If you’ve used Bike Auckland’s Bike Valet service at an event, there’s a good chance you’ve been greeted by Richard Jones’ smile. Richard has been working with Bike Auckland for over six years. Here, he shares his top moments looking after our bikes at the Bike Valet.
There is something incredibly rewarding about running the Bike Valet at an event. When I’m out there with Dylan, the Bike Valet Programme Manager, helping people park up their pride and joy, it feels like being at the heart of a movement.
If you’ve seen us at Eden Park, the Onehunga Festival, your local market, or Big Gay Out and you haven’t tried the service yet, let me tell you why you should roll your bike over to us next time.
The “Aha” Moment
I’m incredibly passionate about the Bike Valet because it’s a fabulous way to engage with fellow Aucklanders about the benefits of life by bike. My “aha” moment? It happens every time we hit a new record. Recently, at the Mount Roskill Culture Fest, we had over 90 bikes on our racks!
Seeing that many people choosing to cycle instead of drive is brilliant. It’s proof that the appetite for a modern, liveable city is right here, and we’re just helping make it easier.
VIP Treatment (without the VIP Price)
I recently managed the Bike Valet for the Big Bike Film Night cinema screenings in Takapuna, Devonport, and Avondale. It was such a joy to see cinema-goers cycle up, leave their bikes with us, and head in to watch a fantastic evening of short films.
How awesome is that? They’d come outside after the show, and their bike would be right there, ready to go. No hiking to a distant parking garage, no fighting through traffic. Just pure convenience.
It’s the same for the big events like the Auckland Writer’s Festival at the Aotea Centre. Why stress about the cost of parking or finding a space? You can get your endorphin hit on the ride over, leave your bike with the crew, and walk straight in to hear your favorite national and international authors. No worries, no stress.
More Than Just a Parking Spot
The best part of my day is the conversations I get to have. I love being one of the faces of Bike Auckland because it gives me a chance to talk about:
- The growing network: I love saying, “Are you aware of this cycle path that will help you get to work?”
- The adventures: Recommending great rides like the Waikato River Trail or the Hauraki Rail Trail is a highlight for me.
- The “Bike Trains”: There’s nothing better than seeing a group of 20 cyclists arrive together, organised by their local Bike Burb, all having a great time.
But my favourite sight? The families. Seeing parents and kids arrive on a cargo bike, or older kids riding alongside their mum and dad, is just fabulous. Auckland is a cycling city, and this is what our city’s future looks like.
Give it a Go
We want this service to go from strength to strength, and we want to see even more of you using it. Whether you’re heading to a festival or a film, don’t worry about the logistics, just hop on your bike and come see us.
I’ll be there with a smile, ready to chat about the best paths to take or why we all want a bike path over the Harbour Bridge. Let us take care of your bike while you enjoy the best of Auckland. See you at the next event!
