Links
Getting on your bike can be about seeing the sights, getting fresh air, going from A to B, shrinking the waistline, improving your fitness or making new friends. With petrol prices peaking the bike has gone from hippy transport to haute couture. Bike gear is now fast and funky and even the smallest of budgets can afford a slick ‘machine’. So dust off that ten speed or new set of wheels and try one of the many clubs, clans and cliques in the city. Here’s some links to get you talking to ‘the people in the know’ in the city’s bike community.
Bike NZ
Bike NZ is the one-stop-shop for all things biking and provides an umbrella to all clubs and organisations by region, including Canterbury: www.bikenz.org.nz
Christchurch City BMX Club
This club is for those wanting to get more out of the sport by learning new skills, being exposed to competitions and meeting like-minded cyclists: www.christchurchcitybmxclub.com
Canterbury Mountain bike Club
Catering for cyclists of all levels, this non-competitive club provides an opportunity to learn how to look after your bike, develop off road skills and mix with people who prefer nobblies. Regular rides are held on weekends and Tuesday evenings: http://www.canterburymtbclub.org
Canterbury Recreational Cycling Club
This is a non-competitive club that provides the opportunity to learn bunch riding (for the road), bike mechanics and meet new people. Whether you prefer being on the tarmac or the trails this club organises rides to suit all levels of skill and speed. Regular rides are held on weekends and Tuesday evenings: www.mountainbike.co.nz
SPOKES Canterbury
A dedicated local advocacy group, SPOKES is committed to promoting cycling as an important form of transport that should be factored into town and regional planning. SPOKES provides cycling expertise through its many long-standing advocates, transport professionals and cycle enthusiasts: www.spokes_chch@can.org.nz, email.
Cycle Advocates Network of New Zealand
CAN is New Zealand’s ‘national voice’ for commuter, recreational and touring cyclists. www.can.org.nz
The McQueens Valley Mountain Bike Club Inc
This club was formed in June 2006 with the intent to build a mountain bike park in restored native forest in McQueens Valley, Banks Peninsula. For more information visit: www.havenmtb.org.nz.
Christchurch Road Cycling Clubs
Other organisations are getting behind cycling too
There are a number of organisations involved in making this city the place to go by bike. Some organisations are involved because of the health benefits, others to encourage people to try a variety of ways of moving ‘round the city’ and some to ensure people are safe on our roads. Whatever their reason, these organisations are committed to improving the enjoyment of cycling in our city.
Ministry of Transport
The Ministry of Transport (MOT) implements the government’s Transport Strategy (NZTS). The Strategy aims to create an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable transport system. The MOT also implements the ‘Getting there – by foot, by cycle’ – a strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand. Ministry of Transport.
Land Transport New Zealand
LTNZ works closely with several partners at a national, regional and local level to improve the safety of our roads for all users, including cyclists. LTNZ also develop the Road Code, click here for more: Land Transport.
Bike Wise
Bike Wise is the cycling brand of the Health Sponsorship Council (HSC). The HSC is a New Zealand government agency that promotes health and healthy lifestyles. They do this through developing and delivering health promotions and marketing programmes. For more see: www.hsc.org.nz
Cycle Retailers
Christchurch has over 30 cycle retailers who can help you make the best choice in gear depending on your age, ability, gender and the type of riding you’d like to do. Experts in their field, these guys can fit you to a bike to make the ride super comfortable and kit you out with any gear you might need to stay safe and visible on the road. Cycle retailers and Cycles, accessories and equipment.
Overseas links
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