aucklandbikestyle

[aucklandbikestyle]

Scarlett, Karangahape Road

Where are you going?  Returning library books on my way to work on St Georges Bay Road, Parnell.

What are you wearing?  A gold Thousand helmet from Blend bike store, ‘Blue Lace’ quartz crystal necklace, Karen Millen Jacket, Kate Sylvester slip, NYDJ Denim, Vera Curo flats, mirrored purse found in a Sydney St Vincent De Paul, with a Cowboy bag I bought in Barcelona somewhere.  

Tell us about your bike…  'Lavandou', a ‘Made in France' Peugeot from about 1989.  Being given this gem was the silver lining to my previous bicycle being stolen.  Clearly it was meant to be as I had dreams of finding a Peugeot for years, but instead it found me.  The basket is from Evo Cycles and the handle bar / grips are from T -Whites Bikes.

Why ride?  Riding makes perfect sense for many reasons but mostly I love it because it is a quick, convenient way to move around Auckland, plus it makes me feel like a kid again.

Favourite ride?  My most magical have been listening to music while riding to and from galleries, gardens & nightclubs hidden among the industrial districts in European cities. Roaming by bicycle in the early hours of the morning. The calmness and feeling of unfettered safety is wonderful.

While riding you…?  Scan for hazards while enjoying the view.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  If we want to create a genuine cycle culture we need to get people from A to B in the fastest, flattest and safest way possible. This means accepting that cars and bikes should not share the road. Our geography demands electric bikes & our current driving culture demands Copenhagen lanes on all major arterial routes (Dominion Road/Great North Road, Manukau Road etc).  Not only into the city but directly between suburbs and across greater Auckland. Once we integrate these main cycle routes into a comprehensive train and bus network it will allow people to travel long distances with no fuss. In the meantime, let’s allow bikes on buses and heavily subsidise new electric assist bikes for people to buy and/or rent out on a monthly basis. Oh and abolish the helmet law. By creating an environment of safety and ease - trust me, the cyclists will come.

[aucklandbikestyle]

Josca, New North Road

Where are you going?  Not far...about to pop out and find some parts for overhauling a NZ made classic bike in my pocket sized home workshop.

What are you wearing?  Some awesome clothes my wife found for me in the op shop (we love op shopping, but I get distracted by the teacups)

Tell us about your bike...  A completely rebuilt Nishiki that I had repainted about 6 years ago..I built it up from scratch using mostly period correct Italian and Japanese components, but reconfigured from a road bike to being a city commuter with moustache bars and a front rack. It's my trustiest ride and the only bike I have hardly modified over that time.

Why ride?  To get to work on time, to go shopping, to stay happy, to stay healthy, to save money, and sometimes to show off my bikes.

Favourite ride?  Oakley Creek Reserve following the stream from Mt Albert to Point Chev. Totally sylvan! And soon to be an official bike route! (the Waterview Cycle Connection)

While riding you...?  Stop for coffee and cake whenever I want.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  Keep connecting the dots.. all the older short and oddly designed bike lanes are slowly getting connected together.  Encourage more small independent bike shops who give a care. Continue to educate and encourage NZers that cycling is not just a form of sports…it's a practical form of transport!

[aucklandbikestyle]

Romelli, Northwestern Cycleway

Where are you going?  I’m on my way home from work, riding along the Northwestern Cycleway back into the city. If I’ve got any maintenance repairs to do, I’ll pop into Tumeke Cycle Space on Edinburgh Street (volunteers are there to help), then for great vege burgers I’ll head to Lord of the Fries at St Kevins Arcade or The Burgerie on K Rd. 

What are you wearing?  I am wearing my favourite wolf t-shirt that was a gift from my dad. It's made by The Mountain, who are ethical manufacturers. The skirt is an op shop find - perfectly stretchy! The belt is from Peru. Teamed with leggings and trusty vans.

Tell us about your bike...  This is a Surly Ogre. It's designed for touring so it's really sturdy and practical. I put pannier bags on the back rack when I need to carry heavier things, great for grocery shopping. The triple chain ring means lots of gear options for help up hills. I use a Brooks Cambium saddle which is the most comfortable saddle in the world, A++!

Why ride?  A friend encouraged me 7 years ago to get back on a bike, and I haven't looked back since! It's my transport, my regular exercise, and fun, all in one beautiful machine. Every ride is like an adventure. For commuting it's great - it energises me in the morning, and helps me unwind at the end of the day. Plus I have met so many interesting people through a shared excitement and appreciation of bikes - especially through Lady Gang, a really encouraging group of people.

Favourite ride?  I've really enjoyed trips that I've done with friends involving bike and train, or bike and ferry (and it's free to take bikes on them) such as a trip out to Miranda, to Waiheke Island, and to the Coromandel. The great thing about being on a bike is there's so much to enjoy along the journey, wherever the destination, even if it's just to get groceries.

While riding you...  feel happy.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  More cycle lanes that connect suburbs and more separated cycle lanes like the ones on Nelson St and St Lukes Rd. Also we need well designed bike parking everywhere - currently it's scarce. Build it and we will come!

[aucklandbikestyle]

Sasha, Auckland Domain

Where are you going?  It's been quite the morning. Yoga, acai bowls and matcha lattes to offset the hangover guilt. No no in all seriousness I'm going to meet up with my beloved sister.  Avocados will be on the menu.  No wonder I'll never be able to enter the property market, am I right?!

What are you wearing?  I'm sporting a secondhand jumpsuit that my mother hates, some high heels I got at a dear friend's garage sale yesterday, a belt that's too tight and a Rains backpack.  I'm very partial to a good sturdy backpack (especially in a corporate setting).  And all things Scandinavian, which is self indulgent and pretentious, I know.  

Tell us about your bike...  This puppy was purchased on Trademe for next to nothing.  I had a heavy Danish bike, but I wanted something zippier for my daily commute.  It's a 1971 Continental Schwinn that's in absolutely perfect condition, thanks to the kind chap who put a lot of love into it.  It's slightly too big but I wear heels mostly so I've overcome the fear of, well, impaling myself.  The wheels have steel frames, which is terrifying given Auckland's rainy disposition.  It's an ACC claim waiting to happen.

Why ride?  It's divine!  It's a great form of exercise, you get from A to B, it's great for your mental health, and it's environmentally-friendly - well, perhaps not so much for me seeing as I have to have a million showers a day.  Symonds Street is a killer.  Also, having had three treacherous knee operations, I've realised that my professional tap-dancing career will never come to fruition so I'm happy to settle on on this knee-friendly alternative.

Favourite ride?  I love riding through the Domain, it's such a lovely romantic ride.  Riding with friends to and from events can often be the most hilarious and satisfying times too.

While riding you….?  Pray that I'm not going to get clipped by a bus window mirror, realise that I am in fact going to be late for work, concede that trainers would have been a more appropriate shoe option, and that hell, I really need to work on my fitness levels.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  The situation is so adversarial, in my opinion.  If I had a dollar for every time I've been aggressively ushered off the road by cars, I'd be able to afford a cruise.  That'd be nice.  I find it particularly hilarious when said car will often be some sort of huge metal monstrosity, with only the driver, who for some reason thinks they're entitled to the entire space, because they've got places to be, man.

Cycle infrastructure and cyclists are clearly an afterthought or considered a hindrance by many.  Paths lead to nowhere, they're on the wrong side of parked cars, they're often riddled with potholes, and there's nothing worse than having a bus who's about to rear-end you.  It's depressing to think that it often takes a rising death toll for things to change.  And while the pink path is aesthetically beautiful and perfect for Instagram, it's not exactly the most practical.

[aucklandbikestyle]

Taylor, Ponsonby Road

Where are you going?  I dipped out of work a little early to grab fish n chipz for the beach before the summer sun is gone for good.  

What are you wearing?  A thick cotton chore shirt and a pair of raw denim jeanz (cotton on cotton).

Tell us about your bike…  I found this lil number refurbished at T White’s on Symonds St.  It’s really lightweight which makes me feel less stressed about taking it around with me.  It’s also exceptionally pretty.  It’s pretty much ideal.

Why ride?  It’s fun, dynamic and engaging.  There are truly “no limits”.  It’s the perfect middle ground between walking and driving; you can be timely while still admiring life. 

Favourite Ride?  I have only been riding in Auckland for a very short time so I haven’t scoped out any great routes but I’m humbly enjoying my daily bike to work. 

While riding you…?  Work up the slimiest, grimiest sweat possible.  Also clear my head. 

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  Nothing insightful; I’d just really appreciate more bike lanes.  Riding busy Auckland streets is spooky as heck.

[aucklandbikestyle]

Jessica, Karangahape Road

Where are you going?  I’ve just arrived at Holm on K Rd, which is a little co-working space where you can sit and grab a good coffee while you work on your computer.

What are you wearing?  T-shirt, denim skirt, and vegan boots.

Tell us about your bike…  I have a green Linus cruiser style bike that has a bit of a vintage look to it, which is exactly what I knew that I wanted, but I have it with a Lekkie electronic conversion kit.  I did a lot of research for over a year before I bought it, trying to find something that was the best fit for me, that had the style that I wanted, and the right amount of power. A big issue for me was the fact that I actually live in a house bus. I travel around with the bike, and I need to be able to lift the bike onto the house bus. Most electric bikes are quite heavy, and the combination of the Linus and the Lekkie allow me to have something that I could actually lift once I remove the battery.

Why ride?  It’s just the best. It’s a way to get some exercise - I spend a lot of my life sitting in front of a computer for the work that I do.  Also the house bus is not so easy to drive into city centres, so I park it up and then use the bike as my transport to get around.

Favourite ride?  Usually with music and friends! At Christmas, some friends and I decorated our bikes with tinsel and baubles, dressed up in silly costumes and strapped a boombox to the back of one of the bikes and rode around to other friends’ houses to bring a little bit of Christmas cheer.  

While riding you…?  Tend to people watch - I love it, and it’s really easy to do when riding a bicycle.

How can Auckland improve infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  I do think Auckland is doing a lot of things to try to encourage biking. I just went to the Myers Park festival on the weekend and they actually had VIP concierge bike parking!  I think more bike parking in general around the city would be great, often it’s actually really hard to find somewhere to lock your bike up.  

[aucklandbikestyle]

Meka, Ponsonby Road

Where are you going?  To my friend's flat.

What are you wearing?  Some clothes I picked up off my floor - this top I skuxxed in last night - and my good old trusty docs!

Tell us about your bike...  I love this bike cause I can carry whatever I like - my bananas never get bruised. 

Why ride?  Cause it's faster than walking - essentially free - and zero carbon emissions. It's also very fun!

Favourite ride?  With my friends! Or on a sunny day - with some good music.

While riding you…?  Listen to 'Top of the World' by The Carpenters.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  Well firstly there should be more bike lanes to encourage more riders and to create a safer environment, but also a mutual respect between cyclists, drivers and pedestrians. 

[aucklandbikestyle]

Adrian, Bond Street

Where are you going?  This is my commute back home from the office in Newmarket.

What are you wearing?  I’m actually wearing the clothes I wore to work - a shirt and trousers, with cycling shoes and my trousers neatly tucked into my socks (so I don’t get oil on them!)  I prefer to shower at home than at work, and it isn’t very far in to Newmarket.

Tell us about your bike...  This one is a 2009 Colnago EPS with Campagnolo Record groupset, it used to be my racing bike but I got a new one so this is my number two bike at the moment.

Why ride?  It’s my hobby for starters, but I also think it’s the quickest and easiest way to get from A to B, particularly in the commute and traffic - and there are no parking costs at the other end.  And from an environmental perspective you’re not polluting the air like all the cars.

Favourite ride?  Probably the one I did yesterday - I’ve got a loop I do out west which goes out towards Muriwai and back around into Riverhead via Helensville, about 140km.

While riding you…?  I find it good quality thinking time  - it’s a bit of an opportunity to decompress from the week, I’ve got quite a stressful job and I’m constantly dealing with people all the time, so I like to ride just to free myself from that. I spend a lot of time thinking about stuff, a bit of problem solving, and on days like today, just enjoying the fantastic weather!

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  I think we just need some more bike lanes to be honest - for my commute, it’s great coming along Great North Road but then once you get onto K Rd there’s not a lot of space there for cyclists, so I’d love to see a cycle lane there.  Just generally more cycle lanes on roads, though I think it’s better still if we can take cyclists away from the motorists completely, like the Northwestern cycleway which is amazing, I think the upgrades to that are just phenomenal and you see so many young families alongside serious cyclists using it in the evenings, that’s just what we need really.

[aucklandbikestyle]

Lisa, North Wharf

Where are you going?  I’m heading to catch the ferry home to Waiheke.  I commute daily with my bike by ferry to work in North Wharf, then back to Waiheke.

What are you wearing?  A skirt from Boden in the UK, a merino shirt from the Common Thread on Waiheke, and high heeled boots.

Tell us about your bike...  My bike is a Gazelle, it’s a traditional Dutch bike style that’s modern.  It’s 8 speed, and I got it off TradeMe from someone who wasn’t using it.

Why ride?  I think it’s like exercise without effort - it’s part of your daily commute so you don’t have to make a special trip to the gym - but it’s still cardio if you want it to be, or it can be cruisy if you don’t want to get up too much of a sweat.

Favourite ride?  We’ve done a few cycle trails - but anywhere favourite for me is as flat as possible!  Though I don’t mind a bit of hill. Cycling round Waiheke is really lovely, but around the waterfront is beautiful too.

While riding you…?  Think about things, and if I’m riding with people I’m chatting away to them!

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  I think we could separate our cyclists from cars, and that works well for cars not worrying about cyclists and also for cyclists not worrying about getting run over.  That would encourage people to take active transport, rather than getting in cars blocking up the motorways.  We tend to follow the rule that if the journey’s less than 5km then you’re better off taking your bike anyway, so you don’t have to worry about parking which is an issue on Waiheke. I love cruising up the ferry where everyone’s trying to get a park and I’m just taking my bike on!

[aucklandbikestyle]

Jazmin, Great North Road

Where are you going?  I’m heading home to Westmere from work at the hospital.

What are you wearing?  Lululemon leggings, a Gorman raincoat which is great because I don’t like hi-vis so this is quite bright, a t-shirt by my friend’s former label Oblivion, and Air Max Nikes. And my helmet from Kmart.

Tell us about your bike...  I got this bike for my 26th birthday from my Mum and Dad, we all went in and I felt like a kid! It was from Symonds St, and it was only $300.

Why ride?  I don’t have a car - I came back from London, and I wanted to use public transport - but it’s just anxiety and stress, and I actually don’t live that far away from the hospital. It’s nice to not have a car - I feel so much freer without one!

Favourite ride?  Down by Westhaven Marina and riding under the Harbour Bridge.

While riding you…?  It’s a really good wind down from work - I’m an oncology nurse at the hospital, so it takes a lot to go straight from work to home without taking everything home with you. Riding is a good way to calm and relax.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  Not share with bus lanes.  Although the way I ride along Garnet Rd, Surrey Cres, and Great North Rd is fantastic, because the roads are really wide, so there is room for cyclists, buses and cars - that makes you feel quite safe. My friend who is just starting didn’t have much confidence, but going that way the roads are really wide, which is really helpful. Another thing we find difficult is when you come up to intersections which have left turning lanes and you want to go straight - maybe there needs to be a bike lane there or a place to stop.  Also getting onto Grafton Bridge is horrible - the actual bridge is like a bike path, but actually getting onto it is really difficult - you have to have a lot of confidence to just go.

[aucklandbikestyle]

Margi, Silo Park

Where are you going?  Home to Grey Lynn from work – just started working at the Spirit of Adventure so loving my waterfront ride, especially after spending the last two years commuting to Penrose.

What are you wearing?  Pants and shirt from Tatty’s – beads from World and boots from Moochi – the beads are my nod to safety.

Tell us about your bike...  STOLEN from outside work the very next day! Luckily my insurance company and Bike-lab are working to replace her: an Avanti Inc 2 – loved her. The internal hub is a dream for me: someone who loves to ride but no idea on maintenance and an aversion to grease!

Why ride?  Why not! I prefer to take my dose of fitness outside – if it can be productive then even better and as the slogans say, one less car.

Favourite ride?  To work and back. If time permits, I take the long way - through Cox’s Bay, up West End Rd, Jervois then down to the water - Westhaven - Boardwalk – North Wharf – Princes Wharf.  If time is short then Franklin Rd for a good work out.

While riding you…?  Avoid car doors, think about the day ahead or the dinner and pinot gris at the end.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  I am so impressed at how much better it has become, over what seems such a short time. Of course there needs to be more dedicated cycleways, greater route integration and better attitudes – from drivers and cyclists: electric bikes, at speed on the footpath, outside schools – what’s that about?  But to the lobby groups, Auckland Transport and the masses of newbies that have taken that tentative first pedal into the world of city commuting – thanks – the movement is underway!

[aucklandbikestyle]

Louisa, College Hill

Where are you going?  I'm heading back to work at Porter Novelli.

What are you wearing?  Jacket is from Tatty's and my top is from Encore. Pants are Uniqlo and shoes are from Mischief. But I have to say you've caught me in a rare moment when I'm not riding in my Allbirds shoes. They’re perfect for riding.

Tell us about your bike...  Her name is Chester. I bought her five years ago at T White Bikes on Symonds Street. I ride her pretty much every day, so she is rather beat up.

Why ride?  It’s usually faster than public transport and is cheaper than a car. Plus, you can always find a park. Also, I really like that no matter how busy I am, I still get a level of exercise by riding places. People ask me how I manage riding in my lady clothes and really it doesn’t factor into the equation. I rarely ride fast enough to get sweaty.  

Favourite ride?  Tamaki Drive and Wynyard Quarter first thing in the morning on my way to work.

While riding you…?  Look out for cars and laugh at people in traffic.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  More dedicated cycle ways! During the seven years I’ve been riding in the city, the increase in bike infrastructure has been phenomenal. I really take my hat off to Auckland Council and Auckland Transport for this. Sure, I still want more cycle infrastructure and I want it faster – but I have to keep reminding myself how far we’ve come.

The other thing I’d like to call out is Cityhop (www.cityhop.co.nz). If we really want to get people to ditch their personal cars in Auckland we need to think about multimodal transport. Last year my fiancée and I sold our car and signed up for a Cityhop membership instead. Being able to rent a car by the hour or day is the perfect combination with a bicycle. It means if I’m ripping around town I’m on my bike, but if I’m going out to the ‘burbs, I rent a car. It’s so convenient and much cheaper than owning a car.

#BonusFunFact Louisa really only learnt to ride a bike at 20.  

[aucklandbikestyle]

Roberto, Ponsonby Road

Where are you going?  I’m going home, I work from home.

What are you wearing?  My hat is from Ecuador, and my leather jacket was custom made for me.

Tell us about your bike...  My partner brought these bikes back from Germany, two of them very similar, about 18 years ago. I use it every day. I like cycling when I go out for lunch, I just go around here, not far from K Rd though - if I go further I use a Vespa.

Why ride?  It’s the easiest way to get around, the bicycle is easier than getting a bus or anything like that.

Favourite ride?  They’ve just opened some new ones around here, like the pink path - I’ve been trying that, but usually I just ride here in the street, most of the time.

While riding you…?  Stop anywhere I want along the way - it’s easier for me to ride because I can see better, I prefer it to walking because I have a chronic back problem so when I am on the bicycle I can see better, so that’s why I am always on the bicycle.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  More space for people riding bicycles so they don’t have to worry about any traffic at all. They need to have extra lanes for bicycles. At the moment I ride on the footpath because it’s safer for me - there are a lot of people who don’t know how to respect people on bicycles. It’s very dangerous on the road.

[aucklandbikestyle]

Alain, Beresford Square

Where are you going?  Off to work...I have just brought my bike over on the ferry from Waiheke and just made it up the hill towards Karangahape Rd.

What are you wearing?  The usual...jeans, polo shirt and I wear a POC Crane helmet. My puffer jacket helps to fend off the morning chill...although I'm about to take it off as I get a workout on those hills!

Tell us about your bike...  My trusty steed is a 2014 Kona Dew Plus which has clocked up endless k's since I've owned it. I have customised it with Ergon grips and saddle, Gatorskin tyres, Lightweight Curana mudguards and "platform" pedals. At night I can fire up the Monkeylectric wheel lights, they are super cool and help me to be seen.

Why ride?  It's the fastest way to get around town, no parking problems and it is the ultimate in freedom.

Favourite ride?  Tamaki Drive, an Auckland classic.

While riding you…?  Enjoy the freedom...and occasionally I will beatbox.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  Apart from the obvious bike lanes, Auckland could do with more dedicated bike racks in the city and facilities for taking bikes on public transport. There also should be more education for motorists on bike awareness, to think of the simple things such as checking the mirror before opening the door!

[aucklandbikestyle]

Elliott, Jervois Road

Where are you going?  Home from making coffees at Dear Jervois cafe.

What are you wearing?  A comfy T-shirt and shorts (same as I work in), my 'wooden' (but plastic) helmet, warm hi-vis gloves.

Tell us about your bike...  I recently purchased this Schwinn 'Brighton' (with 8-speed Shimano hub).. I commuted last year on a Raleigh cruiser 3-speed but almost rode it into the ground, this is a sturdier build with the extra gears just making hills a bit gentler. 

Why ride?  For my mental and physical health.. to get to work, while exercising, without spending a cent or a gram of carbon, while parking at the door of my favourite cafes without waiting in rush hour traffic.

Favourite ride?  The great pink overpass and then on down to Grafton gully cycleway.. it's like a motorway for cyclists!

While riding you…?  Unwind and enjoy the city views.. and roll onto the train when I have to start work super early!

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  It's come a long way in the last couple of years.. some smoother left lanes and a bit more green paint wouldn't go astray.

[aucklandbikestyle]

Susanna, Unitec

Where are you going?  I’m off to Unity Books where I have the privilege of working every Friday. It’s a well-stocked treasure filled bookshop in High Street  (the sister shop in Wellington was recently listed in the Guardian’s Best Independent Bookstores).

What are you wearing?  Seriously, I’m wearing Comme des Garçons trousers (bought at a garage sale) - perfect bike pants as they button up at the shin so no need for garters. A Margaret Howell top and a Kathmandu lightweight jacket. Both top and shoes were gifts!

Tell us about your bike…  I love it. I bought it 10 years ago. Help! I was living in Wellington and it was the perfect commuting bike. It’s as light as anything and I can jump off it and run up stairs with it. It can live in the boot of the car. I take it down into the Bunker at Unity when I’m there. It gives me many options (like accepting rides home by people who don’t have bike racks). It’s got fantastic gears and goes really fast. I feel very safe on it wending my way around the inner city.

Why ride?  Because it’s so efficient - door to door, and because nothing makes me feel so alive. It really is the best part of my day.

Favourite ride?  I really love the bike track into the city from Waterview and in particular the part by Unitec..

While riding you…?  This terrific poem by Jenny Bornholdt inevitably comes into my head on the way home from the city zooming downhill past Unitec on the cycle path:

Instructions for how to get ahead of yourself

While the light still shines.

If you have a bike, get on it at night and go to the top of the Brooklyn Hill. When you reach the top start smiling – this is Happy Valley Road. Pedal at first, then let the road take you down into the dark as black as underground broken by circles of yellow lowered by the street lights. As you come to each light you will notice a figure racing up behind. Don't be scared this is you creeping up on yourself. As you pass under the light you will sail past yourself into the night.

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  Bikes on buses.  It would change everything. 

[aucklandbikestyle]

Wei-Nung, Mt Eden Road

Where are you going?  To the top of Mt Eden to take advantage of the lovely winter day (not on my bike because I don't have the strength or stamina for that yet).

What are you wearing?  The jacket is from H&M, a Marcs dress, ASOS boots and a Rebecca Minkoff bag.

Tell us about your bike...  She's a vintage Dutch bike by Batavus. I bought it off an old flatmate in Christchurch, who got it from a South African colleague, who brought it from home. She gives me all sorts of trouble but it forces me to learn a lot more about bikes. Also, she's pretty so I haven't managed to quit her yet.

Why ride?  It's the perfect pace and vantage point from which to see and experience a city. A city that is designed and built for people and not vehicles, that is.

Favourite ride?  Meandering through Herne Bay over to Westhaven is pretty spectacular, but the Pink Path and the Grafton Gully cycleway are always good fun.

While riding you…?  Generally, singing and psalming with my heart to the Lord (Eph 5:19).

How can Auckland improve bike infrastructure or be more bike friendly?  More dedicated bike lanes and paths to make it safer for cyclists and to encourage more people to bike. I'm not sure that media campaigns on awareness of cyclists are all that effective at creating behaviour change. It's hard to engender empathy, patience and compassion for others until you've had a chance to walk in their shoes. Until then, maybe we should just stick to the safe side by designing for less confrontation and frustration between bikers and drivers.