Stories from New Zealand

So glad to be back working normal shifts and commuting back into my regular office. Post the floods and Cyclone Gabrielle I was helping in the Civil Defense Centers across Auckland working all sort... read more

Well, I try thought after a few wet days in Christchurch I would be good to ride again today. Sadly, I was caught out in the rain, on the bike home. The outcome... I didn't melt, I did find traffic... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Peter Daly Remarkably few cases of melting humans over the years. We voluntarily get wet in the bath or shower, but fear melting when ... read more

Remarkably few cases of melting humans over the years. We voluntarily get wet in the bath or shower, but fear melting when it rains. Go figure.

What a feeling to be able to commute in the sunshine again. Feels like forever!

My challenge to myself this year was to bike everyday in February. So far I have managed it even with 34°C heat and the rain from the tail end of Cyclone Gabrielle (thankfully very minor compared t... read more

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Peter Daly I'm rocking my motorcycle wet weather gear, and my council gumboots, on the wet days. It's turned out to be not as bad as p... read more

I'm rocking my motorcycle wet weather gear, and my council gumboots, on the wet days. It's turned out to be not as bad as people would think.

Homeward bound my last stop papatoetoe on this love train baby cheeeehooo 🔥🤣😎😤this time taking the train home

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Passing through Auckland domain making my way to Parnell

Topic: My commute by bike

Biking from from work in otahuhu, so my first stop biking along south eastern motorway

Topic: My commute by bike

I go to school in Napier, which is more than ~25kms away from where I live in Havelock. Each day I bring my bike to school on the bus, before spending 40 minutes riding back home in the afternoon. ... read more

I was punishment passed by a lady on Roscommon Road, Wiri, yesterday. Helpfully, she then pulled into the gas station so I could ask her why. Amongst other excuses, she insisted that Roscommon Ro... read more

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Sharon Bailey I've had a similar experience. So ugly. Need stricter laws ( and a camera maybe?)

I've had a similar experience. So ugly. Need stricter laws ( and a camera maybe?)

A new job in the central city meant having to think about commuting. I drove for a couple of weeks, while settling in, and used a Kiwi parking share app to avoid making the carpark barons richer. ... read more

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Carol Imray Most interesting to read - I am worndering if I should l get a folding bike mostly for easier storage but have never tried ... read more

Most interesting to read - I am worndering if I should l get a folding bike mostly for easier storage but have never tried one. How does cycling on a folding bike compare to a regular bike? - I use a hybrid for my short commute - great for roads and grass and hopping over pavements.

Robin Capper Hi Carol, just found this. The Tern bike is great to ride, has similar section tyres to a hybrid bike but smaller diameter ... read more

Hi Carol, just found this. The Tern bike is great to ride, has similar section tyres to a hybrid bike but smaller diameter wheels. Compared to my carbon gravel bike is only about avg 1km/h slower!

31st August last year riding to work I was in a bit of a day dream and I remember thinking how much I was enjoying my commute. Next minute I was sliding down the footpath on my face as I had hit a... read more

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Debbie Paardekooper 👏 Amazing Anya, so glad you got back on your bike! Love your mahi, Debbie

👏 Amazing Anya, so glad you got back on your bike! Love your mahi, Debbie

Heather Smith Good on you.

Good on you.

This commute is usually pretty busy as going in peak hours. Centaurus Road is usually fine in the morning and Barrington Street can be busy leading up to the Milton Street junction. If going close ... read more

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Im a 45 yr old non driver. I realised early on driving wasnt for me and that the world was a far safer place with me not behind the wheel of a vehicle. So i cycle and run n walk. Ive never felt d... read more

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The North Western cycle track is a really nice ride and the track is getting some upgrades at the city end. If you haven't ridden it, please come and ride. There is a nice loop from the city out ... read more

I decided not to own a car a few years back, and just rely on my bicycle for getting around. It's been quite good for me, as I'm a lazy person, and if given the option, I might cave and use a c... read more

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Leave the car at home, stay away from the petrol station for a month or more. 25mins to work in car, 29mins on the bike on the best day. Powered by craft beer and pizza! More bikes at work as ... read more

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Richard Earl I note this photo demonstrating the inadequacy of so many 'bike parking' spots. Cyclists avoiding using them because they'... read more

I note this photo demonstrating the inadequacy of so many 'bike parking' spots. Cyclists avoiding using them because they're installed as last minute lip service.

Daniel O'Carroll Hi Richard, bike rack has been here for a long time. I prefer something I can rest my bike against as the weight of the pa... read more

Hi Richard, bike rack has been here for a long time. I prefer something I can rest my bike against as the weight of the panniers means front wheel bike stands are not so good. Modern upright stands where you can rest a bike on and lock seem to be what is being installed more and more.

First day riding to work. Of course it had to be a day where we have a high of 30 degrees! Oh well...... I did it to improve my health. I did it to save money. I did it to help the environment... read more

'Change' is happening in Hamilton with major roadworks around the University area of the City so my regular commute route impassable and sometimes frustrating when following the detour route sugges... read more

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Andrea Clayton Yes, agreed!! I too look forward to the roadworks and cyclepaths being completed. ... bring it on!!!

Yes, agreed!! I too look forward to the roadworks and cyclepaths being completed. ... bring it on!!!

After a bit of a tough year in 2020 change in job, change in house a new commute ride to work is getting the head and body heading back in a good direction.

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I decided to treat myself to an ebike 2 years ago. My thinking was if I commuted one day a week to work it would take one car off the road. I have been commuting to work at least 4 days a week this... read more

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My first ride for the AB Challenge was to use my bike to ride out to four field sites that a part of my automatic bat monitoring (ABM) project around Thames. I've placed them at three sites around ... read more

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Joshua Bathgate Love the Coromandel Great stuff mate! How are the Kauri Trees

Love the Coromandel Great stuff mate! How are the Kauri Trees

I am now over 60 years of age and still commute to work most days and ride at weekends for the fitness, health benefits and to help out the environment. I have brought an E bike with a motor to ass... read more

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Chuck Ng Hmmm never really thought that owning an e-bike is classed as cheating, despite some people telling me so. I too own an e-... read more

Hmmm never really thought that owning an e-bike is classed as cheating, despite some people telling me so. I too own an e-bike, and pretty much like you I think the e-bike has changed the way I ride - it certainly has encouraged me a to head out on it a lot more. And I, too, will be taking part in the challenge, riding on my e-bike... Good luck!

This last week of September 2020 marks 10 years of riding to work. I remember the first day vividly. I thought shorts and a t-shirt would be sufficient as I would be riding hard and probably be wor... read more

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When I drive I rarely take the time to enjoy the city I live in but with biking I an so easily stop, hop off and have a wee explore. Yesterday I decided to visit a piece of remnant bush in Christch... read more

After doing a couple of longer rides for me (>30km) I decided it was time to bike from my home town of Waimauku to work in the Auckland Viaduct area. I set out around 6:40am and had a good ri... read more

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Hi there, I moved to Auckland almost 5 months ago from central Europe ad I commute by bike every day. I want improve my strength for hiking, clear my mind and save money for traveling with 🚴 instea... read more

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Leo Dottridge I own a wardrobe for cycling in Auckland. On wet rainy days I wear a Giro Chrono Expert jacket. In the winter, I add warm l... read more

I own a wardrobe for cycling in Auckland. On wet rainy days I wear a Giro Chrono Expert jacket. In the winter, I add warm layers under this & in summer just my jersey. On my feet I wear cycling shoes with booties (shoe covers). I have a selection from windproof (thinner) to mid-winter neoprene (thick & warm). I wear gloves that range from fingerless (summer) to wind & waterproof (winter). I have a selection of arm, knee, leg, ear & head warmers to cover all seasons of wetter/colder weather from Autumn through to Spring. Unfortunately there’s no other option than to have a collection of cycling clothing, however this then sets you up to cover all conditions. I carry my rain jacket everyday, as living in Auckland you never know when it’ll rain!

Leo Dottridge I also have full length mudguards on my bike & use lights day/night for added safety. I only wear bright clothes when c... read more

I also have full length mudguards on my bike & use lights day/night for added safety. I only wear bright clothes when commuting as know this is safer.

Leo Dottridge I’m both a bike hero & bike lover; been riding for over 30 years & work at My Ride Grey Lynn, running the workshop ... read more

I’m both a bike hero & bike lover; been riding for over 30 years & work at My Ride Grey Lynn, running the workshop & overseeing the store. **fortunately Auckland doesn’t get too cold in Winter, compared to Central Europe 🤠

Martina Valachova Thanks a lot Leo. It looks like you have more than 1 wardrobe. Thanks for the inspiration, I have to google it and improve ... read more

Thanks a lot Leo. It looks like you have more than 1 wardrobe. Thanks for the inspiration, I have to google it and improve my cyclo wardrobe 😉

Jake Humphreys Easy and cheap options like dry-fit wicking sports gear from K-mart or Warehouse. Rubberized elasticated work gloves from ... read more

Easy and cheap options like dry-fit wicking sports gear from K-mart or Warehouse. Rubberized elasticated work gloves from Bunnings or Mitre10 under $10. A light, breathable rain jacket from your hiking gear and maybe a light fleece on those rare days it drops below 10 centigrade. Leo is right about mudguards, I'd add a luggage rack and panniers to keep your back clear and breathable.

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I live in Rolleston and commute 27km to my office in Christchurch by bicycle and bus. I #lovetoride so cycle to the bus stop in Rolleston and from the Hospital stop in Christchurch to my office a... read more

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A colleague and I were brave enough to venture out the day after cyclone Gabrielle had battered the Bay of Plenty on our journey to work. I was probably foolish enough to think that everything wo... read more

Marilyn Kenworthy My work colleague came off his bike while riding in slipping on some wet leaves on the ground.

My work colleague came off his bike while riding in slipping on some wet leaves on the ground.

10km hammered out a week or so back with my 8 and 6 year old! They were troopers!

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Crushing thru Wynyard quarter pause…. The calm before the storm ⛈️ praise you in the storm ☔️ thank you 🙏 Lord God almighty. Everywhere you Go “always take the weather “ Gabriel be still in Jesus n... read more

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My spot for curry nibbles in onehunga at lucky wok🚴😎🔥🤣✌️

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Summer ride after rainy week 🚴🏼‍♀️ Drowned sidewalk

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Have started riding my bike not only to work but to the gym. This means getting up grabbing one bag biking to the gym. Head home and grab anther before heading to work lol

Topic: My commute by bike

I have to share this to the interweb as a sort of therapy... Hello, my names Tim and I'm a bicycle addict.... I survived two near misses last night on my commute home. Both times I reckon it is ... read more

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Tim H Hi Tim. NZ Cities (sadly ChCh one of the bad : ( do have a sad history of vehicle caused Cycling injuries some severe and.... read more

Hi Tim. NZ Cities (sadly ChCh one of the bad : ( do have a sad history of vehicle caused Cycling injuries some severe and.. deaths.If able join a Cycling Advocate group C.A.N. is one. Prob more in ChCh ..and help raise Awareness. Strength in numbers. Keep Cycle Safe !

Jake Humphreys Glad to hear they were misses, its difficult to explain to others how stressful and upsetting that grind is.

Glad to hear they were misses, its difficult to explain to others how stressful and upsetting that grind is.

Highly motivated to bike more with the price of petrol getting out of control. I'm considering much longer trips and adding a trailer too.

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When I got hit by a Lanscaping van last week the driver and passenger accepted responsibility for driving through the roundabout and hitting me, instead of trying to blame me.

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Debbie Paardekooper Kia roa Chris, I am glad they took responsibility! Are you okay?!

Kia roa Chris, I am glad they took responsibility! Are you okay?!

What a weird sensation, riding in the early morning , just before dawn and I sensed something passing me on the inside line. WTF was that? Nothing , just my shadow passing me due to weird lighting ... read more

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Kate Bone Haha! Pre-coffee scares... its real!

Haha! Pre-coffee scares... its real!

Talia Kawau Relatable, almost fell off my bike, scared of myself, hahaha

Relatable, almost fell off my bike, scared of myself, hahaha

I used the long weekend, with some help from Twitter people, to try and work out a commuter cycle route 25km to work that is mostly in cycle lanes (separated as much as possible) and avoids the rou... read more

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Fiona Bennetts Tautoko :)

Tautoko :)

How I started biking was due to drink driving and lost my licence but I still needed to get to and from work when most of you were sleeping. Brought a ten speed and then did some short rides before... read more

Warren Butcher Congrats Stephen that is epic :) good on you :)

Congrats Stephen that is epic :) good on you :)

We moved to East Auckland in March of 2021 and decided to challenge ourselves to living car-free. Commuting on a regular bike in and out of the city is still faster than sitting in traffic, and kee... read more

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It has been something yet to be accomplish for few years. Finally, done it today and love the ride, except that in town, i am still sharing pathway with pedestrian instead of cars. Gotta get myself... read more

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I have ridden a bike as my primary mode of transport since 1989, doing my Master's degree. I owned a car briefly for one year in 1995-96, and had bought a house outside of the city so I could be i... read more

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Blenheim Road is both awesome and awful for commuting. Minimal parking means there's far less risk of dooring, and the traffic tends to create a nice draught regardless of the wind. So many pot... read more

Saw a person ride up to the bus stop, fold up their bike, jump on and disappear in under half a minute. I've now got a folding bike too, lovely blue colour, so I drive across the bridge, unfold th... read more

Jo Johnson Shame you have to drive across the bridge - time to #LiberateTheLane and you'd have an even happier commute!

Shame you have to drive across the bridge - time to #LiberateTheLane and you'd have an even happier commute!

Dedicated bike parking in the office + shower facilities are awesome benefits of my job <3

I’ve always loved riding a bike and came some croppers as a teen often after ‘borrowing’ my older brothers bike. But it never stopped me loving it. I bought an E bike this year and after years o... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

December 2007 I started riding to work at a new job with Palmerston North City Council Parks. In the 13 years since I have probably gone by car no more than 20 times - car for service etc. Its been... read more

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David Cushing Also from Palmerston North. Like above I have seldom been caught out by bad weather while biking to / from work. And over ... read more

Also from Palmerston North. Like above I have seldom been caught out by bad weather while biking to / from work. And over the 20 plus years I have been working in Palmie I would have used the car less 100 times (usually on days I give blood!). Fully agree with all the bike trails around the city and river.

I saw a Little Blue Penguin on my cycle to work this morning along the West Harbour Cycleway SH88 shared path. It made my day :) [address removed]

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We bought my son a good second-hand bike when he got to intermediate so he could independently cycle the 4km to school each day; no worries if we're working and can't do drop-off or pick-up. I lik... read more

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Julie Wotton Brilliant!

Brilliant!

Wow I am 2 days into my rides and yesterday I took a dozen eggs home in my panniers, surprised they weren't cooked by the time I got home. Today brought in a fundraising cake for Relay for Life al... read more