"One of the biggest barriers to people cycling in Auckland is the perception of lack of safety, so we're trying to provide events and cycle-skills training that will get children on to bikes, parents and families on to bikes, and seniors back on to bikes."
Rednall says the range of events organised is designed to engage communities and get people exploring where they live on two wheels. "We view it as a recreational activity which might lead on to people commuting by bike as well."
Bike the Bridge
One day we'll be riding the Sky Path over Auckland's Harbour Bridge and wonder at how long it took for the city to catch up to the rest of the world and share their bridge with feet and bicycles.
But in the meantime, you can join spring's biggest cycling event, the third annual Bike the Bridge, which gives even beginner riders the chance to cycle over the bridge. About 4000 riders are expected to don helmets (Lycra not necessary, though some people just can't help themselves) and take on the challenge. Riders head out from 6am. on Sunday, November 16. The shortest division to travel over the bridge is the 20km Pedal Auckland event. More serious riders have the option of 50km and 105km courses.
Marketing manager Helen Mobberley says most of the 20km course is run off the road, along the Northern Busway - an attractive feature for less confident riders. To give participants an added sense of security, a line of 100 buses will be parked along the edge of the busway to form a buffer against the traffic.
"The overriding feedback we had from last year is that people just felt safe," says Mobberley.
To get the whole family involved, children from intermediate age can compete in the main Bike the Bridge event. For primary-school-aged children there is the Travelwise Kids' Challenge - a 2km, 4km or 6km course on closed roads around the QBE (North Harbour) Stadium at Albany, where the main rides finish, and for the littlest cyclists a fun trail within the oval.
"It's an event for everyone, from any child who can get on a balance bike up to our oldest riders who are in their 70s," says Mobberley.
"We have everyone from inexperienced riders up to the elite. While we know some people do race it, we don't push it as a competitive event - it's just a chance to participate."
As for riding the bridge, "It's steeper than you think, but on a bike it's not as hard as running," says Mobberley.
"People think the Harbour Bridge is the hill, but actually the busway is steeper in parts."
The event was established by Callum McNair, whose wife suffers from multiple sclerosis, and it raises funds for the Auckland MS Society. Every finisher in the children's events is presented with a medal by someone with MS.
"We've also got a couple of ladies with MS doing the event, and I say to people, if someone with MS can do it, anyone who puts their heart into it can do it. It's really achievable."
And one more for two wheels
Auckland's newest road tunnel, complete with cycle lanes and cycle/bike paths, the 1.5km Te Horeta Rd in Panmure opens to traffic on November 2, with a family event Saturday, November 1. The road includes a 220m tunnel and is the final major milestone for the $180m first stage of the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI); next stages include upgrading the dreaded Panmure roundabout to an intersection with traffic lights and new cycle and footpaths.
For more information and to register for courses, go to cyclingsthego.co.nz.
NEED TO KNOW
Auckland Transport spring cycling events and training courses
• As well as its Travelwise programme in schools, Auckland Transport runs a range of free cycle training courses for adult riders. Topics include biking for beginners, an introduction to cycling on the road, and bike care and maintenance, as well as a programme of guided rides for less confident riders.
• Family events this spring include Bubs on Bikes at Onepoto Domain, Northcote on Sunday, October 19; Western Springs family bike day on Sunday, October 26; Halloween-themed rides on Friday, October 31 at Devonport, Henderson and Pakuranga; and a Christmas family ride in Henderson on Saturday, December 6.
• Community rides include exploring the Grafton Gully and connecting cycleways on Saturday, November 8; guided rides to Sculpture on the Shore on Sunday, November 9 and 16; and the Frocks on Bikes fashion evening in Takapuna on Wednesday, November 26.
Get bike-ready
If you're just getting your bike back out of the garage for spring, take the time to check the basics. The NZTA's Bike Wise programme recommends a seven-point check:
• Wash your bike
• Inspect the brakes
• Check the wheels
• Check the tyres
• Inspect the drivetrain (gears, pedals, chain etc)
• Check the gear and brake cables
• Lube it up.
Further details: See bikewise.co.nz, or call the Bike Wise freephone on 0508 BY BIKE (292 453).
