Ngarimu Blair has traded his company car for a bike to get to meetings across Auckland.
The Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trustee and nominee for 2015 Herald Business Leader of the Year is fronting Auckland Transport's I Love My Ride campaign.
The campaign highlights the range of Aucklanders who have decided to use a bike more often as a means of transport.
Good for the environment
Mr Blair, who is also a director of the iwi's large property company, Whai Rawa Ltd, says cycling is a convenient way of getting around and good for the environment.
"Whai Rawa Ltd supported the cycle lanes through its land at Beach Road and Quay Park,” he says.
“It's important that our kids get to experience the thrill of cycling like us Gen-Xers did, riding on our suburban streets without fear. Cycling feels like a practical expression of kaitiakitinga - it reduces healthcare costs and improves air quality by reducing emissions."
Cycling on the increase
The number of people cycling in Auckland is going up, with particularly strong growth in and around the city centre – the number of people cycling into the city has doubled over the past three years.
A big reason for that growth is all the new cycleways like the pink Lightpath, says Kathryn King, AT's Cycling, Walking and Safety manager.
The 'network effect' in action
"We are starting to see the 'network effect' here in Auckland as our cycleways are becoming more and more joined up. We have still got some work to do improving cycleways but it's great to see people already getting around this great city by bike."
The I Love My Ride campaign will continue throughout the summer. Ms King says it reinforces the idea that people of all ages and fitness levels can give cycling a go and enjoy the benefits.
