What better way to get to the beach on a breezy summer day than by bike? But where to put your bike, once you get there? If you’re lucky, you might find a handy rack, or a pole, or a friendly tree. But the more popular the beach, the trickier it is to find a spot to park.
Point Chevalier Beach is no exception, with parking at a premium on summer weekends.
So, Bike Pt Chev had a brainwave. Their new initiative, Bike to the Beach, offers free bike valet parking, on both sides of weekend high tides – to look after your wheels while you relax and enjoy the beach. The secure set-up is run by a team of friendly local kids and parents, and delivered with support from Auckland Transport.
You’ll find the crew at Harbour View Reserve, where the bike valet is at street level, making it easy to roll up and hand over your wheels in exchange for a numbered ticket. Then stroll down the paths to Point Chevalier’s sandy beach, a gentle inner-harbour swimming spot with pontoons and picnic benches.
And when you’re ready to head home, your bike will be waiting for you! You can also grab free local bike maps, to inspire you to explore the new cycleway connections (and spot any gaps that need filling), plus cute Bike Pt Chev stickers for your bike.
Since launching on Auckland Anniversary Day, Bike to the Beach has already looked after well over a hundred bikes so far – with only a few repeat customers! A huge part of the fun is chatting with the visitors, on bikes big and small, arriving from near (a few streets away, and neighbouring ‘burbs) and far (Laingholm! Onehunga! Meadowbank!).
Bike to the Beach will be up and running on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 February, with free ice blocks for the first 50 people to park their wheels each day. The weather and the water both look perfect.
- Saturday 21st February 9am – 1:30pm (high tide 11:09am)
- Sunday 22nd February 10am – 2:30pm (high tide 11:55am)
Check readytoride.nz/biketothebeach to confirm future times and days.
PS Even if you’re not on a bike, swing by and say hi to one of the friendliest bike burbs in town. Bike Pt Chev is also known for its long-running Bike Train, and Bike to Football at Seddon Fields (which was wildly popular even before the Meola Road cycleway!), as well as community events, guided group rides and more.
