Bikes and cycleways

Aucklanders share their cycling stories

Melissa Pittman, Mt Albert.

On Yer Bike...

Backlights are red, and front-lights white,
I cycle to work both morning and night.
The Dominion Road bus-lane - wide and true,
Carries me swiftly past the cars in the queue.

The winter wind might be cold in my face,
But I'm a world away from the hectic rat-race.
Heart-rate up, it beats the gym,
My cycle and I are getting me slim.

Cycling in Auckland, it's the only way -
A refreshing and stress-less start to the day,
And a handy work-out on the way home at night,
C'mon Aucklanders - On yer Bike!

Rob Haden, Mt Roskill

"Aucklanders have put in several safe, fast, direct cycleways for my use and benefit. The best way I can say "thank you" is to use them."

John O'Neill, Sandringham

"Hey! we're all on the same road"
I love cycling in Auckland because
I feel fitter, alert, it gives me a buzz,
And even if cars in the rush hour have slowed,
They should never forget cyclists,
Hey! We're all on the same road!
So what if it's raining or windy to boot,
With the money you're saving just think of the loot,
And as you cycle to work from your humble abode,
Watch out for pedestrians crossing,
Hey! We're all on the same road!

Lee Pike

"By the time I get to work, I will already have burnt 200 calories, done 30 minutes of cardio exercise, saved $5 dollars for gym and petrol, reduced my carbon footprint, set an example for my kids, shortened the queue at the traffic lights by one car, and statistically lowered the chance of a child being killed in a traffic accident.

What I like about cycling is that I start my working day with a sense of achievement."

Daniela Harder

Why I love cycling in Auckland
Gas prices were rising
My pockets feeling the pain
Sitting static in gridlock
It was time for a change
So I dug out old Blue
and oiled up the chain
Now I whizz by the cars in the City bike lane
A mode that's sustainable
and wont cost you a cent
My own biofuel was all that I spent

D. Hartnett, Mt Eden

"I love cycling because:

C = "cool as" - cycling is the in thing to do
Y = "your bank account" - saves me a lot of money on gym membership fees and petrol costs
C = "catch the smells, sights and sounds of the city" - I can do this so much better on a bike
L = "lots of fun" - I cycle for relaxation
I = "individual contribution" - I'm helping reduce Auckland City's traffic emissions
N = "never get stuck in traffic" - I love to ride past the scores of cars and not have to rely on someone else to get where I want to go
G = "good conversation" - cycling is a great talking point and helps me promote less traffic and more fitness to others. It's a good way to make friends."

Aaron Fong

"We cycle together as a family because it is a good way to see our local area at a speed which allows us to take in all the sights. We notice plants, landscaping and details on homes which we miss totally when we whiz past in our car."

Christine Plank

"I live at St Heliers Bay and work in the City. I used to motor in to the office each morning at 7.30am and motor back at 5.30pm. Once back from work I would then mount my exercise bike to relieve the day's stress.

I have amended my routine!

AND NOW LOVE CYCLING IN AUCKLAND.

The cycling advantages are tremendous. Still leaving home at 7.30am and arrive at the same time as I did by car but without frustrating traffic hold-ups and the stress. I have a change room and shower at the office where I keep my suit etc. The cycle trip has my blood circulating giving me a clear head for my day's work. When I cycle back home I now have had my exercise so do not get on the trainer and spend that time with my two sons, which helps with family bonding.

On the financial side I save a daily parking fee of $5 plus cost of petrol and motor wear. Saving at lease $300 per month. With improved cycle ways it's so easy. I feel healthier too.

These are sure reasons to love cycling in Auckland."

Frank Bishop, St Heliers

"I love cycling in Auckland because:

you take in so many more sights while cycling rather than driving
there are so many beautiful scenic paths to take especially by the waterfront
it saves money cycling to and from work
the fresh air you take in being outside and the exercise benefits
the wonderful feeling of freedom you have when cycling
the detours you can take while cycling that you may not think to take while driving or walking
the benefits of minimal carbon footprint and no pollution in the atmosphere"

Gina Wong

From beaches to bush
On roads and tracks
Cycling in Auckland never lacks
Excitement, variety, views and sun
But most of all
It's always fun!

Anna Radford, Mt Albert

"I am a retired inner city slicker and I bike everywhere with very few restraints. The roads and cycleways are very well maintained by the council which helps immensely to make cycling a buzz. I have no need for a car which is the way it should be if you live downtown or within a few km. Even the weather plays a part with very few "rained off" days."

Russell Shannon, Parnell

"What a great way to promote cycling. Every little bit helps. I have been cycling in Auckland for more than 30 years now from starting work as a teenager, to having children on a bike seat, to cycling to work every day rain hail or shine and now cycling 200kms a week in Auckland for fitness, I love it and yes I am over 50.

So why do I like cycling in Auckland?

I love the feel of the wind on my face and the fresh air, the connection with mother earth and the freedom from sitting in a confined space in a car. I love being closer to and feeling the changes in the weather and the seasons.

I love the speed in which I can get to work and the time that it saves me by cycling to work. The independence of having a cycle and the ability to go where I like on my bike. The freedom from parking hassles is a bonus.

Cycling gives me an ability to see parts of Auckland, which I would never get to see if I wasn't out on my bike experiencing it.

I am proud of the fact that I am doing my bit to reducing fuel emissions and saving money for other necessities in life.

I feel exhilarated and free when I cycle and it gives the opportunity to relax after a day's work rather than sitting in a traffic queue.

Auckland is a fantastic place to cycle in, we have the waterfront and the Waitakeres and an increasing number of cycle ways."

Marjet Pot, Mt Eden

"Well I have had great fun using the local parks to teach our kids to ride & now we all get many hours of fun together as a family riding either to places & using the new cycle ways.

The best one so far is the new Mangere - Onehunga cycle way around the harbour.

It is great to be able to ride such an area & my kids love it because they get to see birds, fishermen on the old bridge & the boats at the Onehunga Wharf & use the playground at Mangere."

Stephen Leech, Ellerslie

"At 77 years of age I still enjoy the occasional bike ride along the waterfront from Mechanics Bay to St Heliers and back, with a swim in the summer halfway, or along the Manukau Harbour to Ambury Park. The newly remade cycleway from Mangere (old) Bridge to Otahuhu is very good too.

My wife rides along on her two wheel electric scooter, which can do 22km before recharging. Only the steep climb back to Hillsborough Road is too much for the batteries (and perhaps also for me) so bike and scooter go in the car back home."

John W. de Graaf, Hillsborough