Bicycles may outnumber cars in central Papamoa on Sunday as up to 500 cyclists come out for the annual Pedal Papamoa event.

The free family-friendly ride leaves from the Papamoa Plaza at 10am and will follow the off-road stormwater trail to Evans Rd.

There will be treasure hunts, giveaways and pit stops along the way and cyclists can refuel with a free breakfast at the Papamoa Beach Tavern after the ride.

Papamoa Unlimited events manager Kate Percy says this will be the third ride held in conjunction with Tauranga City Council's Travel Safe team.

'It's a great way to get kids learning about the road rules for cycling and it showcases our local landscape. It's a very pretty place to ride.”

Pedal Papamoa is a free event and leaves from the Papamoa Plaza at 10am on Sunday, September 24.