Double the Fun at Bike the Bridge   3 Aug 2015

Double the Fun at Bike the Bridge

• Auckland’s largest mass participation event
• New Zealand’s second largest cycling event
• Major Partnership with Auckland Transport for 2015
• New Bike the Bridge format with no racing element
• Double opportunity to bike over Auckland’s Harbour Bridge
• Sunday 15 November 2015
Double the fun at this year's Bike the Bridge

3 August 2015
Bike the Bridge, Auckland’s largest cycle event, has teamed up with Auckland Transport in an exciting new partnership that will give even more people the opportunity to take part.

The event, now in its fourth year, has taken a new turn (literally), featuring a double crossing of Auckland’s iconic Harbour Bridge as well as delivering a stronger proposition for anyone who owns a bike. It takes place on Sunday 15th November and is centered entirely on the Harbour Bridge and Northern Busway, which can be ridden in one direction or both, giving riders the opportunity to make the crossing twice in the same day. Bike the Bridge is open to anyone aged 11 and over, whilst a Bike the Busway version allows kids of all ages and their families to take part.

Event organiser Callum McNair says that building the event along with the festival around it and removing the racing element will help to keep the focus on taking part, having fun, giving yourself a challenge with the added bonus of supporting charity partner Multiple Sclerosis. “Our clear aim is to get more people on bikes more often and Bike the Bridge is the ideal launch into a summer of cycling,” he explained.

“We’re committed to getting people on their bikes, actively taking part in a fun mass participation event. This year there will be more entertainment to enjoy along the way and less kilometres to ride, giving people no excuses not to join in.”

The partnership with Auckland Transport will concentrate on encouraging more people to use the cycling infrastructure across the region, especially routes to and around the city centre.

"Bike the Bridge is a great event for people to get out on a bike to enjoy the natural environment and socialise at the same time," said Auckland Transport, Cycling and Walking Manager, Kathryn King.

“It’s an exciting time for the city with Auckland Transport and our partners Auckland Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency working together on a $200 million cycle programme over the next three years.

“The objective is to improve the transport network by building more cycle infrastructure to provide better travel options for people,” she said.

“We are delighted that Auckland Transport will be even more involved this year, and it makes so much sense to be working together as our key priorities are very similar,” added McNair.

“This year we have tried to remove all the barriers which could prevent people taking part, with more convenient timings, lower entry fees, a simplified course and easier logistics, with riders able to start and finish in the same place. We anticipate many more entries from families than in previous years and there’s an enclosed loop on the Northern Busway for young kids to ride safely.

“Bike the Bridge is New Zealand’s second largest cycle event and the changes we have made this year will make it even more attractive for people to join in.”

To register for this year’s event click onto: http://www.bikethebridge.co.nz/.

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