Key Takeaways
- Bike Rotorua is a group that aims to promote cycling as a transport option in Rotorua, inspired by groups such as Bike Auckland.
- The group has started a staffed bike-parking "valet" service to provide a safe and secure place for cyclists to leave their bikes during events.
- The valet service was first tested during the Rotorua Christmas parade and exceeded expectations, with 95 bikes and over 100 people using the service.
- Bike Rotorua is working with local organisations and the Rotorua Lakes Council to promote cycling and improve the city’s walking and cycling networks.
- The group is planning to run more bike valet areas at public events and hold additional community rides over the summer.
Introduction to Bike Rotorua
Bike Rotorua is a group that was formed to promote cycling as a transport option in Rotorua. The group’s founder, Graham, has a background in the sustainable transport sector and was inspired by the work of groups such as Bike Auckland. Graham believed that Rotorua was missing out on some of the simple, proven initiatives that had helped to fuel cycling as a transport option in other cities. With this in mind, Bike Rotorua set out to trial a staffed bike-parking "valet" service, which would provide a safe and secure place for cyclists to leave their bikes during events.
The Valet Service
The valet service was first tested during the Rotorua Christmas parade on November 29. The service was set up in a clearly marked, cordoned-off area, fitted with temporary bike racks and staffed by Bike Rotorua volunteers. Cyclists could leave their bikes knowing they would be supervised, removing the need for locks and the anxiety of leaving bikes unattended. The service was free and secure, and was supported by local organisations, including Stone Soup, which provided free ice creams, and Mountain Bike Rotorua, which contributed spot prizes as a reward for those who biked into town.
Community Response
The response to the valet service was overwhelmingly positive, with 95 bikes and over 100 people using the service, far exceeding the group’s expectations. Graham had expected around 20 to 30 bikes to use the service, but the actual number was more than three times that. The service also attracted a lot of interest from the community, with more than 20 people expressing interest in helping at future events or becoming more involved with the group. This level of interest is a testament to the fact that there is a strong demand for cycling infrastructure and initiatives in Rotorua.
Community Bike Rides
In addition to the valet service, Bike Rotorua has also been hosting community bike rides, led by Mutu. These rides are designed to be social and accessible, rather than competitive, and are intended to help people discover new routes and connections that they might not otherwise have tried. The rides are a great way for people to get involved with the group and to learn more about the city’s cycling infrastructure. By hosting these rides, Bike Rotorua is helping to build a sense of community among cyclists in Rotorua and to promote cycling as a fun and viable transport option.
Working with Local Organisations
Bike Rotorua is also working with local organisations, including the Rotorua Lakes Council, to promote cycling and improve the city’s walking and cycling networks. The group has been working with the council on an interactive "pin-drop" map, which will allow people to share feedback on where the city’s walking and cycling networks work well. This map will be a valuable tool for identifying areas where improvements are needed and for planning future cycling initiatives. By working with local organisations, Bike Rotorua is helping to build a collaborative and supportive community that is focused on promoting cycling and improving the city’s infrastructure.
Future Plans
Bike Rotorua has a number of plans for the future, including running more bike valet areas at public events and holding additional community rides over the summer. The group is also looking to build its volunteer base and to continue to work with local organisations to promote cycling and improve the city’s infrastructure. Interested residents can connect with the group via the Bike Rotorua Facebook page and keep an eye out for upcoming events. With its positive and supportive approach, Bike Rotorua is helping to make cycling a more viable and appealing transport option in Rotorua, and is playing an important role in building a more sustainable and healthy community.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bike Rotorua is a group that is dedicated to promoting cycling as a transport option in Rotorua. The group’s staffed bike-parking "valet" service has been a huge success, and its community bike rides and work with local organisations are helping to build a sense of community and to promote cycling as a fun and viable transport option. With its positive and supportive approach, Bike Rotorua is playing an important role in building a more sustainable and healthy community in Rotorua. As the group continues to grow and develop, it is likely to have a lasting impact on the city’s cycling infrastructure and to inspire more people to get involved with cycling.
