Living in a bike bubble? Feel like you’re the only person you know who rides a bike… and yet, you spot other two-wheeled folk everywhere you go? Maybe it’s time to connect with local bike-minded people. Many of the Bike Burb groups have events coming up to warm up the autumn – starting this weekend, to catch the spirit of Neighbours’ Day.
No need to be shy – pop down to your local gathering and say hi. These activities are open to everyone, young or old, lycra or frock, drop or mustache handlebars, slow and steady, bunny hoppers, or hard out… in our quest for an ever more cycling-friendly Auckland, combining forces on the local level is how we take it to the next level.
Bike Albany
Saturday 19th March, 11am-1pm, Bike Albany invite you to a picnic at Albany Lakes. Bring your bikes, kids, food and picnic rugs. For details, check out the event page. Bike Albany is one of our fledgling groups and would love more people to join and help make Albany awesome! Join their Facebook group over here.
Bike Avondale
Sunday 20th March, from 5am(!) till noon at Avondale Markets: Get to know your local bike champions, Bike Avondale! They will be surveying local cycling habits, will have giveaways and prizes, info about upcoming plans for bike paths in the area, and a photo tag game. Bike mechanics will be on site 9.30am – 11.30am to give your bike a once-over. For more details, keep an eye on the event page. You can also join Bike Avondale’s Facebook group or connect with them on Twitter.
Bike Te Atatu
Sunday 20th March, 2pm–4pm: come hang with the cool kids on the Te Atatu Peninsula Library verandah, fix up your bike and be ready for the upcoming Bike Te Atatu Eco-West group rides. There’ll be bike maintenance help, a big fill-in bike map to cover with your ideas for a more bikeable ‘hood, plus coffee and sweet treats! More details here. You can join Bike Te Atatu’s Facebook group, connect with them on Twitter, or bookmark their awesome website.
Bike Kaipatiki (FYI Kaipatiki covers Beach Haven, Birkenhead, Chatswood, Birkdale, Northcote Peninsula, Glenfield, Hillcrest and Marlborough, phew)
Sunday 20th March, 10am–2pm: Bike Kaipatiki is hosting a picnic at Onepoto Domain. Bike maintenance, giveaways, coffee! For more details, check this page, and join Bike Kaipatiki’s Facebook group.
Bike Grey Lynn
Sunday 20th March, 10am–1pm: Bike Grey Lynn is hosting the final in a series of Bubs on Bikes Lean2Ride sessions in Grey Lynn Park, and will have maps and info about the current consultation on future bike paths and safe biking streets from Pt Chev to the city. Like Bike Grey Lynn’s page on Facebook to keep up with the latest in the area.
Triple Teez (Mangere)
The legendary Teau and co have a couple of great events coming up over Easter, with treats and activities. Come and join the fun!
- Good Friday 25th March, 7pm: Good Friding Easter Hunt Night Ride. Light up your bike and light up the streets.
- Easter Monday 28th March, 10am–2pm: Triple Teez (Mangere) – Easter Fun Day, Mangere Town Centre. Bike maintenance on site.
For more details of these events, keep your eye on Triple Teez’ Facebook page. Everyone is always welcome in the Bike Capital of the Pasifik! Triple Teez are also always glad to take donated bikes, which are then fixed up by the kids and find a very glad new home.
Bike Devonport
Thursday 31st March is Bike Devonport’s Bike to School day (more details to come!). Join Bike Devonport’s Facebook group, follow them on Twitter, and check out their shiny new website which is full of ideas and inspiration for bike burbs everywhere.
Also in the neighborhood on Wednesday 23 March, 6.30-8 at the Wakatere Boating Club at Narrowneck Beach: “Fall In Love With A Bike“, a special ladies’ night event in which you can ‘speed-date’ a wide range of excellent bikes suited to women, including e-bikes, cargo bikes, basket bikes, and more.
Other Bike Burb groups you may not know about, but should…
Bike Onehunga
PATH (Puketapapa Active Transport Haven / Mt Roskill)
Cycle Action Waiheke
Bike Orewa
Keen to start up a Bike Burb group in your hood?
Contact Carol, our Bike Burbs co-ordinator (carol@carolgreen.net) and she’ll give you the low-down. You can also start small – pop a notice on Neighbourly, on your neighbourhood Facebook page, the school newsletter, or the good old real-life noticeboard at the local library, announcing a little bike gathering, and see who shows up!
