Guest article from Bike Sunnynook, one of our community Bike Burbs! Find your local Bike Burb here and get involved.
Sunnynook Park came alive last weekend with the glow of lights, laughter, and music as our community gathered for Bike Rave Sunnynook Park. As part of Bike Auckland’s Biketober, this event was a celebration of cycling, safety, and community connection.
We began at the Sunnynook Community Centre, where families, friends, and neighbours from across Tāmaki Makaurau came together, from just up the street in Sunnynook to as far away as Mt Wellington. Our friends from Bike Kaipātiki (kitted out in the best fluorescent gear!) joined the fun, adding to the energy and excitement.
Bikes rolled in from every direction, helmets on, lights flashing, some decked out with Christmas lights, glow sticks, and torches. Thanks to Bike Auckland we were also able to hand out and fit bike lights for those who needed them, making sure everyone could shine safely through the night.
There was a wonderful mix of riders – toddlers on their first balance bikes, parents, grandparents, and everyone in between. Around 30 participants joined in, each adding their own sparkle to the night.
Before we hit the park, the Bike Sunnynook team led a warm welcome and safety briefing, followed by a quick-fire bike safety quiz. The young crowd didn’t hold back, hands shot up eagerly, and it was great to see how clued-up our community is when it comes to cycling safely.
Then the music went on, the lights came up, and we were off!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sunnynook Park transformed into a dazzling loop of twinkling lights and pulsing beats. Riders cruised around at their own pace, mountain bikes, e-bikes, commuter bikes, racing bikes, scooters, even a few prams joined the flow.
Some did a couple of laps, while others couldn’t resist and rode eight or nine! The darker it got, the more magical the park became. And yet, as beautiful as it was, the unlit areas of the park reminded us why safe cycling and walking spaces are so important.
When we regrouped at the end of the night, the feedback was unanimous: “When’s the next one?”
People loved the sense of community, creativity, and the simple joy of riding together. For many, it wasn’t just about bikes, it was about belonging and connection.
For the Bike Sunnynook team, seeing such a diverse mix of people, kids, parents, grandparents, new riders, and experienced cyclists, come together was truly inspiring. The growing positivity around cycling and safety in Sunnynook was clear to see. We are very grateful to Bike Auckland for their wonderful support in making this event such a success.
You can watch a short highlight reel on Bike Sunnynook’s Facebook!
