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Apparently other parts of the world are also noticing Christchurch…LennyBoy30 Nov 2025Benefits of cycling / Cycle-centric ideasI’ve bemoaned in the past how Christchurch has often gotten overlooked when it comes to global “best cycling city” rankings, often just focused on the largest cities and the capital cities. We partially addressed that issue when People for Bikes started including Christchurch in their rankings (and now other NZ cities as well). And now … Continue reading “Apparently other parts of the world are also noticing Christchurch…” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Some more Cycling Projects on the goLennyBoy28 Nov 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesMy consulting company has just celebrated 20 years in business. I actually joined them nearly ten years ago, after 12 years at university – quite the industry change… So what was happening around Christchurch when I first started at ViaStrada? Quite a bit of building it seems – here’s a look back to a post … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Some more Cycling Projects on the go” [...] Read more...

The basics of fixing and maintaining your bikeLennyBoy25 Nov 2025Bikes & equipmentMy 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 original purchase…). Part of its longevity can be attributed to dutifully looking after it via … Continue reading “The basics of fixing and maintaining your bike” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday Photo of the Day: Quay St Cycleway, AucklandLennyBoy21 Nov 2025Cycle infrastructure / Photo of the DayI’ve just spent the past few days in Auckland attending a transport research conference. I have visited Auckland quite a few times in the past, sometimes for conferences or teaching/training, sometimes for fun and recreation, and it’s always interesting to see how it has progressed on the cycling front. The other night we wandered along … Continue reading “Flashback Friday Photo of the Day: Quay St Cycleway, Auckland” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday Photo of the Day: Canterbury Show Bike ParkingLennyBoy14 Nov 2025Bikes & equipment / Events / Photo of the DayHappy Canterbury Anniversary Day! Always nice to have a extra holiday and a short working week… I suspect that many people may be heading over the Royal A&P Show near Wigram this weekend. We’re flagging it this year, but two years ago we attended, travelling there by bike. And, as this post from Nov 2023 … Continue reading “Flashback Friday Photo of the Day: Canterbury Show Bike Parking” [...] Read more...

First Look: South Hagley Park new pathwayLennyBoy9 Nov 2025Cycle infrastructureAs mentioned the other day, a bit of work has been happening through the middle of South Hagley Park to improve the shared pathway there. Yesterday evening, I got the chance to check it out for the first time… The improvements start west of the Addington Brook (which has also been having its own improvements … Continue reading “First Look: South Hagley Park new pathway” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday Photo of the Day: South Hagley Park perimeter pathLennyBoy7 Nov 2025Cycle infrastructure / Photo of the DayI see that there has been a path upgrade through the middle of South Hagley Park – I’ll get out there soon and have a bit more of a close-up look. Five years ago, a similar improvement was being made to the pathway around the bottom side of South Hagley Park, as reported in this … Continue reading “Flashback Friday Photo of the Day: South Hagley Park perimeter path” [...] Read more...

Photo of the Day: New Locky Docks at Little PomsLennyBoy5 Nov 2025Bikes & equipment / Cycle infrastructure / Photo of the DayWe’ve talked a few times lately about the various Locky Dock secure bike stands popping up around the city – and now another one has shown up. This time, it’s actually just by my offices, outside the popular Little Poms cafe on the corner of Fitzgerald Ave and Kilmore St. As is fairly standard these … Continue reading “Photo of the Day: New Locky Docks at Little Poms” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail: Scenery meets DistanceLennyBoy31 Oct 2025Cycling routesThis weekend, Tracey and I are heading down to Mt Cook and Tekapo for a quick getaway mixing a bit of work and holiday – at least we’ve avoided the snow from last week! The last time were down there was over 18 months ago, and the difference couldn’t be starker with several 30 degree … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail: Scenery meets Distance” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Cycling News from Across the Ditch – Perthacycopath24 Oct 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideasWhile this post is getting published, I will be slowly winging my way back from Perth, having just attended a road safety conference there this week. And as many of you know, I was also over in Perth back in March. We have had one other mention of this remote Australian city about 12 years … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Cycling News from Across the Ditch – Perth” [...] Read more...

Photo of the Day: Antigua St cycleway takes shapeLennyBoy21 Oct 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routes / Photo of the DayA project that generated a fair bit of discussion but finally got underway nearly six months ago is the Antigua St cycleway connection between Moorhouse Ave and St Asaph St. It is now nearing completion, ideally in sync with the soon-to-opened Parakiore recreation centre adjacent to it. I went out the other day to check … Continue reading “Photo of the Day: Antigua St cycleway takes shape” [...] Read more...

A new Christchurch City Council – does this change anything for cycling?LennyBoy19 Oct 2025Bicycle politicsAfter all the drama and debate, the dust has settled and we have a confirmed set of City Councillors and Community Board members – congratulations to all the successful candidates! Again, I’m a bit disappointed in how few people actually bother to vote at local elections, especially when you consider how much these things affect … Continue reading “A new Christchurch City Council – does this change anything for cycling?” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Cycling in Singapore: A study in contrastsLennyBoy17 Oct 2025Bikes & equipment / Cycle-centric ideas / Cycling routes / People riding bikesToday is gearing up to be a busy one as Tracey and I prepare to head over to Perth tomorrow for a conference next week – still a bit of bag packing and finalising presentations before getting up rather early tomorrow for our flights. Rest assured that I have a few more posts waiting in … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Cycling in Singapore: A study in contrasts” [...] Read more...

Photo of the Day: City to Sea pathway crossing at Stanmore RdLennyBoy13 Oct 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routes / Photo of the DayMany of you will be monitoring the steady progress of the City to Sea pathway winding its way out to New Brighton from the central city along the Ōtakaro Avon River corridor. I certainly plan to do a bit of a recon ride along it in due course but, for now at least, on my … Continue reading “Photo of the Day: City to Sea pathway crossing at Stanmore Rd” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Locky Dock stations popping up around townLennyBoy10 Oct 2025Bikes & equipment / Cycle infrastructure / General A2B by bikeAs mentioned, a few months back, Locky Docks have been sprouting up all over Christchurch. In the next week or so, the team at Locky Dock want to say thank you to Christchurch bikers by offering free bike tune-ups by expert mechanics at Locky Dock stations across Christchurch to help you get your bike summer-ready. See … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Locky Dock stations popping up around town” [...] Read more...

Semi-Hidden Treasures: Chch Northern Corridor PathwayLennyBoy5 Oct 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesThe weather this weekend certainly hasn’t been the flashest here (or in most parts of the country…), but we’re starting to see more nicer spring days returning (next week looks particularly good). So, as the warm months arrive, it’s worth thinking about places where you might want to get out on your bike. And if … Continue reading “Semi-Hidden Treasures: Chch Northern Corridor Pathway” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Consultations on Antigua / Worcester central city cyclewaysLennyBoy3 Oct 2025Cycle infrastructureThe Chch City Council currently has a few speed limit consultations out related to key cycling corridors, namely the Antigua St, Worcester/Hereford/Barbadoes St, and Nor’West Arc cycleway routes. Get your feedback in by the end of October! Over three years ago, two of these routes in the central city were consulted on, as reported in … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Consultations on Antigua / Worcester central city cycleways” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: A Boost for Avon River networkLennyBoy26 Sep 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesEarlier this week, the Christchurch City Council celebrated the opening of the 4th walk/cycle bridge over the Ōtākaro Avon River corridor near Dallington – another piece in the puzzle creating a lovely recreational riding route from the central city to New Brighton. I’ll have to get out some time and try the route so far… … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: A Boost for Avon River network” [...] Read more...

Local Elections! Who to vote for?LennyBoy22 Sep 2025Bicycle politicsAnother three-year cycle (see what I did there…) is drawing to a close, and it’s time for local government elections once more. By now, you should have received your voting papers in the mail and can now ponder who to tick for Mayor, City Councillors, Community Board Members, and Regional Councillors. If you haven’t already … Continue reading “Local Elections! Who to vote for?” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Feeling the LoveRobert Fleming19 Sep 2025Cycle-centric ideas / Cycling routes / General A2B by bikeEarlier this week, Star News featured a very nice article about one of our regular contributors Robert Fleming. Over more than a decade, Robert has contributed more than 60 blog posts (not counting Flashback Fridays), including updates on cycleway construction around the city, cycling reports from overseas venues, and details of various cycle rides. Chipping … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Feeling the Love” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday Guest Post Part 6 – Cycling in PortoRobert Fleming12 Sep 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routes / General A2B by bikeTracey and I are currently looking at plans for where we might head to in Europe next year. One of my friends is currently touring around Europe and recently visited Porto, the “City of Bridges”, in Portugal. And over a decade ago, regular blogger Robert described his visit there, as reported in this blog from … Continue reading “Flashback Friday Guest Post Part 6 – Cycling in Porto” [...] Read more...

Every Breath You Take…LennyBoy10 Sep 2025Cycle-centric ideas / People riding bikesA few years ago I had an email from a reader (and my apologies that it’s taken this long to respond to it!): I ride my bike every day in my rounds as a support worker visiting people’s homes here in Christchurch. My colleagues always say “how healthy”, but I am starting to get seriously … Continue reading “Every Breath You Take…” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Bikes for earthquakesUnity5 Sep 2025Benefits of cycling / General A2B by bikeYesterday marked 15 years since the first big earthquake hit Christchurch in the early hours of Sept 4th. Little did we know an even more devastating one would show up a few months later… Transport options are an interesting consideration when natural disasters strike – witness the queues of traffic often associated with mass movement … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Bikes for earthquakes” [...] Read more...

Commuter Waka: a great tool for travel dataLennyBoy31 Aug 2025Cycle-centric ideas / People riding bikesYou will recall last year that the results of the 2023 Census came out with some interesting (and mostly positive) findings for transport patterns around the country and in Christchurch. While Statistics NZ has some online data tools for delving into the information, they can be a bit clunky to find your way around, especially … Continue reading “Commuter Waka: a great tool for travel data” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Council Rates and MCRs 101Simon Barnard29 Aug 2025Bicycle politics / Cycle infrastructure / Cyclivism / General A2B by bikeNo surprises that cycleways are one of the hot topics in this coming election, and will no doubt get some airing at the Mayoral Forum next Thu 4th Sep. A news article last week looked into the supposed extravagance of cycleways and found that they actually were only contributing 0.11% to expected rates increases. This … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Council Rates and MCRs 101” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: A near-brush with The LawCycling in Chch (Guest)22 Aug 2025Bicycle politicsHot on the heels of all the palaver about cycle helmets (and even The Spinoff has waded into the discussion this week), let me take you back to this post from Nov 2012, when guest blogger “Meerkat” decided to be brave… I’ve decided to experiment: I’m going to ride my bike sans helmet and see … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: A near-brush with The Law” [...] Read more...

A heads-up about the bike helmet ruleLennyBoy19 Aug 2025Benefits of cycling / Bicycle politics / Bikes & equipmentThere’s been an interesting flurry of discussions in the past few days, following the news that Regulation Minister David Seymour sought advice on the possibility of removing mandatory cycling helmet requirements. The upshot (for now at least) is that the advice provided to Seymour was that the risks of removing the requirements would outweigh any … Continue reading “A heads-up about the bike helmet rule” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Unterhaching, Munich: Cycling and good planningLennyBoy15 Aug 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideasThis week we have hosted a young German at our place, who hails from outside Cologne. Ten years ago, I got to explore a fair bit of Germany, both big and small places. In the southeastern part of Germany, this included an interesting small settlement on the outskirts of Munich, as reported in this post … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Unterhaching, Munich: Cycling and good planning” [...] Read more...

Mythbusting: Cyclists or Bikes should be LicensedLennyBoy13 Aug 2025Bicycle politicsYou may have seen a week ago some fairly big transport news came down from the Government, announcing future plans to do away with petrol excise levies for motorists and replace them with Road User Charges (RUCs) instead. Not surprisingly, there were a lot of comments about this topic, with people debating the pros and … Continue reading “Mythbusting: Cyclists or Bikes should be Licensed” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Have your Say on the Park Terrace CyclewayLennyBoy8 Aug 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideasEarlier this week, mayoral re-election hopeful Phil Mauger engaged in a spot of dog-whistling by calling for the Park Terrace pop-up cycleway to be ripped out. For something that has been working successfully for over two years (I often use it when heading over that side of town), it calls to mind all the similar … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Have your Say on the Park Terrace Cycleway” [...] Read more...

Ride to the Go Green Expo and get a Bike Valet!LennyBoy3 Aug 2025Events / General A2B by bikeA few months ago, we told you about the bike valet parking offered by Spokes Canterbury at a recent Ninja Valley event. Next weekend, the Go Green Expo is being held at Wolfbrook Arena (Sat 9th and Sun 10th Aug) and Spokes will be back again with more bike parking! Yep, head along to the … Continue reading “Ride to the Go Green Expo and get a Bike Valet!” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: What the recent elections told us about support for cycling in ChchLennyBoy1 Aug 2025Bicycle politicsAs of 12pm today, time is up for nominations by people to stand in the coming local body elections. Now the fun begins of even more campaigning, leading up to us, the voters, to decide who to support. No doubt, I’ll have some further thoughts on that in the next couple of months. But for … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: What the recent elections told us about support for cycling in Chch” [...] Read more...

Northern Line cycleway railway crossings are now all goLennyBoy27 Jul 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesFor anyone who has been a regular user of the Northern Line cycleway (previously known as the Railway Cycleway), one of the challenges has often been safely crossing some of the busier roads in Papanui. Certainly the last time I checked out the newly completed northernmost section through Casebrook, it was a bit tricky getting … Continue reading “Northern Line cycleway railway crossings are now all go” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Edgeware Village – Strength to StrengthRobert Fleming25 Jul 2025Benefits of cycling / Cycle infrastructureLast night, I took part in the local Transportation Group Branch’s annual trivia quiz night; lots of fun (and we even came 3rd…). Coming up with amusing team names is part of the fun too (in keeping with the Government-dictated pro-roads theme, we were “The Fast and the Curious”…). One of the teams went by … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Edgeware Village – Strength to Strength” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Have your say on allowing Footpath CyclingLennyBoy18 Jul 2025Bicycle politics / Cycling routes / General A2B by bikeHot on the heels of the recent Road Rule change announcements, including introducing footpath cycling for children, let me take you back nine years ago when an earlier proposal for this was being campaigned on, as reported in this blog post from Oct 2016… You might recall earlier this year that Lower Hutt mother Jo … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Have your say on allowing Footpath Cycling” [...] Read more...

Proposed new Road Rules might help cyclingLennyBoy16 Jul 2025Bicycle politics / Cycle-centric ideasIt’s fair to say that the current Government hasn’t been a big fan of cycling. So it was something of a minor surprise when about a month ago, Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced a raft of proposed Land Transport Rule changes, including a few that will affect cycling. For better or worse? Well, it depends… … Continue reading “Proposed new Road Rules might help cycling” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Flat Tyre, Redux.Cycling in Chch (Guest)11 Jul 2025Bikes & equipmentI’ve just had my bike in to get a (much overdue) service. Some brake pads, cables, bike-chain, gears, derailleur and several dollars later, the bike is in much better working order! I’m probably tempting fate now, but at least I haven’t recently encountered a problem on the puncture side of things, unlike previous guest blogger … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Flat Tyre, Redux.” [...] Read more...

Christchurch moves up in the @PeopleForBikes City Ratings – and a few more NZ cities show up too…LennyBoy5 Jul 2025Cycle-centric ideasAnother year has passed since the North American based group People For Bikes undertook their last ratings of the bike-friendliness of cities in the US and beyond. As we mentioned last year, Christchurch is in the mix and doing well – but this year, a few new cities from around New Zealand have also joined … Continue reading “Christchurch moves up in the @PeopleForBikes City Ratings – and a few more NZ cities show up too…” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Munich – Cycling for a Big CityLennyBoy4 Jul 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesWhile here in NZ, we are currently enduring some chilly days, and quite a bit of rain to boot, over in Europe at the moment a heatwave is sending temperatures soaring. Germany is not immune; interestingly the first time I set foot there in Munich in 2010, it was 30 degrees on arrival. Returning five … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Munich – Cycling for a Big City” [...] Read more...

Annual Plan 25/26 brings some good cycling newsLennyBoy1 Jul 2025Bicycle politics / Cycle infrastructureLast week, the Christchurch City Council finalised and adopted their Annual Plan for the 2025/26 year. This is the annual review of where Council will get their income from (e.g. rates, fees, Govt subsidies, etc) and what they will spend it on across the city. Inevitably this covers a wide range of different types of … Continue reading “Annual Plan 25/26 brings some good cycling news” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Cycling in Los AngelesLennyBoy27 Jun 2025Cycle infrastructureIf you’ve been paying attention lately, you might have seen that there has been a bit of a kerfuffle in Los Angeles recently, with President Trump ordering in the National Guard to quell supposed “rioters”. Certainly the USA in general is not a place I’d want to be visiting any time soon, but back in … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Cycling in Los Angeles” [...] Read more...

Highlights from the 2025 Winter Solstice RideLennyBoy22 Jun 2025Bikes & equipment / EventsAnother year, another Winter Solstice Ride under our belt! On a fine but crisp Matariki weekend, over 200 people joined us this year for a fun ride around North Hagley Park. Great to see lots of families joining in the fun and lots of excellent lighting and dazzle – not to mention a few great … Continue reading “Highlights from the 2025 Winter Solstice Ride” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Photo of the Day (Night): Winter Solstice Ride 2016LennyBoy20 Jun 2025Events / People riding bikes / Photo of the DayIn case you’ve been living under a rock lately, hopefully you know that the shortest day of the year is coming up tomorrow, Sat 21st June, and that also coincides with our annual Winter Solstice Bike Ride. Please turn up at the entrance to North Hagley Park from 5pm, hopefully with a bike suitably decorated … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Photo of the Day (Night): Winter Solstice Ride 2016” [...] Read more...

Photo of the Day: Sockburn Roundabout & OverbridgeLennyBoy14 Jun 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routes / Photo of the DayA few weeks back, I caught up with a friend at a brewery near the western end of Blenheim Rd. It was a lovely day so I biked over there, managing to avoid “running the gauntlet” for most of the route. On the way home I figured it would be slightly easier to circle back … Continue reading “Photo of the Day: Sockburn Roundabout & Overbridge” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Arnhem and Nijmegen – Twin Cycling CitiesLennyBoy13 Jun 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesHalfway around the world from us, the latest Velo-City cycling conference is just wrapping up in Gdansk, Poland. The Velo-City series has been an ongoing event since 1980; although mostly based in European cities, it has occasionally graced other venues further afield such as Vancouver and Adelaide. Eight years ago, the conference was co-hosted by … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Arnhem and Nijmegen – Twin Cycling Cities” [...] Read more...

Heads Up: Antigua St Footbridge worksLennyBoy8 Jun 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesThe shared cycle/footbridge by the Antigua Boatsheds is one of the busiest cycling routes in the city (as evidenced by the cycle counter there). All this congestion does have its challenges though, causing some conflicts as different users try to make their way through the fairly narrow northern approaches. However, that’s about to change… Starting … Continue reading “Heads Up: Antigua St Footbridge works” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Cycling and the Law: Things that can go on or with a BikeLennyBoy6 Jun 2025Bikes & equipmentAs we head towards the shortest day of the year (reminder: Winter Solstice Ride on Sat 21st June!), the mornings and evenings are getting darker. All the more reason to make sure you have good bike lights for your daily commutes; certainly mine have been getting more of a workout lately. If you need a … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Cycling and the Law: Things that can go on or with a Bike” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: More Uni-Cycle consultation in IlamLennyBoy30 May 2025Cycle infrastructureThis past week or so I have been out to the University of Canterbury’s campus three times to teach a few 4th-year guest lectures on traffic engineering. My route to and from town has largely made use of the (award-winning) Uni-Cycle bike route. Over nine years ago, plans for the final section through Riccarton and … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: More Uni-Cycle consultation in Ilam” [...] Read more...

Is Big Bike Film Night getting a bit… niche?LennyBoy28 May 2025Cycle-centric ideas / EventsLast Friday night, I attended the second screening of this year’s Christchurch Big Bike Film Night series, This year there were only eight films shown, with five of them being about 20 minutes each. Here’s what was on the menu this year: An Austrian rider racing downhill, taking on technically challenging terrains on a gravel … Continue reading “Is Big Bike Film Night getting a bit… niche?” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Cycling in Chch loves Guest Posts!LennyBoy23 May 2025Cycle-centric ideasWhen I gave a presentation about this website a couple of months ago to the CAN Do here in Chch, one of my requests was more guest posters to come forward to help share the load of the job. Spokes Canterbury obliged with a recent article, but I’m sure there are plenty more people out … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Cycling in Chch loves Guest Posts!” [...] Read more...

Cycling and the Law: Some Miscellaneous Q & ALennyBoy19 May 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cyclivism / People riding bikesSome discussions I’ve had this week about a couple of biking legal issues reminded me that it’s been a while since I last covered a few of these topics in earlier articles on cycling law in NZ. So, I thought I’d wrap up a few miscellaneous things that either didn’t fall into any particular category … Continue reading “Cycling and the Law: Some Miscellaneous Q & A” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Ferry Road Streetscape Improvements at Woolston VillageLennyBoy16 May 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideasIn the past week or so; the topic of car parking has loomed large in Christchurch. Firstly when proposed cycle lanes along Glandovey & Idris Rds were canned due to the expected reduction in on-street parking (never mind that the existing on-street parking is barely currently used…). And there has also been an examination of … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Ferry Road Streetscape Improvements at Woolston Village” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Biking Activities for May 2017LennyBoy9 May 2025EventsEarlier in the week I gave you a run-down of the numerous bike-related activities that are coming up in Christchurch over the next month or so. If you thought that was quite the collection of events, let me take you back 8 years when I covered an even wider range of cycle happenings occurring during … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Biking Activities for May 2017” [...] Read more...

Time for some Autumn Cycling ActivitiesLennyBoy7 May 2025Cyclivism / EventsThe days might be getting a little shorter and cooler, but that doesn’t mean the cycling-related activities are dwindling – in fact, quite the opposite! Here’s a summary of what is coming up over the next month or so (remember, you can also check out details on our Cycling Activities Calendar): A regular feature every … Continue reading “Time for some Autumn Cycling Activities” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday Photo of the Day: Avondale Walk/Cycle BridgeLennyBoy2 May 2025Cycle infrastructure / Photo of the DayGreetings at the end of a very damp week, when it is even a challenge getting along our waterways at the moment… In that respect, it’s ironic that just a few days ago, news came out about the construction of the final (fourth) walk/cycle bridge across the Ōtākaro Avon River in Dallington as part of … Continue reading “Flashback Friday Photo of the Day: Avondale Walk/Cycle Bridge” [...] Read more...

Review: NZ cycling books for kidsLennyBoy30 Apr 2025Benefits of cycling / Cycle-centric ideas / Cycling routesIn my time being involved in cycling advocacy for CAN, I got to know Liz (Solveig Elisabeth) Mikkelsen, who was based on the Kāpiti Coast and provided many years of sterling service for CAN’s Exec Committee (including several years as Treasurer). Liz has now moved to the Wairarapa, although apparently she still isn’t completely retired, … Continue reading “Review: NZ cycling books for kids” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: What if… cycling was (already) safer than driving?LennyBoy25 Apr 2025Benefits of cycling / EventsToday is of course Anzac Day, when we come together to honour those who have sadly died in various battles around the world. Closer to home, tragically we have also lost a few people cycling this year including two in Hawkes Bay and Taranaki in recent weeks. At times like this, many people can be … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: What if… cycling was (already) safer than driving?” [...] Read more...

Cycling around PerthLennyBoy23 Apr 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesBack in early March, I headed over to Perth for a long weekend to visit my daughter. It was the first time I’d ever visited this city, so I tried to also to catch a glimpse of some of the cycling infrastructure while I was there. Perth is a fairly sprawling city of roughly 2 … Continue reading “Cycling around Perth” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Central City Cycling: Something Old, Something NewLennyBoy18 Apr 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesIt’s quite an interesting exercise to look back over the years since the Christchurch earthquakes and subsequent rebuild and just remind yourself of how far we have come as a cycling city. Almost exactly 10 years ago, for example, a couple of cycling connections were being finished up that now rank as some of the … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Central City Cycling: Something Old, Something New” [...] Read more...

Bikes are back on Buses!LennyBoy17 Apr 2025Bikes & equipmentYou’ll recall how late last year, there was a night-time ban on allowing bikes being carried on public buses, which then turned into an all-time ban. Well, finally after several months of discussions and testing, Metro Christchurch buses are now allowed to take bikes again during day-time hours! As we head into shorter days over … Continue reading “Bikes are back on Buses!” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – First look: Quarrymans Trail Stage 2LennyBoy11 Apr 2025Cycle infrastructureThere’s been a lot of residential development work happening out west in Halswell lately; I’ve noticed quite a bit of it while out there in recent months. This has also led to some pressures on getting safely to local schools out there, so Council is currently consulting on access improvements near Halswell schools (feedback closes … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – First look: Quarrymans Trail Stage 2” [...] Read more...

Guest Post: Ninja Valley Bike Valet ParkingCycling in Chch (Guest)10 Apr 2025Bikes & equipment / Cycle-centric ideas / EventsSpokes Canterbury secretary George Laxton recently helped with an interesting bike event in Upper Riccarton; in this guest post he recounts the action… A few weeks ago Spokes Canterbury (with the support of Ninja Valley Christchurch and Bush Inn Mall) ran a bike valet parking event in Ōtautahi Christchurch and what a day it was! … Continue reading “Guest Post: Ninja Valley Bike Valet Parking” [...] Read more...

Photo of the Day: Millhaven Cycle ParkLennyBoy6 Apr 2025Photo of the DayYou 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 also quite a lot of work on at the moment (Friday I was actually up … Continue reading “Photo of the Day: Millhaven Cycle Park” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Exciting Plans for New Mountain Bike Adventure ParkLennyBoy28 Mar 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideasI’m about to head off for a long weekend holiday to Rotorua; should be a fun time. Certainly we’ll be looking at doing some zip-lining and maybe even mountainbiking. Closer to home, both of those pastimes can be found at Christchurch’s own Adventure Park. Over a decade ago, this fantastic facility was still just a … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Exciting Plans for New Mountain Bike Adventure Park” [...] Read more...

Photo of the Day: Cashel St Bike ParkingLennyBoy23 Mar 2025Photo of the DayA few weeks ago, my partner and I were having dinner at a restaurant on Cashel St east of the new stadium. On our way home afterwards, we spotted an interesting new bike park just down the road… Elsewhere along the street, there were also planter boxes, artwork, and seating. Turns out that Christchurch City … Continue reading “Photo of the Day: Cashel St Bike Parking” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Three years of “Cycling in Christchurch”LennyBoy21 Mar 2025Cycle-centric ideas / General A2B by bikeThis weekend at the CAN Do being held here in Christchurch, I will be giving a little presentation about the Cycling in Chch website and its history and ongoing development. It’s been quite the journey for well over a decade, and nearly ten years ago we celebrated three years of being online, as reported in … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Three years of “Cycling in Christchurch”” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: A successful “CAN Do” WeekendLennyBoy14 Mar 2025Bicycle politics / Cyclivism / EventsFor those interested in further developing support for cycling in Ōtautahi Christchurch and beyond, you’re welcome to attend the Cycling Action Network’s “CAN Do 2025” advocacy workshop, being held at Tūranga next weekend (22-23 Mar) – note that an $80 registration fee is required to help cover costs. It’s actually been ten years since the … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: A successful “CAN Do” Weekend” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: A postcard from MelbourneLennyBoy7 Mar 2025Bikes & equipment / Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideasAs this post goes out, I will be winging my way over to Perth for a short holiday. It’s actually my first trip to Western Australia, so I’ll keep an eye out for any interesting cycling facilities while I’m over there. More than seven years ago, I had another holiday visit to the “big island”, … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: A postcard from Melbourne” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Sign up for the Aotearoa Bike ChallengeLennyBoy28 Feb 2025Events / General A2B by bike / People riding bikesAnd just like that, we’re at the end of February. It also means the end of the Aotearoa Bike Challenge for 2025; I hope that you’ve been busy getting some rides in throughout the month and maybe having your colleagues compete against other workplaces – make sure you get those final few rides recorded on … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Sign up for the Aotearoa Bike Challenge” [...] Read more...

How do we improve cycling in Christchurch? Come and tell Spokes Canterbury!LennyBoy23 Feb 2025Cycle-centric ideas / EventsAs a city, Ōtautahi Christchurch probably punches above its weight when it comes to cycling in New Zealand (heck, we’re even up there in world rankings…). But there is always room for improvement, and certainly the current Government isn’t showing much appetite for providing for cycleways at present. So, with that in mind, local advocacy … Continue reading “How do we improve cycling in Christchurch? Come and tell Spokes Canterbury!” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Biking to Events: Summer 2023 Progress ReportLennyBoy21 Feb 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideasWhile some of us are still pottering around on work today, tens of thousands will be descending upon North Hagley for the two-day (Fri-Sat) Electric Avenue music festival. Judging by the information on their website, I fear that (once again) biking will be the poor cousin for those choosing to cycle there (let me know … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Biking to Events: Summer 2023 Progress Report” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Canterbury Active Transport Forum 14th FebLennyBoy14 Feb 2025Cycle-centric ideas / EventsHappy Valentines Day! Or, if you’re like me and my partner biking out to dinner tonight, maybe that should be VELOtines Day? Twelve years ago today, I was busy doing other things bike-wise, as one of the presenters for Environment Canterbury’s (now defunct) Active Transport Forum. This blog post, from Feb 2013, previews the planned … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Canterbury Active Transport Forum 14th Feb” [...] Read more...

More Locky Docks appearing all over ChristchurchLennyBoy10 Feb 2025Bikes & equipment / Cycle infrastructureA few years back we highlighted the introduction of Locky Docks public lockable bike stands to Christchurch. Since then, more sites have rolled out around the city. One of the latest additions has been a set of new Locky Dock stands at New World in St Martins, replacing the relatively small set of bike stands … Continue reading “More Locky Docks appearing all over Christchurch” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Theatre Review: MAMILLennyBoy7 Feb 2025Cycle-centric ideas / EventsNearly ten years ago, Mark Hadlow entertained the crowds at the Court Theatre with his humorous depiction of a cycle-hater’s transformation into a lycra-loving rider. Starting next week, for a limited season at the Isaac Theatre Royal (10-21 Feb), Hadlow returns for a sequel of sorts in “MAMIL 2: GOMIL (Grumpy Old Man In Lycra)” … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Theatre Review: MAMIL” [...] Read more...

Feb 2025 means it’s time for the Aotearoa Bike Challenge!LennyBoy1 Feb 2025Events / People riding bikesCan you believe we’ve already ticked off one month of 2025… And now, having arrived in February it’s the cue for everyone to start getting on their bikes even more for this year’s Aotearoa Bike Challenge! The regulars will know the deal: sign up for the Challenge if you haven’t already done so, bike lots … Continue reading “Feb 2025 means it’s time for the Aotearoa Bike Challenge!” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday Guest Post: The Great Cycle Safety DebateRobert Fleming31 Jan 2025Cycle-centric ideas / CyclivismIt’s been not a great week safety-wise on the news front. Never mind the Govt’s insane proposals to reverse several SH speed limit reductions; we’ve also had some tragic news in terms of two recent cycling deaths in the Far North and Hawkes Bay. Cycling deaths tend to ebb and flow; we only had 9 … Continue reading “Flashback Friday Guest Post: The Great Cycle Safety Debate” [...] Read more...

Chch Urban Cyclist Social Club takes offLennyBoy26 Jan 2025Cycle-centric ideas / Events / People riding bikesIf you’re looking for another opportunity to connect with other people who bike in Ōtautahi Christchurch, then the Urban Cyclist Social Club might be for you! Started just a month ago by Aussie/Slovakian duo Samantha Chapman-Bielik (aka UrbanCyche) and husband Peter Bielik, this Facebook group is for anyone who likes to combine bike commuting with … Continue reading “Chch Urban Cyclist Social Club takes off” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Bike Parking at Major EventsLennyBoy24 Jan 2025Cycle-centric ideas / EventsTomorrow, I’m off again to enjoy a few brews and food at this year’s Great Kiwi Beer Festival in Hagley Park. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the bike parking offerings there lately, so let’s hope it’s the same again tomorrow – unlike one of my first encounters there four years ago, as reported in a … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Bike Parking at Major Events” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Mythbusting: “Hardly anyone cycles”LennyBoy17 Jan 2025Cycle-centric ideas / CyclivismChristchurch City Council have recently posted about how the various cycle counters around the city have seen further good growth in cycle trips over the past couple of years – great results from the investment in new cycleways. Perhaps not surprisingly, the social media naysayers have been out in force on Facebook claiming that it’s … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Mythbusting: “Hardly anyone cycles”” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Guest Post: Biking to the Boundary – Waimakariri River Regional Park, Pt.2Robert Fleming10 Jan 2025Cycling routes / People riding bikesLast weekend I told you one way for getting out to McLeans Island Forest. Back in Jan 2018, guest blogger Robert also explored ways to get there during the summer break. In the second part of his adventures, he concludes his journey on Christchurch’s outer trails further east along the Waimakariri River corridor: It is … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Guest Post: Biking to the Boundary – Waimakariri River Regional Park, Pt.2” [...] Read more...

Biking out to McLeans Forest – here’s howLennyBoy5 Jan 2025Cycle infrastructure / Cycling routesA few months back I decided to head out to McLeans Forest mountainbike park, for some reconnaissance riding ahead of the 6-Hour Blast event being held there. Not having a bike rack for my car, I figured that the most pragmatic way to get there would be by simply biking the roads and paths leading … Continue reading “Biking out to McLeans Forest – here’s how” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – First look: Chch Adventure ParkLennyBoy3 Jan 2025Cycle infrastructureHappy New Year! I hope that you are getting out and enjoying some of the many different cycling options that Ōtautahi Christchurch has to offer. One of our major recreational facilities is the Christchurch Adventure Park nestled in Worsleys Valley on the Port Hills. Opened in late 2016, I got the chance to have an … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – First look: Chch Adventure Park” [...] Read more...

Cycling in Chch 2024 in Review: People, Places, and Pushback…LennyBoy31 Dec 2024Annual Review / Bicycle politics / Cycle infrastructure / People riding bikesAnother calendar year flies by and we’re ready to herald in 2025 – Happy New Year! For many of us, we might be grateful to see the back of 2024, with various worrying signs for cycling foreshadowed back in our 2023 review… The new Government for starters was very quick to signal its distaste for … Continue reading “Cycling in Chch 2024 in Review: People, Places, and Pushback…” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Vale, Keith GuthrieLennyBoy27 Dec 2024Cycle-centric ideas / People riding bikesNearly a week ago, my partner’s father passed away; needless to say it has been a sad and emotional time – rest in peace, Poppa… As all of us get older, sadly we can expect to have more in our own cycling circles depart this earth. Many of them have made an important impact in … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Vale, Keith Guthrie” [...] Read more...

If not bikes on buses, how about prams again?LennyBoy24 Dec 2024Bikes & equipment / Cycle-centric ideasSeasons greetings everyone! I hope you will have a fun Christmas and summer break and also hopefully get out and about on your bike when you can too… I’ll pop up an end-of-year review in a week, but certainly one of the recent hot topics has been the banning of bikes from bus racks. As … Continue reading “If not bikes on buses, how about prams again?” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Photo of the Day: Cycle Counter DisplayLennyBoy20 Dec 2024General A2B by bike / Photo of the DayLast week we celebrated the notable milestone of the half-millionth bike traversing the Antigua Boatshed bridge cycle counter. Let’s look back to when it was first installed over six years ago, as reported in this blog post from June 2018… A nice development in Christchurch over the past few months has been the introduction of … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Photo of the Day: Cycle Counter Display” [...] Read more...

Photo of the Day: Half a million bikesLennyBoy15 Dec 2024Cycle infrastructure / People riding bikesChristchurch’s Major Cycle Routes have helped to fuel an impressive surge in numbers of people cycling around the city over the past few years. One of the busiest locations is at the Antigua Boatshed bridge, where an electronic display helps show passersby how many people have biked past the spot each day and for the … Continue reading “Photo of the Day: Half a million bikes” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – #2walkandcycle: Interesting stuff around NelsonLennyBoy13 Dec 2024Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideas / EventsLast weekend I was up in Nelson for a wedding; while there, we also took the opportunity to do a bit more socialising and checking out the Nelson-Richmond district. Not surprisingly, we saw plenty of people biking while there as well – Nelson is the one city in New Zealand that surpassed Christchurch for cycling … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – #2walkandcycle: Interesting stuff around Nelson” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Should Cycling be allowed in the Botanic Gardens?LennyBoy6 Dec 2024Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideasThe Christchurch City Council is currently consulting on an update to its Parks and Bylaw 2016; you’ve got until Sun Dec 15th to get some feedback in. One of the changes proposed is to expand the mentions of “bicycles” to include “electric bicycle, scooter or electric scooter” to reflect the current prevalence of new micro-mobility … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Should Cycling be allowed in the Botanic Gardens?” [...] Read more...

Photo of the Day: To the cricket by BikeLennyBoy4 Dec 2024Bikes & equipment / Cycle-centric ideas / Photo of the DayAs many of you will know, last week saw the NZ cricket team play England at Hagley Oval in the first of three test matches. And, while the end result wasn’t what I was hoping, my partner and I had a fun day attending on the Saturday and joining in the “dress-up day” fun as … Continue reading “Photo of the Day: To the cricket by Bike” [...] Read more...

What’s the Future for Transport in Christchurch? Have your say…LennyBoy1 Dec 2024Cycle infrastructureTransport invariably seems to be a contentious topic in the public eye, with many views on different ways to address the various impacts associated with it. Beyond the short-term issues that focus people’s attention, long-term transport planning is needed to deal with the inevitable challenges that come with a growing population and associated growing demand … Continue reading “What’s the Future for Transport in Christchurch? Have your say…” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Have mercy on me, a Health & Safety sinnerstevenmuir29 Nov 2024Bikes & equipment / General A2B by bikeFresh off last week’s musings about the absurdities of health and safety, let me take you back to June 2016, when guest blogger Steve Muir tried to use his bike for some transporting… I was made to feel like an irresponsible criminal yesterday. My crime? I wanted to carry 3 lengths of stainless steel home … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Have mercy on me, a Health & Safety sinner” [...] Read more...

Health & Safety and Cycling – When perceived risk trumps realityLennyBoy23 Nov 2024Cycle-centric ideas / People riding bikesAs you might imagine, I’m not a big fan of many of the current Transport Minister’s actions, particularly when he seems hell-bent on eradicating most funding for walking & cycling and lower speed limits. So it is a slight surprise when I find myself agreeing with him on a couple of recent issues that have … Continue reading “Health & Safety and Cycling – When perceived risk trumps reality” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Central City street consultations now outLennyBoy22 Nov 2024Cycle infrastructureAnyone who has been riding around the southeastern part of the central city lately couldn’t fail to notice the major road works going on around the new Te Kaha stadium. A couple of weeks back, Council agreed to go ahead with the final stage of the project (even without NZTA subsidy), which is great news … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Central City street consultations now out” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Hidden Treasures: Bottle Lake Forest ParkLennyBoy15 Nov 2024Cycling routesHere’s to a Canterbury Anniversary long weekend! Hopefully you’ll have time to do a few fun things, including getting out on your bike. There are certainly plenty of places to explore (if you need some advice, check out our Where to Ride page). One that I’m keen to get back to some time over summer … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Hidden Treasures: Bottle Lake Forest Park” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: All aboard the Heathcote Expressway consultationLennyBoy8 Nov 2024Cycle infrastructureAs if we didn’t have enough issues with bikes now being banned entirely from bus racks, the other equally bizarre restriction that has been proposed is the closure of a section of the Heathcote Expressway cycleway due to “safety” concerns from KiwiRail. Christchurch City Council is looking into their options, and I might look to … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: All aboard the Heathcote Expressway consultation” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday – Book Review: The Bike and BeyondLennyBoy1 Nov 2024Cycle-centric ideas / General A2B by bikeWhile we’re in the mood for book reviews today, let’s take you back to another interesting cycling book that I looked at back in Jan 2017… The Bike and Beyond: Life on Two Wheels in Aotearoa New Zealand by Laura Williamson (104pp., Bridget Williams Books, Wellington, RRP $14.99 e-book $4.99) I recently waded my way … Continue reading “Flashback Friday – Book Review: The Bike and Beyond” [...] Read more...

Book Review (and a Launch): The Cycling PioneersLennyBoy1 Nov 2024Bicycle politics / Cycle-centric ideasThe Cycling Pioneers by Michael Toohey 138pp. Kennett Brothers: $25 (Book or PDF versions) While cycling history may often seem like the realm of other parts of the world, New Zealand was a surprisingly early adopter in trying out the new-fangled “velocipedes” in the 19th century. In this latest offering from the Kennett Brothers, cycle … Continue reading “Book Review (and a Launch): The Cycling Pioneers” [...] Read more...

PSA: Temporary night-time restriction on bus bike racksLennyBoy27 Oct 2024Bikes & equipment{UPDATE: there is now an all-day restriction on using bikes on bus racks until further notice} For many people, getting to put your bike on the front racks of our buses is a handy feature; just last weekend I used it to take my bike over to Harewood. But for the next few months at … Continue reading “PSA: Temporary night-time restriction on bus bike racks” [...] Read more...

Flashback Friday: Way out West – Are new developments cycle-friendly?LennyBoy25 Oct 2024Cycle infrastructure / Cycle-centric ideasEarlier this week, I took part in the latest Te Putahi seminar on making better neighbourhood streets (you can watch the video from the evening here). During the Panel discussion, I talked about some good examples of sustainable transport-friendly neighbourhoods I had seen developed in Europe and mused on why we’re not doing the same … Continue reading “Flashback Friday: Way out West – Are new developments cycle-friendly?” [...] Read more...