With fuel costs rising, Auckland’s cycleways are busier than ever. Our bike lanes and shared paths are not just filled with seasoned commuters. They are increasingly filled with kids biking to school, parents with little ones on board, and adults returning to their bike for the first time in years.
We love seeing these new friends on the cycleway. But the influx of inexperienced riders also comes with a new responsibility. How we ride today determines whether these first timers feel empowered to keep going or are too intimidated to return.
Here are our tips for making our network a welcoming space for everyone.
1. Be patient with “newbie” unpredictability
New riders lack the “muscle memory” of cycling. They might wobble when looking over their shoulder, take longer to react to a stop, or be unfamiliar with the “keep left” custom. They may not be as bike fit as those used to their daily ride, which might lead to distraction or wobbles on hills, for example. Their bike may be less well-maintained or just less familiar to them than yours is to you. They may not be sure of their route.
Instead of showing frustration, offer them the same grace you’d want if you were starting out. Slowing down for a moment to let a family navigate a tricky intersection safely does more for the “bike-friendly” culture of Auckland than shaving ten seconds off your commute time.
2. Remember the “inverse pyramid” of priority
In our recent guide on respectful cycling, we highlighted the principle of the inverse pyramid of road safety: those who are more vulnerable deserve the most protection.
On a shared path, more vulnerable users like pedestrians are at the top, followed by children on bikes, people on non-powered bikes, and then e-bikes. If you are the faster, heavier, or more experienced user, the onus is on you to make others feel safe. As the article notes, “If you are going faster and will do more damage if you hit someone, it’s your responsibility to be safe around them.”
3. Give space (even if you have control)
Experienced riders often have a high level of bike handling skill, meaning they feel comfortable passing a pedestrian or a slower rider with only a few inches of clearance. However, to a new rider or a child, a “close pass” at speed can be terrifying.
While you might know you are in control, the person you are passing doesn’t. Giving a wide berth – more than you think you need – lowers the “stress floor” of the path and prevents new riders from feeling “squeezed” out of the lane.
4. The art of the friendly warning
A bell is a tool for communication, not a demand to “get out of the way.” For some, especially those with sensory sensitivities or PTSD, a loud bell right behind them can be startling.
The advice is simple: use your bell early and follow it up with a friendly “Hello” or “Good morning.” This transforms a mechanical warning into a human interaction. It signals that you are a friend sharing the space.
5. The power of the “thank you” wave
Courtesy shouldn’t just be reserved for others on bikes, it extends to how we interact with other road users. The “common courtesy wave” to motorists helps build a bike-friendly culture.
When a driver stops to let you across a crossing or gives you extra room on a narrow street, a quick wave or a nod goes a long way. As this Bike Auckland article points out, it’s about “shared humanity.” These small gestures of gratitude help humanise cyclists in the eyes of motorists, making the roads safer for the riders who are following in your tracks.
The goal: bike-friendly culture
Auckland’s cycleway network is growing, but infrastructure is only half the battle. The other half is the culture we create within it.
Every time you choose to slow down, offer a wide pass, or give a friendly wave, you are helping a new rider feel like they belong. Let’s make sure that for every person who has picked up a bike to save on fuel, the experience of the Auckland cycling community is what keeps them in the saddle.
