Alistair Young was one of hundreds of people across Auckland who cycled on their commute on 10 February as part of the nationwide Go By Bike Day.
Cycling every day into the city from Remuera, Alistair enjoyed taking a detour to the pink Lightpath at the top of Nelson St to get a drink at one of Auckland Transport’s pit stops.
“I normally ride by myself so it’s good to be with other people even if I don’t know them. This is my first time on this path. It’s nice and wide and seperate from cars. Fantastic,” he says.
Encouraging Aucklanders to cycle
The objective of Go By Bike Day, which is part of the Bikewise month, is to encourage more people to cycle by raising awareness of the existing cycle routes in the city. Photos of people cycling in Auckland on Go By Bike Day can be entered into Auckland Transport’s photo competition to win a custom-made bike.
Conrad Smith, who stopped for a chat with friends at the Lightpath pit stop, says it’s good to see so many riding their bikes in the city. “We are seeing that cycleways are becoming a safer environment where people can feel like they can get to work easily, quickly and safely.
“The pink path is magic. It’s like riding an art installation every day. Sometimes staying late at work is a good thing because you can ride home and have the lights on when you go. It’s great.”
Breakfast pit stops popular
Auckland Transport’s Cycling and Walking manager, Kathryn King, says there were a number of pit stops in Auckland on the day where people could get a drink and muffin on their way to work or school.
“There was a real buzz out there, with lots of people stopping for a chat and drink on what was a beautiful morning in Auckland. Big thanks to Bike Auckland who helped us organise some of the pit stops.”
“I’m really looking forward to seeing photos for the competition. Our cycle network will be expanding rapidly over the next three years. so it’s great to see so many people out there already making use of it,” she says.
To enter the Go by Bike day competition use #AKLBIKELIFE on Instagram.
