This great post on Transport Blog points out that hills in Auckland don’t have to be a problem for cycling.
As well as the funky Norwegian cycle lift, bike racks on the City Link buses is suggested. I think this is a great idea. I was a regular user of the racks in Christchurch and there was very little delay for other passengers (combined with the fact Christchurch had the tap and go, electronic Metro Card when it was only a dream in Auckland). I understand they have also been a success on Waiheke.
Of course, I always have to put in a plug for electric bikes. I regularly climb the hill on Lake Road from the golf course up the Old Lake Road shops. That is quite a brutal slope but I go up it at 19-20km/hr with minimal effort and then down the other side at around 40km/h. Meaning I do that whole stretch at an average of 30km/h.
I really can’t speak highly enough of electric bikes for taking the sting out of hills. I am only 39 and in very good health (e.g. I train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu three/four times a week). But for me an electric bike means I go further, more often. It is NOT cheating!
