Yay, it’s the school holidays! Wait, how is it the holidays already? Still feels like a long summer… which is great, because that means the sunny biking weather continues. As always, check out our handy lists of places to ride with little kids, family-friendly local riding routes, and maps to help you navigate around town and further afield.
And here are some bike-related holiday activities we know about. Any others on the radar? Tell us in the comments below!
Bubs on Bikes holiday sessions, in three handy locations
These sessions are free, and aimed at younger kids who are just learning to ride or mastering the art of doing without training wheels. No need to book, just show up and say hi! They’ll have some spare bikes and helmets as needed, and a bike mechanic who can check your kids’ bikes.
They can also offer advice on places to ride, cargo bikes, and bike-seats for riding with little kids. Anything that helps get little kids and their families confident on two wheels, they’re onto it!
- Onepoto Domain on Tuesdays, 19 and 26 April, 10am-12 noon
- Wynyard Quarter, CBD on Wednesdays, 20 and 27 April, 11am-2pm
- Avondale Central Reserve on Thursdays, 21 and 28 April, 10am – 12 noon (next to the Racecourse – click map below to enlarge)
A holiday programme with Teau ‘Mr Tee‘ Aiturau and the MANGERE BIKEFIT team.
Their school holiday programme is aimed at 11-17 year olds, and offers bike maintenance training, basic health and safety info, confident riding tips, and some fun scenic rides around and about.
Mangere BikeFit’s goal is to empower the local community to get out on bikes – but if you know Teau and friends, you know they always welcome everyone with a big smile and massive aroha. So if you’re from further afield and keen to help fix or donate bikes, food, gear, anything – or have a kid who’d love to attend, just get in touch. Teau can always be reached at 0223 605 748
Nothing particular happening in your ‘hood… but wish it would?
Why not grab some friends and organize a group ride, like the Bike Te Atatu crew do?
Plan a route via quiet streets and off-road bike-paths to a fun destination. Pick a distance that works for your age group and stamina, although you may be surprised how far those little legs will go, given half a chance.
- To the local library or park, with a picnic or cafe treat
- To town to see a movie
- To the zoo, Motat, a nearby beach, or round the waterfront
- Or just a ride through a nice green park to a good playground
- Will you stay local? Or take your bikes on a train or a ferry as part of your adventure? Or park-and-ride somewhere new?
If you’re bringing a large group, we recommend you test-ride the route in advance to check for any tricky bits. Have a plan for crossing busy roads, and make sure everyone knows the plan. Designate a leader and a tail-ender to bring up the rear. And bring the usual gear for any first aid or punctures, just in case. (Also, if you might be out after dark, have lights for everyone all charged up and ready to go).
There’s also a thrill in just doing an everyday errand by bike, or finding your way through the neighborhood by following your nose. You’ll see things you haven’t seen before. You might spot things that need fixing (here’s how to report that!), or can be tagged for improvement the next time the city consults about cycling in your neighbourhood. And you’ll give your kids a taste of the independence, freedom and fun of a good bike ride.
Plus! It’ll be a great warm-up for…
Open Streets on the last Sunday of the holidays, on K Road from noon to 7pm.
Our friendly-family game of Bike & Seek will send you on a tiki-tour around safe biking destinations in the vicinity of K Road. We’re currently working on the exciting prizes. Got your team name yet? See you there!
