Thousands Prepare to Bike the Bridge

The countdown has begun towards Bike the Bridge, Auckland’s largest cycling event, which takes place across the city’s Harbour Bridge and Northern Busway this Sunday 15 November.
 
Over 100 commercial buses, 300 volunteers and countless cones will line the route of this year’s mammoth event. A change of emphasis away from the lycra-dominated road cycling races of the past three years to an all inclusive family-fun event has seen a huge uptake of cyclists across all ages and modes of cycling.
 
Bike the Bridge gives thousands of cyclists of all ages and abilities the once-a-year opportunity to ride across the Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge, while raising money for its chosen charity the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
 

Families will take to their bikes this Sunday to tackle the iconic Harbour Bridge, not once but twice! Photo © Scottie T Photography

The event now features a double crossing of the bridge and offers a stronger proposition for anyone who owns a bike. It is centered entirely on the Harbour Bridge and Northern Busway, which can be ridden in one direction or both, giving riders the opportunity to make the crossing twice in the same day. Bike the Bridge is open to anyone aged 11 and over, whilst a Bike the Busway version allows kids of all ages and their families to take part.
 
Although registrations are still open, organisers have already observed a huge increase in participants riding mountain bikes in the event this year, 40% compared to 25% in 2014, and more cyclists riding commuter, electric bikes and tandems, 20% up from 12% on last year.


 
Over 100 commercial buses will line the route and act as a safety barrier for thousands of cyclists. Photo © Scottie T Photography

“This has clearly demonstrated that we have reached a larger number of casual cyclists and families. This goes a long way to fulfilling our aim of getting more people on their bikes and actively taking part in a fun mass participation event. The event is proving to be a great way to launch into a summer of cycling,” explained Bike the Bridge organiser Callum McNair.

 
This year has seen a significant increase in cyclists riding mountain, commuter, tandem and e-bikes as more families register to take part. Photo © Catherine Rossiter-Stead

Bike the Bridge is supported by Auckland Transport’s Walking and Cycling team. Auckland Transport’s objective is to improve the transport network by expanding the cycle network to provide better travel options for people. They have partnered with Auckland Council and the NZ Transport Agency on a $200 million cycle programme over the next three years which you can read more about here.
 
To register for this Sunday’s event click onto: www.bikethebridge.co.nz.