Bike Hubs are enhancing the Ōtara-Papatoetoe community, with each ride an adventure that’s wheelie fun!
Being active is a key focus of the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board’s work programme, which allocates $40,000 to bike-related initiatives, with local partners bringing the programmes to schools and the community.
“It’s not just about supporting active recreation,” Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia says.
“Our goal is to increase community involvement across all ages. Groups such as Ōtara Bike Burb focus on teaching tamariki and families about sustainability, safe cycling and bike maintenance, even offering free access to tools for that.
“It’s all done in a fun and safe environment, with funding also covering Bike Ready Learn to Ride programmes for year five and six students.”
Here’s what’s available for free, in the community. Gear up, get involved, and enjoy staying active, learning new skills, and sharing some giggles!
Ōtara Bike Burb
In the town centre, Ōtara Bike Burb is a community-driven programme to boost cycling. By repairing and redistributing bikes, it supports locals, advocates for safe riding, and aims to transform the view of biking in the area.
As part of Community Builders NZ Trust’s South Auckland services, the hub isn’t open to the public yet, but you can register for the Bike Life Academy on their Facebook page.
With growing concern about the safety of young bikers, the board’s support for the academy focuses on helping young people stay road safe.
The NZ Community Builders Operations Manager, Lee Naniseni says the groups is excited to be celebrating the finale of its Junior Bike Life Academy, where rangatahi aged eight to 12 earn certificates after eight weeks of learning.
“Our guided whānau bike tours rekindle the joy of riding and help people discover new places. Both programs have also allowed us to bring on 11 local rangatahi to lead and support each initiative,” she says.
What’s on offer:
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free advice on basic bike maintenance
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safe cycling advice
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guidance through academy programmes.
Ōtara Bike Burb offers a spin-tacular array of destinations and learning opportunities that will keep you pedaling with excitement!
Manukau Bike Hub
Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia and the Manukau Bike Hub team officially opened the new hub.
Officially opened on 1 August, it’s at 1 Davies Avenue, beside Hayman Park I Manu-kau noa Iho, and operates 10am-4pm Thursday through Saturday.
Supported by Auckland Transport and EcoMatters Environment Trust, the hub is one of several in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Wheelie cool services
The new community facility promotes free access to active transport, offering:
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free maintenance advice and simple repairs
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refurbishing and reselling donated bikes
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opportunities for volunteers
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practical help and advice.
Bike Hubs Manager Brent Bielby says the idea is to encourage more people to ride by empowering them to maintain their own bikes, prevent bikes from ending up in landfill by fixing them up for affordable sale, and to offer local cycling knowledge.
You can learn more by visiting here.
Located at 1 Davies Avenue, beside Hayman Park I Manu-kau noa Iho.
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