Aucklanders have once again taken the opportunity to celebrate its growing cycle culture. This Frocks on Bikes: Spring Celebration of Cycling event has grown in size and success since its inception last year. It feels nice to be a part of a cultural revolution at the grassroots level. I look forward to watching this event grow and develop in the years to come. And it was about more than just “Frocks” of course. There were plenty of dapper blokes on bikes on display too.
The riders that paraded along Ponsonby Road looked fabulous and even the Spring showers didn’t dampen spirits. The Tumeke Cycle Space team and Bruce from Adventure Cycles were kept busy doing free maintenance checks.
There was also a great turnout of politicians and they all returned from the ride (thanks Julian for providing the Nextbikes) with smiles on their faces. With all the political will towards cycling on show, I am anticipating that Cycle Action will soon be moving into a new era; managing and implementing all of the new cycling projects on offer. I am picking it to be another busy year ahead.
But for me, the real highlight and what keeps me coming back for more was the displays of warmth and generosity by the people involved. There were the familiar faces plus many new ones too. The cycling renaissance is being fueled by a wide range of different people and organisations working cooperatively together. And it is becoming more obvious that the bikes are the ancillary tools of the revolution. It’s about bringing people and communities together. Bikes just happen to be the common ingredient. I hope Ludo will pick up on this point at the Cycotecture presentation.
cycling/freedom
Cycle Action Auckland — a voice for cyclists
The Parade heads off down Ponsonby Rd
