I hope that everyone has been enjoying lots of different activities this month as part of the Aotearoa Bike Challenge 2026 – as I posted a few weeks back, there certainly has been no shortage of them around…
I’ve …
Tag: Cycle skills & training
Flashback Friday: Feb 2020 – Time for Aotearoa Bike Challenge again!
As mentioned a couple of days ago, we’re about to head into another month of the Aotearoa Bike Challenge, with lots of different events and activities to take part in. Six years ago, the calendar for February was equally …
Aotearoa Bike Challenge is back for 2026 with lots of events
Another February looms and with that is another month of getting out and biking as much as you can – because it’s time for the 2026 Aotearoa Bike Challenge!
You should know the drill by now: (1) sign up …
The basics of fixing and maintaining your bike
My trusty old bike has now survived more than 20 years with me. Over that time, virtually every part has been replaced at some point, often several times (I think the frame might be the only remaining component of my …
Photo of the Day: Millhaven Cycle Park
You know that it’s been a hectic last few weeks when I don’t even have time to publish a regular Flashback Friday post – sorry about that. It has certainly been a busy time lately with both social activities and …
In the spotlight: Dave Johnson, sharing his skills and awesomeness
Cycling in Christchurch is all about regular people riding bicycles. But some of the many people who help make Christchurch a great place for cycling are anything but ordinary cyclists. Dave Johnson, RAD Bikes’ mechanics teacher and workshop manager, …
In the spotlight: Lois Hill and Bike Bridge
Many of us take riding a bicycle for granted. Often, it’s a skill we learn as children and provides our first real taste of freedom to get ourselves around – wherever and whenever we like. And even if we later …
Flashback Friday: Big Bike Film Night 2019
Tonight is the second Christchurch screening of the 2024 Big Bike Film Night; I’m looking forward to seeing what is on offer this year. Unfortunately, if you haven’t got tickets yet for it you’re out of luck as it’s …
Flashback Friday – Hidden Treasures: Knights Stream cycle skills park
It’s school holiday time again, a good chance for families with youngsters to get out and do a few fun things. For those who are fans of cycling, there are a growing array of family-friendly cycleways around the city to …
Flashback Friday: Cycling in the Wind
This past week has been notable for quite a few decent breezes in Christchurch (and a week ago in Wellington there was also a pretty strong northerly while riding around). Even as I write this, I can hear the wind …
In the spotlight: Meg Christie, getting communities cycling
Meg Christie is an active transport health promoter for Canterbury’s community public health service. Her job is about finding ways to make it easier for people to walk and cycle places. This involves influencing public policy (for example, by making …
Flashback Friday: Are new cycleways OK for existing cyclists?
I had an interesting conversation earlier this week with a reporter, talking about how people are getting used to using our cycleways as they get ever busy, including lots of passing each other and queuing at intersections. It’s a nice …
Flashback Friday: Passing in cycleways
I was having an online discussion recently about the pros and cons of having a cycle lane on the traffic side of parked cars versus the alternative of simply swapping them over so that the (now protected) cycle lane is …
New Chch 2023 Cycle Map Now Available
One of the recent little promotional initiatives that quietly popped up during Biketober was the latest release of Christchurch City Council’s Bike Map. Roughly 2 years since its last update, the newest version boasts info about some of the …
Avoiding the perils of tram tracks
Nearly two weeks ago, my partner’s exciting foray into cycle commuting to work came to a crashing halt thanks to a run-in with a tram track in the central city. It wasn’t even on her normal commute, but a side …
Confessions of a Newbie Cycle Commuter from Jafa-land
What’s it like to take up cycling to work when you’ve never done it before? That was the interesting test when my partner Tracey landed a new job at Christchurch Main Hospital and decided that commuting there by bike was …
Have your Say: Westburn Reserve Learn-To-Ride Track Renewal
As mentioned the other day, the celebrated Westburn Reserve junior bike park is planned to have a much-needed overhaul of its cycling circuit and associated play equipment and other facilities. Consultation is currently open and you have until Mon …
Flashback Friday – Cycling and the Law: Where can you Ride your Bike?
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As we roll out more cycleways and other facilities around the city, it’s probably timely to remind everyone where you can and can’t bike and the Road Rules around them. Mind you, that could all change before we know it; …
Guest Post: Dogs on bicycles
No, we’re not talking about some clever circus trick; here is a very practical guest post from Douglas Horrell about the interesting question of how to bring your favourite furry friend along for a ride on your bike…
This is …
Flashback Friday: Bus-Bike Workshop a Success
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Mixing with heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses while biking can be a daunting prospect to say the least. As was evidenced by the controversy just last week about a close-passing truck in Wellington, we still have some …