Frocks on Bikes on display
Some years ago I was riding along Coronation Rd and was about to hang a right into Kiwi Esplanade. A lady on a stylish bike caught my eye. She was waiting to turn right but was required to give way to me. We smiled at each other. What a lovely moment. A cyclist having to give way to another cyclist on an Auckland road. “Fancy that”, she remarked. That has not happened again although I do see a lot more cyclists at that intersection these days.
Parking was at a premium
There was a similar ‘fancy that’ moment at the Cycle Style evening. Bicycle parking was at a premium. The number of people choosing to turn up on their bicycles certainly exceeded the expectations of the organisers. There goes that theory that it is too cold and wet to cycle in Auckland. We will be more prepared next time…how about some kind of open air event in the spring? Interested?
They came to see the style.
As to the evening itself, what a great night it was. Auckland really does have a cycle culture. It was great to see it so well supported. It seems that the public, the politicians and the bureaucrats are becoming increasingly aware of the value of cycling and want to be a part of this new phenomenon. It feels very satisfying to be involved in a movement that is having such a positive impact on our city and community. Well done Auckland!
Here is a list of the politicians that I saw there on the night. Have I missed any?
Cr Mike Lee
Cr Richard Northey
Cr Chris Darby
Richard Barter-Chair of Roskill Community Board
Christopher Dempsey-Chair of the Albert/Eden Community Board
Cr Christine Rose
Cr Denise Roche
Nikki Kaye National MP for Auckland Central
Jacinda Ardern Labour List MP for Auckland Central
Our Pippa (co-organiser) with Mike Lee (ARC)
Cycle Friendly Councilors-Christine Rose and Chris Darby
The fashion show was a big hit! And all credit to Pippa and Jenny for creating this amazing event.
And what style it was.
And it wasn’t just the models who showed us what good style looks like. Check out these fashion conscious supporters of cycling.
cycling/freedom
Cycle Action Auckland — a voice for cyclists
Great work. Am in awe. More pics please.
Well done!
About the theory, "There goes that theory that it is too cold and wet to cycle in Auckland." Come and have a look in the middle of the winter in Sweden. There are loads of bicycles even if it's -10 C and snow.
Good stuff Mark. There was a very "professional" looking photographer wandering around shooting nearly everything. I wonder where we can view her images?
Did CAA or the Frockers have anyone documenting the night?
Did many of the items come with a helmet on the rider?
I'm with Antoine! There were more than one person with a decent DSLR camera. Hopefully they'll put it up on the Flickr pool
http://www.flickr.com/groups/cyclingauckland/
Photos will be available shortly. There is also a video in production. Watch this space.
@Marcus. What we are coming to realise is that it is not the elements that stops the public walking and cycling; it is the lack of suitable infrastructure. That's why it was good to see so many politicians there on the night.
Hi Su Yin – too bad that many of the photos in that Flickr group are "all rights reserved", which mean that groups like us (Cycle Action) can't use them. Even yours are tagged noncommercial, which means I can't use them on Wikipedia to illustrate an article for example…
"Did many of the items come with a helmet on the rider?"
I didn't see any of the show as I was at the back doing valet parking, and looking attentive and officious so nobody would steal the bikes (though I wouldn't have been able to tell a thief from a real owner – we need to have a better system next time!)
But answering your questions, it looks like: Nope
http://aucklandcyclechic.blogspot.com/2010/07/cycle-style-evening-dalston-derny.html
@Mark:
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Absolutely. That is my point. The weather has some to do with the number of cyclist on the streets/bike lanes, but the more important factor is the infrasctructure. In south of Sweden, were I live, the cycling infrastructure is very nice with bike lanes essentially everywhere, it is very easy to ride the bike where ever you want to go. I guess it is our larger neigbour of Copenhagen that has given us some their "thinking". Still there is a long way to go, but we are a bunch of people working on it in the debate, especially since in our capital, Stockholm, the situation is worse, not too bad, but worse.(I am sorry, my blog is in swedish, but Google translate can help a lot.
@Max: I would consider Wikipedia to be non-commercial usage. So feel free to use them!
Re: valet parking—I lost my parking voucher and wondered if anyone was gonna stop me from taking my own bike but no one did. I wouldn't expect thieves around but I might lock it next time
A great event – keep 'em coming, I'm inspired. Does anyone know if Velorbis or Umberto Dei bikes are available in Ak? Thanks
@Marcus. Unfortunately, cycling infrastructure gets such a small fraction of the transport budget in Auckland, it is a wonder anyone cycles. Actual and perceived safety are real issues. And why cycle, when it is so easy to take the car. We are a city of car parks apparently. From listening to Jan Gehl the other night, Auckland looks like Copenhagen did in the early 1960's.
The Urban Bicycle Company has been importing VELORBIS and RETROVELO for some time.
We are now however concentrating on bringing in an extensive range of GAZELLE bicycles … The Netherlands leading bicycle brand.
http://www.gazellebicycle.co.nz
http://www.urbanbicycle.co.nz
BASIL Dutch panniers, bags and baskets for bikes are now available in New Zealand
http://www.bicyclebaskets.co.nz
@Mark. That is sad too hear, but unfortunately probably true in a lot of cities, in a lot of countries. It is however nice to see all the people who works to make it better. Keep up the good work and let's inspire each other!
Marcus. It feels like a snowball rolling down a hill gathering speed and size. I love being a part of this movement for positive change. As you say; let's work together and inspire each other. Change is already happening and it will continue to grow. It's just a matter of time. We would prefer sooner than later though.