Auckland City Council
Media Release

Wednesday, 18 February

Cyclists take over the viaduct

Hundreds of cyclists made their way to the Auckland Viaduct this morning for Auckland City Council’s Go By Bike Breakfast event.

Great weather, a fantastic new location, a tasty free breakfast and a morning of music and entertainment ensured a record turn out of 850 cyclists, 100 more than last year.

Cyclists pedalled to the waterfront from as far afield as Papakura. New Zealand elite cycle champion Gordon McCauley set a gentler pace than usual while leading a group of cyclists along the North-Western cycleway and Transport Committee Councillor Baguley headed up the Tamaki Drive cycle bus.

"It was a fantastic turnout this morning and a great opportunity to catch up and chat with people about bike riding.” says Gordon “Judging by the number of people who rode in, it showed cycling is quickly catching on as a viable way to get into the city, and avoiding Auckland's traffic jams."

“We know many of the people here today were cycling into the city for the first time, it was great to see so many people getting on a bike and giving it a go. It’s healthy, low cost and means fewer cars on the road.” says Ken Baguley, Transport Committee chairperson.

Around thirty employees from Maunsell took the prize for biggest team attendance, Ron, a sprightly 88 year old from Parnell was rewarded for being the eldest attendee, while best dressed awards went to the Carbon Crusader superhero and the glamorous ladies of Frocks on Bikes. One lucky cyclist won a fantastic Avanti bike.

Cyclists sped to an easy victory in the Urgent Couriers Commuter challenge – Wayne Williams was the first across the line in the race to the Viaduct, taking 15 minutes to travel in from Mt Roskill by bike. News reporter Mike McRoberts took just 34 minutes to cycle in from New Lynn, beating TV3 colleague and bus passenger Samantha Hayes by almost half an hour.

As well as a free breakfast, cyclists were able to enjoy a range of activities including free bike checks, free spine checks and some took up the challenge of a racing on a spin bike.

Other activities organised by the council as part of national Bike Wise month include a Kids Bike Ride at Western Springs on 19 February and a Learn to Ride event on 26 February.

ENDS

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