Community Activation Manager Anja Vroegop reflects on a busy Biketober in a year of change:
Biketober, that most wonderful time of the year! When the days are longer, the sun comes out, and so do loads of locally powered community events, all in the name of fun and fresh air. This year felt extra special after months of uncertainty and with many events off the cards. Being together in person and on bikes was a real treat!
Here’s a highlight reel of some of the community creativity that defined this year’s Biketober calendar. A huge thank you to everyone who organised or attended an event and here’s to a summer filled with many more fabulous reasons to be out and about by bike.
Cycle Action Waiheke ran a series of Biketober events getting people out on bikes on the island, ferry hopping and onto paths further afield. From a Ferry Loop de Loop to mountain bike fun rides and a sustainability focussed beach and BBQ ride, there was something for everyone. And the weather played along with gorgeous days and gorgeous photos:
Grey Lynn Farmers Market put in a successful application to the Auckland Transport Community Bike Fund to make Biketober extra bikey at the markets. All month long, everyone who arrived by bike was treated to the Bike Auckland Bike Valet service and a $5 voucher to spend at any of the market stalls. Every Sunday crowds of people on bikes poured in to do their weekly shop. Awesome initiative GLFM!
The Bird Ride, organised by Bike Te Atatū and guided by Auckland Council’s Bird Expert Chris Bindon, explored the birdlife of the northwestern cycleway causeway and the Te Atatū peninsula. As Simon from Bike Te Atatū briefed us on the route a flock of Godwits flew overhead, effortlessly sweeping into formation in the sky above Waimanu Bay. From there riders were treated to views of the diverse birdlife we so often whizz past on our bikes, including hungry Shags diving for their lunch.
The Five Maunga Ride organised by PATH explored five of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most magnificent Maunga by bike. More than 30 people showed up for a beautiful but challenging climb up a total of 630 vertical metres, with guest speakers sharing local knowledge at the summit of each maunga. We love your work PATH!
Bike East Auckland ran a series of 4 rides during Biketober to celebrate some of the better local path offerings, from Tour de Mud and Gravel to pootles through quiets paths and streets on the East Escape Ride. Bike East Auckland is one of the fastest growing Bike Burbs in Auckland, proving East Auckland wants to ride!
You should never miss a Mr. T bike celebration in Mangere. Biketoberfest took over the carpark at the Mangere Town centre for a day of fun, food and bikes. The crew from Triple Teez do a great job fixing up donated bikes and giving them away to kids at events like these. Keep up the great work T!
And this is just a taste of the local action this Biketober. All month long Auckland Transport ran their Learn 2 Ride sessions with hundreds of kids and adults getting on a bike for the first time (or after a long time). Our Bike Burbs ran history rides, speaking evenings, ride alongs and more!
We’re planning for a bumper summer for biking. If you’ve got an idea for a community event, or you’d like to be connected with your local group – get in touch, and we’ll help make it happen.
