Stylish Bridge Ride
These days I often get to talk to politicians. I am getting good at it. It may seem strange, but I would even describe it as fun. It’s kind of like a sport. I describe to them that cycling is on its way back from the wilderness. The response up until now has mostly been a polite but firm ‘no thanks’. But there is a change in the air.
When I arrived at the Manukau Harbour Bridge at 2:30pm to ride over it, I was extremely pleased to see 1043 other cyclists also enjoying the opportunity. So where did all the cyclists come from? Apart from being promoted on this website, there wasn’t a lot of publicity. So well done!
Turning up to ride on that bridge on that day will have had a profound impact. Like the proverbial pebble in the pond. It becomes easier for politicians to take cycling more seriously when they get to see the evidence. Seeing people out and about on their bikes with a smile on their faces is a very compelling sales point.
We know that cycling benefits everyone. Having lots of people cycling makes that message easier to sell.
And big thanks to Kylie from MHX for making it happen!
cycling/freedom
Cycle Action Auckland — a voice for cyclists
I like the way you look at things Mark. You see a thousand-rider-sales-banner for urban cycling, I see a thousand people having fun on bikes – but of course they are exactly the same thing!
Please keep talking to politicians. The more safe cycling paths for us all the better. Love what you do. You are helping to get people on bikes. Keep up the good work. We appreciate it.
I love cycling. It really is my happy place. My hope is that one day more people will get the pleasure of riding a bike that I do. But it is also about choice! I would like to see my children cycle just like I did as a child. That choice has been removed from them under the current environment.