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Get on your bikes Auckland

From City Scene, published on 24 February, 2008

Breakfast for bikers: Head along to the council's free Go by bike breakfast at Aotea Square on Wednesday, 27 February from 6.30am to 9am. Last year's event (pictured above) attracted 550 cyclists and this year's event is expected to be bigger and better than ever.

Have a go: Sandringham resident, Mirani Wijeyesinghe, feels more confident cycling on the road after attending one of the council's free Have a go bike lessons earlier this month. Ms Wijeyesinghe, who had not cycled since high school, says the course provided her with the skills and confidence to start training on Auckland city roads for an upcoming duathlon. "I learnt everything from caring for my bike to road safety rules for cyclists," she says.

Auckland City Council is celebrating Bike Wise Week with two events - the Go by bike breakfast and the Kids' bike ride. Bike Wise Week is a national campaign encouraging cycling for transport and recreation that runs from 24 February to 2 March.

Cyclists of all abilities are invited to join in the fun, win great prizes and make the most of free food and entertainment at the Go by bike breakfast at Aotea Square on Wednesday, 27 February from 6.30am to 9am. The annual event, now in its 11th year, includes free breakfast and bicycle checks. It is one of the biggest events during Bike Wise Week.

For those who want to join one of the special "cycling buses" bound for Aotea Square on the day - riding along either Tamaki Drive, the North-western cycleway or Dominion Road - check for meeting places and times.

For a fun family evening, grab the kids, their bikes and a picnic, and head along to the Kids' bike ride on Thursday, 28 February. This event runs from 5.30pm to 7.45pm and will be held at the kids' playground located at the Auckland Zoo end of Motions Road in Western Springs.

As well as free bike and helmet checks, obstacle courses and other special bike activities, there will be live music and great prizes to be won.

Know the rules

Cycling in the city can be challenging, but it doesn't need to be. Here are some tips to help everyone get around safely.

Tips for drivers

• Remember cyclists have the same rights as motorised vehicles on the road.
• Being overtaken by a car can be scary, so give cyclists a wide berth of at least 1m.
• Before opening your car door, check for cyclists and other cars.
• Indicate before turning so other road users know what you are doing.

Tips for cyclists

• Follow the road rules like other road users.
• Ride slowly on paths shared with pedestrians.
• Show courtesy to other road users, for example by dropping back to single file when passing parked cars or in narrow streets.
• Use lights and wear reflective clothing
  at dawn, dusk, night and in other poor visibility conditions.

For more safety advice go to www.ltsa.govt.nz or find more information about getting around Auckland by bike.