Image courtesy of Matt Crawford shows the Frocks on Bikes event in 2024.
Cycling is more than just a mode of transportation—it’s a way to build healthier, more connected communities. Encouraging more people to try bikes can be achieved through a combination of creative initiatives, community engagement, and effective communication.
Here are three great tips from the pros for how to inspire a love of cycling in our local area.
To learn how to put these approaches into practice, join the Bike Auckland Community Workshop series and hear directly from these experts – see the details at the bottom of the article.
1. Create School Bike Trains
A bike train to the local school can be a great way to get more families onto bikes and scooters. Dominic Ross, who has successfully implemented bike trains for seven local schools, highlights their impact on encouraging families to cycle. He says:
“At each bike train station, take the time to connect with the children, building meaningful relationships that inspire confidence in cycling. Along the way, share exciting bike-related activities happening in the area, showing them how cycling can be an enjoyable and connected part of their lives.”
By fostering a sense of safety and camaraderie, bike trains not only get kids and parents on bikes but also create lasting connections within the community.
2. Host Community Cycling Events
Cycling events are a fantastic way to celebrate bikes and bring people together. Community builder and placemaker Xan Hamilton emphasises this, saying:
“Cycling events build community and spread the love of bikes at the same time. Hosting fun bike events in your area gets more people consistently riding bikes.”
Consider organising events like family fun rides, bike maintenance workshops, or themed rides to attract participants of all ages and skill levels. Events like these can turn cycling into a shared joy, sparking a cultural shift toward bikes in your neighbourhood.
3. Amplify Awareness Through Communication
Spreading the word is key to growing the cycling community. Sue Cardwell, Communications Manager at Bike Auckland, advises:
“Make sure to spread the word. Digital and offline communications channels help you to reach new people, let the community know what’s happening, and create a buzz around bikes.”
Leverage tools like social media, newsletters, and local noticeboards to promote bike and scooter initiatives. Engaging visuals and inspiring stories of people who bike in the community can create excitement and draw in newcomers.
Conclusion
By building initiatives such as bike trains, hosting engaging cycling events, and amplifying communication efforts, we can cultivate a strong cycling culture in our community. Whether it’s the morning bike train to school, a joyful community event, or a buzzworthy campaign, every effort helps us take a step (or pedal) toward a more active, vibrant future.
Let’s get rolling!
The Bike Auckland community workshop series
Bike Auckland is running events across the region until May 2025. Check out the upcoming workshops, and subscribe to our newsletter to hear when new ones are scheduled.
Additional resources
Join with others working on promoting bikes in their local area: connect with your Bike Burb.
Check out our ultimate collection of resources for local bike groups.
