The 2025 Bike Burb Hui takes place this weekend. There, representatives from bike burbs across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland will weave their individual successes together, uplift one another, and gain a comprehensive overview of the incredible grassroots mahi volunteers are doing across the region.
We chat to Teva Chonon of Bike Auckland and Vibeke Brethouwer of Cycle Action Waiheke to find out the precious work volunteers are doing all over our region and why the Hui is such an important day each year to support this work.
What are bike burbs?
“Bike burbs are a grassroots movement of volunteer-led groups around Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland,” says Teva. “The name comes from bike suburb, as most of the bike burbs serve a Tāmaki Makaurau neighbourhood. Others connect specific communities right across the region.”
Why does a community create a bike burb?
“These groups of volunteers come together around a vision of their neighbourhood as a bike-friendly place. They build a community around cycling, speak up for more safe cycleways, and make it easier for people of all ages and various mobilities to bike for their transport.
“Each bike burb is unique and has its own flavour, as they are a reflection of their local community.”
What does the Bike Burbs Hui achieve?
“The Hui is an essential opportunity to be part of a collective movement for better cycling,” explains Teva. “It fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose among the different Bike Burbs.”
Vibeke continues:
“The ideas, creativity and ways of engaging in different burbs are so inspiring. The Hui leaves me invigorated to try new things and evaluate what we can do better to bring more people along.”
What happens on the day of the Hui?
“The Bike Burb Hui is an annual event. Representatives from various Bike Burbs across Tāmaki Makaurau come together,” says Teva. “We share experiences, learn from each other’s successes and challenges, and collectively strategise on how to promote cycling in our communities.
“The day kicks off with a group bike ride, which is always a great way to experience our region by bike and connect with fellow enthusiasts. One year, we experienced a complete deluge of rain, and despite the downpour, everyone kept riding enthusiastically all the way back to the venue. It showed the dedication and spirit of the community!
“Next up come engaging presentations where presenters showcase successes in cycling activation from the past year. It’s inspiring to see the innovative ways burbs are making a difference.
“We then wrap up the day with a shared meal, which provides a fantastic opportunity for informal networking, deeper discussions, and simply enjoying each other’s company.”
Vibeke explains why it’s such an uplifting event:
“I love the Bike Burbs Hui! It reminds me that there are many people out there who believe in better. People who want more transport options for all people – people who know there’s life outside of cars.”
Join your local bike burb
Could you be the next bike burb star? It’s a great way to ride more, make friends, and improve your neighbourhood. Participate in group rides, local meetups, bike repair days, or volunteer to promote biking and envision a more bike-friendly community. Find your local bike burb and get in touch.
