If you’re cruising around Mangere, you might see six bright-red postie bikes getting a new lease on life. They are part of a free community bikeshare scheme in Mangere, started up by the tirelessly creative Teau Aiturau.
Two bikes are permanently stationed at the Te Moana-a-Kiwi Pool and Gym. They’re free to borrow for anyone who fancies a spin around the Future Streets project, which is adding protected bike lanes to the town centre. The plan is to have a couple of bikes at several handy spots around the community, as far afield as Mangere Bridge, so people can come and go as they please.
It’s all part of Teau’s big vision of making Mangere the Bike Capital of the Pacific. On that subject, Teau’s applying for an AMP scholarship to follow his dreams. We can’t think of a better person to get a boost like this! If you’re on Facebook, rush over and vote for Teau for People’s Choice before 2 October 2016.
Teau’s as busy as ever on his mission to get everyone in Mangere on a bike. He’s been teaching bike skills to local kids, both at after school programmes and in the schools, and reports that at Mangere East Primary, every single kid in Year 4 and Year 5 can now officially ride a bike. All they need now is more safe places to ride!
And, if you want to check out what’s happening with Te Ara Mua/ Future Streets, there’s a street party coming up…
Te Ara Mua Future Streets Celebration – 22 Sep 2016, 4-7pm
Moana-Nui-a Kiwa Leisure Centre, 14 Waddon Place, Mangere, Auckland
Come along to this fun, free event for the whole community. Bring your bike or walking shoes and check out the new completed Te Ara Mua Future Streets trail. Join in the celebrations and activities along the way, including:
- a treasure hunt
- DJ on stage
- cultural performances
- make your own pedal-powered smoothies
- facepainting
Pop on down – it’ll inspire you about what’s possible on the local level. If every neighbourhood had a Teau and some well-designed future streets, we’d be a lot closer to a Bikeable Auckland!
(All photos via Teau’s Triple Teez Facebook page)
