Auckland Transport produced a series of short cycling videos last year. A tad too much hi-vis for my liking but the irony is Susan’s big yellow coat is the most eye-catching item of clothing on there, stylish and visible from space – it’s a win win!
From the horse’s mouth:
Watch our new video series where you’ll meet some everyday Aucklanders who just happen to ride a bike. Watch the whole series of ten videos to hear their tips and tricks for cycling in Auckland. They’ll share their secret riding locations, tell you about the type of bike they ride, how they look after their bike, and the type of things they take with them. Two of the videos also cover basic road riding skills for beginners.
Like they say, “everyday Aucklandersâ€, that’s what I like most about these vids, just normal folks from rug-rats to pensioners out and about having fun.
*I was reminded of these videos when the latest Bike Wise newsletter arrived in my inbox. Sign-up for these via the Bike Wise website, there’s usually an interesting link or event that takes your fancy, especially leading up to Bike Wise month in February.
Look at all that orange and green fluoro! With the ugly helmets (on separated cycle lanes!!) and the high-vis gear they look like construction workers. When I compare this and our lycra road warriors to http://is.gd/oYM3Rn all that I can say is
The state of cycling in NZ makes me sad.
Oh well Tom, all of us that just ride whatever whenever we like will just have to have fun without you!
I just meant to say that this video doesn’t feel like a step forward. I see what the goal was but the implied level of fear (high-vis on a separated road, helmets for people moving no faster than a jogger) and constant mention of how these cycle ways are so safe will just create the impression that cycling is actually a dangerous activity (when it’s safer than most modes of transport).
I still ride to work but I enjoy it far less in Auckland. It is getting better (at a very slow pace) so on that note, I’d like to thank all the people pushing the policy makers to improve cycling conditions in NZ.
I see your point of view, though opinions on the effects of what people wear just seem a little irrelevant to me. But in your point of view, sure. But just think for a moment, that the videos are funded and produced by a government agency itself. This would not have been dreamed of a couple of years ago? So although it may not be going as far as you want it to, it is a start, no?