With fuel prices likely to head further upwards, and talk of rationing or car-free days you might be thinking about commuting by bike. It’s a smart move, and it could be a lot easier than you imagine.
You might be wondering whether you need to be super fit, what sort of bike you need, or how you’ll deal with hills, rain and Auckland drivers. This guide covers the basics so you can give it a go without overthinking things.
Your commute
Before diving into bikes and gear, it’s worth thinking about the ride itself. Most trips under 15km are surprisingly manageable, especially if you’re not trying to set any speed records. Plenty of Auckland commutes fall comfortably within that range.
Typical Auckland distances
- Balmoral to CBD 5.6km
- Point Chevalier to CBD 8.3km
- St Heliers to CBD 9.7km
- Te Atatu to CBD 15km
- New Lynn to CBD 13km
- Royal Oak to CBD 9.8km
- Stonefields to CBD 11km
- Browns Bay to Albany Station 5.1km
- Glenfield to Smales Farm 4km
- Birkenhead to Smales Farm 5.2km
- Onehunga to Manukau 15km
- Manurewa to Manukau 5.3km
- Howick to Manukau 15.3km
- New Lynn to Henderson 7.6km
It’s also worth remembering that the route you drive may not be the best one to ride. Quiet back streets, shared paths and shortcuts you’ve never noticed from a car can transform the experience.
Workplace facilities can help, but they’re not essential. Showers are nice if you have them, but secure bike parking is usually more important when you’re getting started.
Once you’ve got a feel for the journey, the next question is what you’re going to ride.
Choosing a bike
The simple truth is that almost any bike will do to get started. That old hybrid in your garage? Great. Your Woodhill only mountain bike? It’ll work. The road bike your mate bought to do a triathlon ten years ago? Sure.
The simplest and cheapest option is to ride what you already own, or just borrow something to test the waters.
Before committing to regular commuting, check that your tyres are pumped up, your brakes work properly and gears shift easily. If you’re unsure, your local bike shop or Bike Hub can give it a quick once-over.
If you do need to buy a bike, Bike Hubs have a range of affordable, used bikes that will have been safety-checked. Or, if you want to spend a bit more, there are many bike shops around the city.
Some workplaces offer salary-sacrifice bike schemes, which can make a new bike more affordable if you decide cycling is going to stick.
Read more: Choosing a Bike for Commuting
What about eBikes?
Electric bikes have opened commuting to a much wider range of people. They flatten hills, reduce sweat and make carrying heavy loads far less daunting. In a city like Auckland, that can be a genuine game-changer.
They do cost more and need secure storage and charging, so choosing a reputable brand with good local support is important.
Of course, having the bike is only part of the story. Getting comfortable riding it is just as important.
Read more: Going electric or going alternative for your bike commute
Clothing
Riding a bike for transport doesn’t have to mean dressing up for the Tour de France. Many Auckland commuters simply ride in normal clothes with just a wind or rainproof jacket if the weather turns bad. Longer distances or faster riding may justify cycling gear and a change at work.
Layering is particularly useful, a cool morning can quickly turn warm once you get moving. Rainwear helps on wet days, although most experienced riders accept that staying completely dry is more of an aspiration than a guarantee.
Read more: What clothes do you need for bike commuting?
Getting ready
If you haven’t ridden in years, start with a few relaxed rides around parks or cycleways. Practise using your gears before you reach hills, and don’t be embarrassed about walking steep sections, everybody does it sometimes.
Simple skills like riding slowly in a straight line or glancing behind you without wobbling can make a big difference to confidence. Like most things, it gets easier a lot quicker than you expect.
Once you’re comfortable on the bike, it’s time to think about what you actually need to bring with you.
Read more: You and bike commuting
What you need
You don’t need a garage full of equipment to begin commuting. A helmet that fits properly is a sensible starting point, along with a simple way to carry your belongings. Most people start with a backpack and only upgrade later if they feel the need.
Lights are important for visibility, even during the day, and a hi-vis top or belt can help too. A solid lock is also worth the investment if your bike will be left unattended during the day.
With the basics sorted, the next step is working out how you’ll actually get from A to B.
Read more: What stuff do you need for bike commuting?
Route planning
Both Google and Apple maps will give cycling-specific routes with options you may not have noticed from your car.
In many cases, taking quiet residential streets while a little longer is actually quicker and more relaxed than busier main roads. And don’t forget Auckland’s growing network of cycle paths.
Doing a practice run on a quiet weekend morning can really help. You’ll get a feel for the effort involved, how long it takes and where the tricky bits are.
Choosing the right route is an important part of a safe commute, but there are other considerations too.
Read more: Route planning for bike commuting
Safety tips
Riding in Auckland traffic isn’t the same as cruising along the waterfront on a Sunday morning. Staying aware of your surroundings and scanning ahead for hazards like potholes or broken glass gives you time to react.
Positioning yourself about a metre from the kerb improves visibility and discourages drivers from trying to squeeze past. At intersections, making eye contact and signalling clearly can prevent misunderstandings.
Riding predictably helps everyone relax, including you.
Read more: Safety tips for bike commuting
Maintenance
Basic bike maintenance goes a long way. Properly inflated tyres make riding easier, and a regularly lubricated chain will last much longer. Keeping an eye on brake wear is another quick check that can prevent surprises.
When something feels beyond your skill level, bike hubs and local shops are usually happy to help.
Read more: Maintaining your bike for commuting
Things to watch out for
Urban riding comes with its own set of hazards. Opening car doors, slippery paint lines and unpredictable pedestrians can all appear without warning.
Riding away from the gutter or parked cars, maintaining a steady line and signalling your intentions clearly helps you avoid trouble and reassures others around you.
Even with good awareness, interactions with drivers can occasionally become tense.
Read more: Watch-outs for bike commuting
Dealing with road rage
Sooner or later you may experience a close pass or a near miss at a junction. And while it often feels very personal it almost always isn’t.
It can be tempting to respond in the moment, but staying calm usually leads to a better outcome. Most drivers are considerate, and focusing on the many positive interactions helps keep things in perspective.
That said, there will be times when drivers shout or honk at you. It’s annoying and can be intimidating, but there is no point whatsoever in responding. You won’t be the one waiting in the next traffic jam, or queuing up for petrol and you’ll arrive at work in a much better frame of mind. Enjoy the win.
Read more: Coping with road rage when you commute by bike
Accessorise
Once you’ve been commuting for a while, you’ll naturally notice what could be improved. Mudguards will make wet rides far more pleasant, while racks or panniers will reduce the dreaded sweaty-back situation.
Switching to smoother tyres is a small change that can make road riding feel faster, quieter and easier. One of the joys of bikes is how easy they are to customise, although at some point you may decide it’s simpler to upgrade to a bike that already has everything you want.
Read more: Pimping your ride for a bike commute
What next?
After a while, commuting by bike will feel completely normal. You may find colleagues becoming curious about your experience, or even joining you on the ride. Groups of riders often help workplaces improve facilities like parking or showers.
Cycling can also open doors to new adventures beyond the daily commute. Weekend rides, new disciplines and longer challenges all become possible once you’ve built confidence.
For many people, it starts as a practical decision – and ends up changing how they move through the city altogether.
Read more: So you’re a bike commuter. What next?
