lockdown mountain biking quickly went downhill yesterday after he came under fire from the Prime Minister.

Clark was spotted driving 2km to a Dunedin mountain bike track in a Toyota Hiace van emblazoned with his face on Thursday, leading fellow ministers to reprimand him, saying he “got it wrong”.

His trip came as House Speaker Trevor Mallard also drew criticism for almost daily cycling trips. The cycling politicians sparked claims their actions undermined the message to millions of Kiwis to remain in isolation in their homes.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Clark should have followed official advice to avoid activities with a higher risk of injury, while Finance Minister Grant Robertson also put the boot in at yesterday’s official press briefing. “We don’t want the Minister of Health out mountain biking,” he said.

Robertson said Clark “got it wrong” and had to be mindful he played an important role fighting the Covid-19 virus.

Kiwis have been told they can go out for exercise close to home.

Clark said “The Big Easy” 6km mountain bike track he rode was not challenging.

But in December 2018 a cyclist suffered a shoulder injury and had to be rescued.

“Even though I deliberately opted for an easy, local track . . . I should have chosen a better option such as walking, running, or cycling on the flat,” Clark said.

Speaker Mallard was also forced to defend his cycling trips after posting his route to Facebook last Friday.

He told the Herald he continued to ride five days a week, but only on the road.

“My wife is available to pick me up if I break down — she is in my bubble,” he said.