Bike new places with family and friends this summer!
Wellington region
15/16
Events Guide Get on your bikes Get Pedal Ready & ride this summer! this summer!
Summer is the perfect time to dust off your bike and ride to work or explore Like riding a bike but not in traffic? Learn the skills you need to ride on the the Wellington region’s great scenery. Whether it’s coastal roads, rural roads road on one of our bike skills courses and get cycling around town! or off road along a scenic trail, you’ll find something to suit you. Cost: $20 or FREE for workplaces! There are lots of opportunities to get out and have some fun at family-friendly To find your nearest course, go to: events this summer. You’ll find details for events to suit all ages and abilities inside this guide, along with tips on how to negotiate traffic safely and links to useful cycling information. www.pedalready.org.nz
To find out more please visit: www.gw.govt.nz/summer-cycling
Check out the region’s best riding locations!
Cover photo: Bike the Trail 2015, Upper Hutt City Council, Proshoot Photography December January February March SAT Pedal Ready Bike Skills JAN Huri Huri Bike Festival WED Go By Bike Day SAT Karapoti Classic 5 Wellington 20-25 Wairarapa 10 Wellington 5 Upper Hutt Te Ara o Whareroa SAT Frocks Shop By Bike SAT WED Go By Bike Day MON Breadcraft Kid’s Tri Trail Opening 5 Wellington 23 10 Upper Hutt 7 Masterton SUN Weet-Bix Tri Training QE Park, Kapiti WED Go By Bike Day FRI Grupetto Ride to Work SUN Electric Bike Bays Ride 6 Lower Hutt 10 Kapiti 11 Wellington 24 Wellington SUN WORD Bike-a-Palooza SUN Miramar Ciclovia SAT Cycling amongst Giants SAT Pencarrow Coast Ride 6 Wainuiomata 14 Miramar, Wellington 12 Wainuiomata 30 Eastbourne SUN Weet-Bix Tri Training SUN Frocks Love to Roll SUN BAMBA Open Day Frocks Garden Magic 13 Lower Hutt Wellington Belmont Regional Park TBC Wellington 14 13 SUN Weet-Bix Tri Training WED Go By Bike Day SUN Weet-Bix TRYathlon 20 Lower Hutt 17 Lower Hutt 20 Wellington SAT Rimutaka Rail Trail TUE Weet-Bix TRYathlon 20 Upper Hutt 22 Lower Hutt MON Breadcraft Kid’s Tri SUN Frock-nic by the sea 22 Masterton 27 Paekakariki Wellington region SUN Bike the Trail 28 Upper Hutt/Lower Hutt MON Breadcraft Kid’s Tri 29 Masterton 15/16
Events Guide gw.govt.nz/summer-cycling Advance Stop Boxes Stay safe this summer Advance Stop Boxes are painted green and are on many Top tips for negotiating traffic Wellington City streets. Use them to position yourself in the full view of traffic at intersections. When the lights turn green you’ll get a head start on any turning vehicles. If there is a row of small diamonds painted on the road, ride Be Safe Be Seen over those to trigger the lights. When you’re cruising the streets drivers will be looking out for you. Bright clothes and reflective material make it much easier for motorists to see you and when the sun goes down bicycle lights are essential. See Greater Wellington’s Bunch Riding lights test to find out which lights are best: Sudden braking or swerving are common causes of crashes in bunches. www.gw.govt.nz/be-safe-be-seen Group rides work best when riders communicate No Surprises Policy hazards and rotate the lead rider smoothly. Riding two-abreast is legal (unless you are passing other Riding a steady line past parked cars, pot holes or broken glass makes it easy for vehicles or holding up traffic). Riding three-abreast is cars to give you a wide berth. A safety margin of 1 metre when passing parked never legal. cars is needed to avoid being ‘doored’. Sharrow Road Markings Bus Lanes A Sharrow road marking is a distinctive new marking on Using bus lanes can help to get around quickly but there are a few important some shared traffic lanes designed to improve cyclist safety. things you need to know to stay safe: The marking - a white bicycle with two arrows above it - is used to indicate • You may use a ‘Bus Lane’, as long as there isn’t a ‘Bus Only’ sign where cyclists should ride to be most visible and avoid hazards like car doors. • Be extra considerate of buses – the size of a bus means bus drivers often can’t see cyclists The mark also provides a reminder to drivers that they should watch out for cyclists and share the road. • Vehicles turning left may need to cross bus or cycle lanes. The law states they must give way to all vehicles using the lanes. But you still need to be For more information: careful if a vehicle is turning left just ahead of you as the driver may not see you, or may wrongly guess your speed. www.wellington.govt.nz/cycling
Credit: City of Ithaca, NewYork Active a2b Active a2b is Greater Wellington Regional Council’s health and wellbeing Cycling to Work initiative. January through early April 2016 will see Active a2b run for its 7th straight year. Active a2b is offered free to workplaces and employees. Last year Fitter, Faster, Cleaner, Cheaper 150 workplaces and more than 1,100 employees participated. Employees are provided a range of resources: merchandise, tools, personalised support, workshops, challenges, and trackers. Individuals select offerings to assist Why cycle to work? them as they become active commuters. Active a2b 2016 will include a refreshed website, a new activity tracker, and It’s fun, good for your health and can be fast and convenient! engaging competitions for individuals, groups, and organisations. Commuting Tips Find out more at: www.gw.govt.nz/activea2b If you’re new to commuting by bike, see these FAQs from Cycle Aware Wellington: Bike Buddies www.cycwell.wordpress.com/2010/08/31/bike-commuter-tips/ The Bike Buddies programme matches aspiring riders with experienced, volunteer cyclists in their area. The Bike Buddies meet their aspiring riders and provide the guidance that less-experienced riders need to feel comfortable and confident as Workplaces they travel by bike. Bike Buddies can help with: There are a number of easy, free or cheap actions workplaces can put in place to promote cycling to work. For more information, download the Cycle Friendly • selecting the most appropriate routes Employer and the Get Your Workplace Moving guides: • safely navigating traffic • tackling new riding environments and conditions www.gw.govt.nz/getting-to-work • setting-up and selecting equipment Find out more and register at: www.gw.govt.nz/bike-buddies Travel Toolkit Where to ride Wellington region’s cycling hot spots
Käpiti Coastal Cycle Route Wairarapa Valley Cycle Trail
Queen Elizabeth Park Masterton Recreation Trails
Carterton Mountain Bike Park Karapoti Gorge Rimutaka Ara Harakeke Rail Trail Greytown Rail Trail
Harcourt Park Cycle Track
Tawa Stream Path Whitemans Valley Hutt River Trail The Wellington region has some great places for riding both on and off road. Whether it’s café and beach hopping along a coastal road, touring country Wainuiomata Trail Project vineyards or taking the scenic route along a river trail, you’ll find something to suit you. Pencarrow Head You’ll find cycling maps for the region at your local i-site and you can find out the best way from a to b using the Walking and Cycling Journey Planner: Wellington City Trails www.journeyplanner.org.nz Makara Loop Wild Coast (Turakirae Head) Makara Peak/Karori Park Miramar Trail Project Great Harbour Way - Miramar Peninsula South Coast Kids’ Track Mt Victoria 5 Pedal Ready - Cycling in the City December Lyall Bay, Wellington Time: 9am - 12pm Location: Lyall Bay Primary School, Wellington Cost: $20, register online This is Pedal Ready’s urban cycle skills course based in Wellington City. The three-hour workshop for adults will teach you the basics of safe cycling and build your confidence riding on the road and in traffic. It is perfect for all of your on-road riding goals – whether they are riding to work this summer or riding around the bays on the weekend. The course is designed to cater to all levels of riding experience. www.pedalready.org.nz
5 Frocks on Bikes Boutique Shopping by Bike - Wellington
Time: 1pm - 3.30pm Location: Milk Crate (35 Ghuznee Street), finish at Blue Belle cafe in Island Bay Pre-Christmas boutique shopping by bike: Take a tour of sustainable and design oriented boutiques in Cuba Street, Berhampore and Island Bay to find some Christmas gifts for your loved ones. Compulsory cafe stop to start and finish! Get your pannier bags, racks and baskets sorted for carrying those gifts home. Check the Frocks on Bikes facebook page for more details. www.facebook.com/FrocksonBikes Photo: Frocks on Bikes, Wellington 6 Weetbix TRY Training Sessions
Sunday 6 December: Hutt Park, Seaview Sunday 13 December: Hutt City Council carpark, 531 High Street, Lower Hutt Sunday 20 December: Avalon Park, Avalon Time: 10am - 2pm Kickstart your summer training for the Weet-Bix TRYathlon on a set course with cycling guru Simon Gilbert. Simon will help you through the course and will provide expert assistance to you during your practice session to ensure you get the most out of it and have some real fun. Bike fix-up stations will also be available thanks to the Biketec team as well as a BBQ (gold coin donation) and refreshments for after you finish your ride. Contact: Jaimee Lampard - 04 560 0309
6 WORD Bike-A-Palooza
Time: 9am- 1pm Location: Wainuiomata Mountain Bike Park, Waiu Street, Wainuiomata Cost: $15 New Zealand’s best, super fun, most rad mountain bike event ever is back! The trails of Wainuiomata will be taken over by 4-17 year olds on two wheels. With four awesome courses to choose from, there is something for every skill level. Bring on the fun! Register online at: www.word.org.nz
Photo: Meg Riversdale, Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlon 20 Huri Huri Bike Festival January Wairarapa: 20 - 25 January Wairarapa is the place to get on your bike over Anniversary weekend! Huri Huri, in association with the New Zealand Cycle Classic - features the world’s premier road cyclists. It includes a range of exciting cycling events such as the Ruamahanga Trail Ride, Pedal for Parkinson’s road cycling challenge, Town to Tide multisport race and an inaugural trailblazer up the Atiwhakatu Valley in the Tararua Forest Park. [email protected] www.hurihuri.co.nz www.facebook.com/HuriHuriBikeFestival
23 Te Ara o Whareroa official trail opening Time: 10am - 2pm Location: Queen Elizabeth Park, MacKays Crossing, Käpiti Official opening of the Te Ara o Whareroa trail - a family-friendly walking and cycling trail connecting Paekakariki and Raumati South. Following the opening, some food and music and activities for the family. Check out the Greater Wellington Regional Council Facebook page for more information on how to get involved! www.facebook.com/GreaterWellington
Photo: Bike N Hike, Huri Huri Wairarapa’s Bike Festival, Catherine Rossiter-Stead 24 Electric Bike Bays Ride Wellington The Grand Opening of Time:1pm - 5pm Location: Switched on Bikes, Wellington City TE Bring your electric bike and meet other eBike riders or hire one from us and ARa o WHaReRoA see what all the fuss is about. Starting near the Wellington waterfront, we’ll ride to Shelly Bay and back again with stops along the way. walking trail Please pre-register to ride by 15 January to [email protected]. If & cycling you’d like to hire an eBike please let us know early and include your height Get involved - music, food stalls, (limited availability, hire cost is $45). dr ess up your bike competition and more! www.facebook.com/switchedonbikes
30 Pencarrow Coast Bike Ride Eastbourne Time: 10am - 1pm Location: East Harbour Regional Park, Burdans Gate entrance Cost: $15/adult, $5 under 14 Saturday 23 January 2016 Adventure south on your bike from Eastbourne 13.5kms past the Pencarrow Queen Eliza lighthouse to Baring Head. Throw your bike on the truck and grab a bus beth Park, MacKays Crossing, Kāpiti back to your car. Opening ceremony 10-11am • Festival 11-2pm Bikes must have a minimum of 20 inch wheels. Moderate fitness required. www.gw.govt.nz/summerevents
To book: 04 830 4041 or [email protected] 10 Go By Bike Day February Wellington Time: 7am - 9am Cycle Aware Wellington Location: Queens Wharf (under the sails) Go By Bike Day celebrates everyone who cycles in Wellington - whether you are a year-round ‘rain or shine’ bike commuter, you use your bike for fun and fitness, or you are just trying it out for the first time. Come along for free coffee and breakfast under the sails on Queen’s Wharf. We’ll have a travelling photo booth taking images for the Share the Road campaign, so get your best riding gear on, whether it’s a frock, high-vis or your work clothes for a pose! There will also be a bus set up for people to try out a driver’s seat view plus entertainment, stalls, free bicycle checks and prize draws. Contact: Shailie Pidcock | Cycle Aware Wellington | 027 723 4666
10 Go By Bike Day Upper Hutt
Time: 7.30am - 9am Location: Upper Hutt City Council buildings Join fellow cyclists for a FREE breakfast and coffee. No wheels - No worries! You can come and enjoy a ride on a spin bike to get your breakfast! We’ll have a travelling photo booth taking images for the Share the Road campaign, so get your best riding gear on, whether it’s a frock, high-vis or your work clothes for a pose!
Photo: Hariata Hema and Patrick Morgan at Wellington Go By Bike Day 2015, Cycle Aware Wellington 10 Go By Bike Day 14 Love to Roll Kapiti Wellington Time: 12 noon Time: 6.30am - 9am Location: Freyberg beach Location: Käpiti District Council library building, Iver Trask Place The annual not-to-be-missed Wellington cycle ride is back. Join fellow cyclists for a FREE breakfast and coffee outside! No wheels Celebrate love and cycling with Frocks on Bikes. Meet at Freyberg beach - No worries! You can come and enjoy a ride on a spin bike to get your for a leisurely cycle around the bays, to Lyall Bay and around the coast to breakfast! the Island Bay festival. There will be prizes! We’ll have a travelling photo booth taking images for the Share the Road To make a day of it, meet up at 10:30 at Shelly Bay and enjoy a car-free campaign, so get your best riding gear on, whether it’s a frock, high-vis cycle around Miramar peninsula as part of Ciclovia, arriving at Freyberg or your work clothes for a pose! beach to join Love to Roll. Check the Frocks on Bikes Facebook page for more details: www.facebook.com/FrocksonBikes 14 Miramar Ciclovia Miramar, Wellington
Time: 6am - 9pm Open Street Day Location: Miramar Peninsula Ciclovía is a phenomenon that has taken the world by storm. It’s a simple concept - close a road to cars and open it to people to experience their city in a whole new way. From its roots in Colombia, to downtown Los Angeles, to Melbourne, Ciclovía is now a a regular summer event in Wellington, enjoyed by many! This year we will once again have the Miramar Peninsula closed to cars and motorbikes, so you can walk, cycle, skate, or scooter this wonderful piece of Wellington coast, as a family, with friends, or just by yourself! www.ciclovia.org.nz 17 Go By Bike Day Lower Hutt Time: 7am - 9am Location: Dowse Square, Laings Road, Lower Hutt Hutt City Council’s Go by Bike Day breakfast event is back! Come along on your bike and celebrate Bike Wise Month with a free nutritious breakfast. Be in to win free giveaways and spot prizes. We’ll have a travelling photo booth taking images for the See the person, Share the road campaign, so get your best riding gear on, whether it’s a frock, highvis or your work clothes for a pose!
20 Cycle the Rimutaka Rail Trail Upper Hutt
Time: 11am Location: Incline Road, Kaitoke Cost: $25/adult, $5/child for return shuttle from Cross Creek Free for those with own transport. Max 80 people for return shuttles. Enjoy a long (17km) but family-friendly bike ride along the historic Rimutaka Rail Trail. Learn the history of the Fell engine and enjoy a picnic at the summit, site of an old railway village. Bikes must have a minimum of 20 inch wheels. Moderate fitness required. To book: 04 830 4041 or [email protected]
Photo: Kiri and Jo Clendon at Lower Hutt Go By Bike Day 2015, Hutt City Council 22 Breadcraft Kids Triathlon Series Masterton
Dates: Mondays - 22 & 29 February & 7 March 2016 Time: 5.45pm (must be registered prior to this) Location: Wairarapa College Grounds, Masterton Cost: $4 per event For kids ages 3-17 www.wmsc.org.nz
28 Bike the Trail Upper Hutt - Lower Hutt
Bike the Trail is a FREE event for families and individuals, and suitable for all ages. Join Hutt City Council and Upper Hutt City Council on a magical ride from Harcourt Park in Upper Hutt through to Hikoikoi Reserve in Petone. A shorter option from Stokes Valley is available as well. Free transport back to Stokes Valley and Harcourt Park from the finish area. Lock in the date now! www.bikethetrail.co.nz
Photo: Bike the Trail 2015, Upper Hutt City Council, Proshoot Photography 5 Karapoti Classic March Upper Hutt Time: 10am Location: Karapoti Park, Akatarawa Rd, Upper Hutt Cost: $25-$85 Based in Wellington’s rugged Akatarawa Ranges, the Karapoti Classic is the Southern Hemisphere’s longest running mountain bike event. This adventure ride combines a huge but achievable challenge with superb scenery and an awesome social scene. With options ranging from the feature 50k Classic to the 20k Challenge and the Kids’ 5k Klassic, there’s something for everyone. But be quick... Entries are limited to 1000 starters! www.karapoti.co.nz
11 Grupetto Ride to Work Newtown - Wellington
Time: 7am onwards Location: Bicycle Junction, Newtown If you’re cycling to work through Newtown, pause for a coffee at Bicycle Junction on the way. Take a chance to meet some of those fellow travellers you normally just see at the traffic lights then ride Grupetto style into town. www.newtownfestival.org.nz 13 Belmont Mountain Bike Club Open Day Lower Hutt
Time: 10am - 2pm Location: Belmont Regional Park, Stratton St Experience the fabulous new mountain bike trails in Belmont Regional Park with Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Belmont Area Mountain Bike Association (BAMBA). BAMBA will lead group rides on trails such as 4 Degrees, Bull Run, Borderline, New Big Weta and the Stream Track. Riding difficulty will range from Grade 2/beginners through to Grade 3/4 intermediate/advanced.
12 Cycling amongst Giants Wainuiomata
Time: 9am - 12noon Location: Wainuiomata Water Collection Area Max 30 people Come for a cruise on the access roads within the Wainuiomata Water Collection area passing lush forested areas with ancient trees. Learn more about the role these magnificent gentle giants play with the water we drink today. Bikes must have a minimum of 20 inch wheels. Moderate fitness required.
To book: Phone 04 830 4406 or [email protected]
Photo: Karapoti Classic, www.karapoti.co.nz 20 Weet-Bix TRYathlons The Sanitarium Weet-Bix Kids TRYathlons help kids stay active and healthy through a programme of participation. It’s about getting out there, giving Roll with Frocks on Bikes! 22 it a TRY, achieving a personal best, improving confidence and self esteem. Frocks on Bikes is a unique cycle advocacy organisation that aims to get The event is open to everyone aged between 7 and more women on bikes in everyday life. 15, and consists of a swim, cycle and a run. Through a Wellington-based “mothership” and many “flocks” across Australasia, Frocks on Bikes holds accessible events and provides services Wellington: Sunday 20 March to get regular women onto bikes. Location: Kilbirnie Park, Wellington Frocks on Bikes, Wellington have some great rides planned this summer so grab your bike and join them! Check out their Boutique Shopping by Bike, www.try.weetbix.co.nz/events/wellington Love to Roll and Frock-nic events in this guide. Lower Hutt: Tuesday 22 March Location: Hutt Recreation Ground, Lower Hutt Gardens Magic music by bike www.try.weetbix.co.nz/events/lower-hutt Frocks will also be riding to a Gardens Magic evening at the Botanical Gardens in January. Enjoy a shared picnic and evening music with fellow Frockers. Event date will be determined once the music schedule is released! 27 Frock-nic by the sea Check the Frocks on Bikes Facebook page for details: Paekakariki www.facebook.com/FrocksonBikes
Time: Meet at 10:15am (to catch the 10:44 train) to Paekakariki Location: Meet at Wellington Railway Station Take the train to Paekakariki and cycle along the Käpiti Coastal Cycle Route, including the new section of paved trail through the Queen Elizabeth Park. We will find a spot for lunch. You can choose to return to Paekakariki after lunch, or continue along the trail to Raumati South. We’ll stop at the Raumati Social Club for a refreshment. Return through Queen Elizabeth Park in time to catch the 3:45 (approx) train back to Wellington. Check the Frocks on Bikes Facebook page for more details: www.facebook.com/FrocksonBikes Resources - where to ride General Information Greater Wellington Regional Council Wellington Region Cycling Maps Information about cycle safety, bike buddies and bikes on public transport. Pick up your free cycling map from i-sites around the region. www.gw.govt.nz/cycling Wellington Cycling Commuter Videos Pedal Ready A series of six videos following Wellington cycle commuters. Pedal Ready is a regional cycle skills programme for schools and adults. www.vimeo.com/album/1820689 www.pedalready.org.nz Walking and Cycling Journey Planner Everyday Cycling in Aotearoa New Zealand Plan your own cycle route with the Walking and Cycling Journey Planner. The road-tested handbook for enjoyable, safe urban cycling; from Awa Press. www.journeyplanner.org.nz www.tinyurl.com/evdaycyc Mountain Biking Bikewise www.gw.govt.nz/Mountain-biking-2/ + www.wellington.govt.nz/mountainbiking Bike Wise is New Zealand’s national programme of activities which promote Käpiti Coast Walking and Cycling Guide cycling as a fun, healthy and safe way to travel. www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/Your-Council/Forms-Documents/Maps/ www.bikewise.co.nz Porirua Walking and Cycling Tracks The Friendly Cyclist www.pcc.govt.nz/Leisure/Walkways-and-Pathways Cycle Aware Wellington (CAW) has created a series of fun and informative videos about cycling around Wellington. Hutt City Walking and Cycling www.thefriendlycyclist.co.nz www.huttcity.govt.nz/Leisure--Culture/Walking-and-cycling/ New Zealand Transport Agency Upper Hutt Trails NZTA has developed the Official Road Code for Cyclists, a user-friendly guide www.breakaway.org.nz/trails to New Zealand’s traffic law and safe driving practices. Wairarapa www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/cyclist-code www.wairarapabike.org.nz Nga Haerenga - NZ Cycle Trail Clubs + Bike Shops + Bike Hire Companies Find out about New Zealand’s Great Rides and cycle touring routes. Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN) www.nzcycletrail.com Local CAN groups work with NZTA and councils on behalf of people who cycle www.can.org.nz Kennett Brothers – Love Cycling NZ New Zealand’s leading publisher of cycling history and guide books. For a list of local cycling clubs, bike shops, bike hire and tour companies: www.kennett.co.nz www.gw.govt.nz/cycling For more information, contact Greater Wellington: Follow Greater Wellington November 2015 GW/ST-G-15/153 PO Box 11646 Wellington 6142 T 04 384 5708 www.gw.govt.nz