Dunedin By Bike

For a fresh perspective on Ōtepoti’s bicycle culture. #DunedinByBike is snapping everyday cycle commuters of #DunedinCity. Busting lycra-myths to empower the next generation of transport choices.

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Sophie, St Clair — 2016

Where are you going? I’m just off to work, which is in town on Princess St! On my bike I can ride straight to the door, no need to worry about finding a park!  What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? I mostly just wear my work clothes when I ride. I have a basket to bring work shoes in case my shoes aren’t appropriate. Today, it’s just a jacket jeans and boots, cause they’re easy on the bike.  Tell us about your bike… I lived in town and used to walk to work, but the I just missed being outside. So when I moved out to St Clair, I just a cheap bike on sale from Bike Barn. And the basket was a birthday present which has been really helpful. I’ve been using it for a couple of years now!  Why Ride? I like the weather, and it’s nice to be outside a bit before going to work. Even when the weather’s crap, I like it. You feel like you’ve had more of an adventure than other people.  While riding you…? I just enjoy being outside! Notice the seasons, do some people watching. Enjoy watching the traffic as I ride by!  How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? Making everything a bit more pedestrianized would help. General active transport changes, carless streets, more and wider cycleways - making active transport the priority. Also, having a state highway right in the middle of a city is insane. There’s trucks rolling on at more than 50kms and it’s a bit of a worry. I also find if I don’t wear lycra it also helps. If I’m just wandering along with my basket, cars are like actually that person is just chilling, maybe we should go slow as well?  Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? Just buy a bike! Once you spend a bit of money, you’re like well, I better use this. Just jump on it. Going with a friend can work too!

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Andy, Market Reserve — 2016

Where are you going? I’m going to work! But later on I’ll be cycling out to Port Chalmers back home. I ride almost everyday. I will bike in any weather.  What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Warm clothing underneath and then a really good outer layer. I can come to work with what a have on, shower, then change my shirt and I’m away. 

Tell us about your bike… I love my bike. It’s a cyclecross which means I can pretty much travel most places and I bought it through Torpedo Seven. It’s kind of a commuting bike, but I can also race on it. I put the aero bars on cause I always have headwinds riding home, and that just helps me go a bit quicker. I’ve also invested in really good light. Good lights and good bike and you’re all good to go, there’s nothing stopping anybody! While riding you…? See Dunedin! You see things way more than being in a car. You don’t want to be in a car. Only be in a car if you really have to! Riding is better on the resources and on the fuel, and it’s a conscious thing. You also get benefits mentally and physically. There’s a lot of mental challenges out there for people in the world, so get on your bike!   How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? We need to stop being in the 20th Century, get over ourselves, and put investments into cycle lanes. Since they put the cycle lane in from the Stadium out to St. Leonards, I’ve seen so many more people out, that includes families too! That’s got to be far better for communities, safe cycleways! There should be a cycleway all the way out to Port. It’s not that they don’t have the money, they’re just not diverting it to the right place! It’s a no brainer!  Cycle lanes! Cycle lanes! Cycle lanes!  Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? It’s really in your head. It’s not bad. It’s a perception thing for people. Get on your bike and go! 

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Josie, Victoria Rd — 2016

Where are you going? I’m cycling into University today!

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? I don’t wear any special cycling clothes, I just try and wear a nice outfit. A dress? Maybe a skirt? It helps to wear tights, but I wear whatever I feel like wearing.

Tell us about your bike… Well, my bike looks really cute, but it needs some work! It was left behind in a friend’s backyard in his flat, and he gave it to me. It was free, a really nice gift, and it brings me a lot of joy. It’s my favourite colour too, so a great coincidence.

Why Ride? I ride because it gives me time to think. By the time I get to Uni and sit down at my desk, I’m ready to write and that’s really great. When I drive, I feel all tense and I have to look for parking and it’s really stressful. When I cycle, I just feel happy.

While riding you…? While riding I contemplate the world!

How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? I think improving bicycle lanes we’ve already got would be really great. Making sure there’s continuity. A lot of lanes just stop halfway, or there’s no logical way to get from where you are to where you want to be. So that would be really great. The bike lanes just stop!

Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? It’s really not scary. Everybody says to me ‘aren’t you scared?!’ but it’s not scary. I cycle literally everyday and nothing scary has ever happened. Nobody has ever been mean, or tried to run me over. Yes, you have to be aware of what’s going on, but it’s really not an issue. Through the winter and everything, it’s not that bad!

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John, Bond Street —2016

Where are you going? I’m just off to work at 104 Bond Street, a really cool shared space in the historical precinct of Dunedin. I mostly bike form where I live in NEV to the city, and around St. Clair, Port Chalmers and Aramoana. What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Nothing special for biking, it just depends on the weather and where I’m going. It’s the same as if I was going by any other transport really. Today, it’s a woolly jersey, khaki pants, and some shoes I got from a friend who outgrew them. In fact they’re all from a skip! (Laughs). Tell us about your bike… I got this lovely old machine from a guy in Caversham, whose Grandfather bought it new in 1930. He lived in Balclutha, and rode it 10kms to work everyday and back, so it’s got a long history. I think it might be a Royal Enfield, but I could easily be wrong about that. While riding you…? Just enjoy the streetscape. I enjoy seeing the old buildings, seeing what’s going on in the streets, looking at all the fresh growth on the trees this time of year. How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? There’s tons of things Dunedin could, and should, do. But first and foremost it would be about good quality infrastructure in the right places. The priority would be fast, direct routes from say North Dunedin to the city, South Dunedin to the city, just get those main arterial routes in place. Once that’s done, move on to secondary routes. They need to be fast, direct, and separated from traffic ideally. Aside from that, general traffic calming, a reducing of car priority in the city. A reduction of speed limits would be fantastic, reducing slip lanes, so many things. Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? A lot of people, or non cyclists, think Dunedin has really bad weather, but Dunedin is the driest of the five main centres of New Zealand. I can count on one hand the amount of times I’ve had to bring a jacket this year. So weather shouldn’t be a barrier. I think also a lot of people think it’s a really big decision to decide to start cycling, as if you make the decision you have to cycle for every trip, and you don’t of course. Maybe for you, just cycling once a week is fine. It’s not a big decision.

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Hebe, Birch Street — 2016

Where are you going? I’m just off to Uni where I study public health. I actually went to a talk last week where they were talking about cycling being the way of the future!  What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? I try to wear comfy clothes, and try to avoid jeans. I usually end up wearing a raincoat when it’s unnecessary (laughs).  Tell us about your bike… This is hand me down from my Dad! I think he bought it off someone who won it in a competition and didn’t want it. I’ve had it for a while, but this is the first year I’ve really started riding it. It doesn’t have a name, but I’ve been told it is a bogan bike.  Why Ride? I like riding because it’s quick. I also like spending more time outside, I think we all spend far to much time inside, and its just a way to extend the amount of time that I’m outdoors. I live in St Kilda and I usually bike in from there to University along Portsmouth Drive and I really like that cycle, next to the water. There’s that sports club along there, and if you see people windsurfing you know it’s going to be windy, but if it’s stand up paddle boarding, you’re like “yuss!” (laughs).  While riding you…? I try not to think about University, and just appreciate my surroundings and being outside. And on the way home, I’m usually thinking about what I’m going to have for dinner.  How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? I know that lots of people want cycle lanes on busy roads, but I really appreciate the cycle on Portsmouth Drive, being completely seperate and being next to the water. I think more space at intersections for cyclists would be good. A lot of intersections don’t have enough room, and you’re just stuck behind cars and exhaust fumes. I actually used to live in Cambridge, England, and it’s a cycle mad city, and the space they have to intersections is just awesome. You get the green light first as well.  Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? It’s quicker than you think it will be and you don’t have to look around for a park. It’s fun! I just feel like the attitude towards cycling in New Zealand is that it’s unsafe. The only people we really think ride are like men in their lycra, and it’s not really commuter cycling. It’s a perspective thing. Dunedin and New Zealand is so dominated by cars, so we have to work hard to change people’s attitudes. It’s better for the environment, better for public health, and we should all be doing it. 

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James, The Octagon — 2016

Where are you going?  Well I just got off of work, and I’m going straight to Polytech to do more homework. It’s a busy day. I do social services, and study mental health support through that. I’m usually in NEV which is really good as it has the good bike lanes and good bike infrastructure. On my days off I try go everywhere. I’ve got a keen sense of adventure and a lot of energy, and I just wonder where I haven’t been before. There’s so many amazing roads to ride in Dunedin. Especially after seven, there’s no one on the streets and you feel like you just own the place! 

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Lately it’s skinny jeans and a bunch of jumpers. This woollen jumper is pretty all weather for me! For commuting it’s just skinny jeans, and for the most part they keep away the chain grease! Tell us about your bike... This is probably one of the only material possessions I’ve have that I’m in love with. This is a 1984 Team Fuji road bike that was my Dad’s. He would’ve bought it in that year back in San Fransisco, and ridden it around the city and the surrounding area for a couple of years. It was pretty much just hanging in the garage in my family home when I was growing up, and no one ever really road it, it was just kind of hanging there. Then I started getting into bikes, and when I was living in San Fransisco, the bike that I had, got stolen. It was really sad, it was a bike that I built at The Crooked Spoke, and had taken to SF to have there. I was so devastated, but it turned out to be a good thing though, cause then my Dad offered to give me this bike and I fell in love with this thing. Its taken me throughout San Fransisco, Vancouver, and now I’ve taken it here. It’s been with me for about four years now. This is just my bike.

Why Ride? For the most part it’s fun! It’s easy and cheap, all the reasons people usually mention are the reasons, it’s just so simple. I’ve always liked riding my bike, it adds some excitement. It’s a really good Mindfulness activity, I can always tell if I’m stressed on bike cause I’m really trying to push hard, and I’m not feeling the enjoyment. Depending on how much fun I’m having getting from A to B, it will tell me like what my mood is. It allows me to just tune in. Last night I got out of a two hour yoga class and was feeling really good and pleasant, and just took the long way home, and I was just enjoying the way the tires felt against the pavement. It’s those little things that you can tune into on your bike.

While riding you…? I feel free. I feel free to enjoy myself, from the the stresses on the road in a car. I also feel free to take risks. I was a bike courier in Vancouver so I love riding in between cars and seeing if I can squeeze into places. When I’m riding, I’m just really open to the idea of getting lost. So I guess while riding I’m curious!

How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? I think just giving more incentives for people to ride. I think the main resistance to biking is a lot of people don’t realise what they have in Dunedin, or how easy it is to ride, or how easy it is to get to town, or to University, or do shopping. It’s so easy. There’s no hills to deal with. It’s got to start from the bottom up with more people doing things like you’re doing, getting more people curious about riding and telling people about places like the NEV community workshop where people can build bikes, and also the Crooked Spoke which is an amazing group of people that have all these bikes. That’s the great thing about bikes. My bike is over thirty years old and it’s in great condition, and there’s so many other bikes in similar states. We have enough bikes to go around and share with people, they just need some tender love and care. More people just need to get out and get passed that fear of riding a bike as a death sentence or you’re crazy. I’ve never had a single problem riding in traffic. Cars are quite cautious of cyclists. I feel quite safe and comfortable! For a lot of people, a bike could do most of their transport. I think the most effective strategy for coping with something like hills is electric bikes. I don’t know if Vancouver or San Fran do anything different, they just have people who are a little bit more committed. Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? Just do it! Biking is as fun as you make it. If you have good memories of riding a bike when you were younger, then remember it’s still fun, if not more fun being an adult. If someone has a friend who rides a bike that makes it even better. There are so many places that are only a short bike ride away. Incorporate it and then it becomes a life style.

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Jodie, Vogel St — 2016

Where are you going? I came to have a coffee with a friend, and then I’m going home.

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Anything really! Because it’s a ladies bike I can swear skirts and it doesn’t bother me. There’s no difference between my normal daily wear, and what I wear on my bike.

Tell us about your bike… This is Nina, she came from my friend Lizzy, who is a dancer friend of mine here in Dunedin. She brought Nina to New Zealand from Australia when she moved out here, and then she moved back to the UK and wanted her to go into good hands so I bought Nina from Lizzy. I just love the comfy leather seat! It’s look as well as comfort!   

Why ride? Free parking! And actually it took me just as long as it would take me in my car to get here. It’s a beautiful spring day, no petrol costs, convenience, all of that!

While riding you…? I feel the the sunshine on my face, and the wind in my hair…

How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? Better bike racks for parking!

Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? It really is just as quick as driving, that’s what I’m amazed by. You’re not stopped in traffic, you can get around lights, especially if you’re coming from South Dunedin into town, there’s Portsmouth Drive. I’m a bit of a newbie but today was just quicker and easier and I rode up and down that cycle ramp over the over the overpass and I didn’t have to get off my bike! 

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Jeanette, Vogel St  — 2016

Where are you going? Today I’m meeting my girlfriend at this cafe, and then I’m going to New World to get some groceries and some treats for Father’s Day.

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Colourful! Girly! And Functional! Today I’ve got my cool sneakers which I pinched from my daughter, my warm trousers, pretty dress, and a colourful jacket! I’ve also got my vintage gloves which I got from a dear friend.

Tell us about your bike… I just love my bike! My dear husband found this for me online, it’s third hand, and helps me keep up with my husband and son, who are all much fitter than me and don’t need a battery! Haha. I usually beat them home by getting up the hill first! We live on the top of a big hill so we’ve had lots of fun exploring around the countryside, we’ve been to Portobello, Taiaroa Head, Port Chalmers, I pop over to Maori Hill, I just about go anywhere really! 

Why ride? I ride because I always have. It’s less frustrating than catching the bus, it’s quicker than walking, and it’s healthier than taking the car.

While riding you…? I’m already having happy thoughts before the bottom of Doon Street, and I’m just glad to be able to live here in Dunedin. How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? When we’re making alterations to accommodate bikes, we really need to think about how it will be for the cyclist. Can they take the tighter corner? Can they go here without getting off their bike? We need to look a little wider, and maybe even test drive them. One is example is, often at the point where a bike path meets the road there’s a normal footpath squared high kerb, when really there should be a ramp or curved kerb like for driveways, you cannot possibly go over one of those without damage, and it’s right in the middle of the infrastructure. Simple things are overlooked simply because they’re not designed by users or tested by the designers themselves.

Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? The cycle lanes are there to be used, but you don’t have to use them. You’re actually free to ride wherever you like. You do not have to ride on the one way system, come through Vogel St! Think ahead and think about what’s the safest way for you! Be a defensive cyclist.

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Mike, Portsmouth Drive  — 2016

Where are you going? I’m going to the University, into the Language Centre. I ride there every day without fail. 

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Well today’s a little bit rainy, so I decided to wear these leggings, and I’ve got a jacket on as well, alongside some fluorescent gloves on my hands, and the usual helmet and lights on my bike. 

Tell us about your bike… It’s a Morrison 10 Speed, it’s from the 1970′s, I like to call it a Retro Bike. I don’t want to give it up for something else as it means it’ll just go into the garage and rot away and no one will use it and I think that’s a bit sad. I’m going to use it until it falls apart! 

Why ride? I will just be laughing to myself 'cause I see all the cars piled up at the lights and I was just going by on my bicycle completely free!  While riding you…? Think that I don’t have to worry about parking, think that I can go anywhere I like, think that I am not restricted!  How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? I think the rules need to be worked out, particularly at intersections where the cycleway crosses onto roads, who gives way? I went into the police station and they didn’t even know who gave way, and they said it was a consideration. That’s a rule that needs to be worked out. The cycleways also need to swept of grit, especially after a frost, it is very treacherous for cyclists. More people should ride bikes! Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? This is maybe an aside, but if every police officer and law enforcement officer actually rode a bike for a month, they would understand why people on bikes need to do the things that they do. 

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Nathan, Portsmouth Drive  — 2016

Where are you going? I’m off to uni. I ride this way most mornings, five days a week, rain or shine!

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? It’s pretty wet outside today so I’m wearing a woollen knit jumper and shirt under a jacket. The under-helmet beanie has to be done on days like this.

Tell us about your bike… This one’s actually a piece of s**t really, (laughs) but it gets me from A to B though. It’s actually an ol’ speed demon aye! Looks can be a bit deceiving, I pass cars down the one way sometimes. I reckon it hits about 60km/h. An old Morrison, I picked it up for about $50. I didn’t fix it up myself but I do the maintenance to keep it cranking.

Why ride? It’s just part of the life-cycle I suppose (laughs). It gets one foot in front of the other each day.

While riding you…? Feel the breeze on my face, especially today! (laughs)

How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? I reckon it’s not really about the infrastructure alone, it’s the ethics and values involved in the priorities and discussions [of transport design & individuals’ perception] in general. Like, as you can see there is so many cars cruising and in sitting in traffic down this road right now, but there’s only one person in each car... You can fit so many people on bikes in the space of one car too. Imagine it. Jumping on a bike keeps you fit, keeps you healthy and happy, there should be more people getting amongst it. It’s definitely a values and ethics thing, because everyone can do it! No one is stopping you.

Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? Just get an old dunger on TradeMe and take it to the Crooked Spoke! (More info below)

The Crooked Spoke is open 4-6pm Wednesdays & 4-8pm Fridays. They are a not-for-profit and volunteer run DIY bicycle workshop at 111 Moray Place. Everyone is welcome to go along and use their tools to fix your bike, and  volunteers are always around to show you how. Don't have a bike? Come and get one! We have heaps of bikes waiting for a rider that could be yours for a koha. Donations of bikes and parts are always welcome too.

Below is a helpful GIF relating to Nathan’s point about road users and design of that space:

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Greg, The Octagon  — 2016

Where are you going? Home, all the way up Maclaggan Street!

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Depends how cold it is. Right now I’m wearing a T-shirt because I just did Bikram Yoga and I’m really hot still (laughs).  Tell us about your bike… It’s a weird touring bike that I put together myself. It’s a random hodge-podge of parts, I made it myself, and I brought it all the way from America.  Why ride? It actually takes me longer to drive to university so I get to get some exercise and save time somehow... magical! (laughs)

What area of town do you mostly bike in? Up & down the centre city pretty much.

While riding you…? I can only think of cheesy answers... But, I feel as free as a bird! (Unfortunately, Greg had to get moving before we could finish the interview - Thanks for your time Greg!)

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Devonia, Lower Stuart St  — 2016

Where are you going? I actually just came from Uni, and now I’m having a beer at Al Bar before going back to St Clair. 

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Whatever I’m wearing when I go to work. Today: a dress, tights, my Vans, and a warm jacket because the evening’s aren’t that warm when biking home. Tell us about your bike… It’s a mountain bike. I was meant to just use it for six months, but that was four years ago! I’m still using it, and it’s doing the job to go back and forth to St Clair, which is pretty good. It’s cheap and it does the trick! Why ride? I’m Dutch so I’m just used to biking, I had a bike here before I had a place to stay! I always bike everywhere; I don’t like taking a car. I like the act of commuting. While riding you…? Enjoy the sunsets and the sunrises the most! How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? The attitudes from drivers and cars are something that could change here. More effort being put into wider cycle lanes, and separate cycle lanes. Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? I think people should experience biking more, if you know what a cyclist does, you can predict them a bit better and have a bit more respect for them. It’s a fresh start for the day! If you ride your bike in the mornings, you have a fresher brain to start the rest of your day. It’s worth doing every morning!

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Matthew, Castle St — 2016

Where are you going? I’m just off to a gallery opening, but usually, I’d be biking from the Polytech where I work to the Cove, which is on the way to Macandrew Bay.

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Usually, I’m in like spandex and like a jacket and gloves cos it’s a good, decent wee bike ride, but today I’m in my normal clothes, sneakers, jean and jacket. Tell us about your bike… My bike is a Specialised AWOL, which is basically a little bit of hybrid between a road bike and  I guess like a touring bike. The idea is that it’s quite hardy and kinda awesome. It’s quite slick and good for the amount of biking that I do and the kind of road that I’m on. It’s quite heavy and really sturdy which is good for Portobello Road when cars are going by me really past so I feel a little bit more safe. 

Why ride? I ride because it’s good fitness, I ride because it’s actually quicker for me to get from where I live to work without having to find a park. It’s good for the environment, it’s cheaper - no fuel or bus. It’s got so many positives it’s kind of ridiculous. 

While riding you…? Think about stuff? (Laughs). It gives me a total break from the day, so I feel very free. I just think, I’m not looking at my phone or doing anything else.

How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? I think Dunedin needs to continue to up the bike lanes. A really functional awesome bike lane that goes all the way around the Peninsula and Port Chalmers would encourage tourism and commuter biking. I think they could totally separate the bike lanes like they do in Europe and stuff. I was in Amsterdam earlier in the year and that’s a really good example.

Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? If you’ve got good gear, you bike through the winter you can bike through the rain. It actually doesn’t effect you at all. I turn up to work sometimes and people will say ‘I can’t believe you biked!’ but it’s not that bad. I think a lot more people would bike in all conditions if they just got out there and got into the habit of it.

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Inga, Lower Stuart St — 2016

~ We respect that whilst some people prefer not to have their photograph taken, we’ve found that doesn’t exactly mean they’re unwilling to show off their two-wheeled companion! ~ Where are you going? I’m just heading home!

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Just my normal daily work gear.

Why ride?  I’m a commuter, and I commute every day… into town, and out towards Wakari way!

Tell us about your bike… My bike is electric because I need to get up the hill. I’ve had an electric bike for years, but this Paedego one is only about a year old.

While riding you…? Are happy!!

How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? I’ve got lots of ideas! The main thing is really that car drivers, buses and so on, should have defensive driving lessons or be encouraged to a positive attitude change. That’s really the main issue for me.

Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? It’s not hard; I can get up the hill no problem! There’s plenty of options nowadays and less of an argument to say that the hills in Dunedin make it a cycling unfriendly place!

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Jed, Bond Street

Where are you going? I’m just biking to have lunch with my parents

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? Like right now, a jumper with a windbreaker over top and chinos. A windbreaker is a must in Dunedin, but I always wear too much clothing and get too hot, so I’d say a windbreaker with whatever style I’d normally wear when I’m not biking underneath is always a good bet.

Tell us about your bike… It’s a ten-speed road bike, that’s basically new. I bought it second hand, but it’s never been ridden, just bought and then returned. It’s hot black, and the fastest bike in Dunedin (Laughs).

Why ride? It’s great for my fitness, to keep that at a level I enjoy, but biking to work is also just so much more enjoyable. There’s no parking and there’s nothing annoying about it. You just feel better afterwards. It’s a better way to get around. 

Favourite ride? My favourite I’ve ever done was actually overseas when I biked to a castle in Amsterdam. We biked through all these Canal villages, through a farm, to the coast, and then ended up at a castle. It was the best bike ride I’ve ever done. Around town here though, I really like going down Portobello, and looking out onto the harbour, that’s a really nice ride.

While riding you...? I’m thinking about work usually! I don’t listen to music or anything, but I like the time by myself to just get ready for the day. My favourite feeling is passing people. Everyone is just stopped at a light, and I just zoom by. I always wonder what they’re thinking, I hope they’re thinking “I should get a bike.” 

How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? It’s a hard one because you want to build cycleways for the bikes, but you need enough people biking to do it. It’s a build it and they’ll come type thing, that’s what you’ve got to do. I’ve always found the infrastructure that works is when the bikes lanes are a bit separated from the road, to give a bike an actual lane. I lived in Amsterdam, which is the greatest bike city in the world, and they have bike traffic lights! You feel a lot safer and you don’t have to worry about cars. I think it would lower barriers to cycling and you could get more people biking safely….people will never cycle if it’s really hard.

Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? It's actually really safe biking around Dunedin! Doubles as fitness and fun, plus you get to create a sweet as ride that everybody envies as you speed past all the traffic!

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Phil, Castle St  — 2016

Where are you going? To the Oval, I pretty much commute this way everyday.

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? I wear whatever I’m wearing to work so nothing particularly special: jeans, a jacket, a hoodie, and a pair of smart shoes that’s about it.

Tell us about your bike… Back in the day when I bought it, it was a pretty top end model, but it’s probably about fifteen years old now. I got it over in England. It just gets me backwards and forwards in about out of town. Sometimes I use it a bit at home as well, to cycle up into the hills, but I’m a bit old for that nowadays.

Why ride? I live in Brighton and work at the University, so it’s easier for me to drive into the Oval, park up there and then cycle down to the Uni than it is for me to try and find a park anywhere. It's a good excuse to get on my bike. I would ride in from Brighton but it’s a bloody long way!

Favourite ride? From where I live, I can go down the coast to Taieri Mouth, it’s a beautiful bit of road to cycle, the only problem is that it’s a 100 km zone so the traffic’s pretty shifty down there.

While riding you…? Huff and puff quite a lot! (Laughs)

How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? I think probably one of the main things is getting bikes out of 100 km zones and main roads like this. This bike lane is okay, but further up there where you’re weaving through the middle of traffic it’s not much fun.

Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? The fact that Dunedin is a city you can’t cycle round is bollocks. Of course you can cycle! If you’re that stuck get an electric bike. It’s not a big drama.

(NB: To add, from DunedinByBike correspondent - HELPFUL TO KNOW: All Dunedin bus routes will be fit with bike racks by February 2017, with many being installed on all new bus routes starting August 15th 2016. Head to Otago Regional Council online for more details!)

[dunedinbybike]

Josiah, Albany Street — 2016

Where are you going? I’m just going into town to hang out with my girlfriend.

What do you wear whenever you go on your bike? My stretchy pants that are comfortable for riding, and my windproof jacket.

Tell us about your bike… This is an old school 27” wheeled bike that I got from TradeMe for like 300 bucks ages ago. It’s hard to find tires for it, but it’s good. Old school as.

Why ride? It’s faster than walking, walking is so slow, and I hate walking. I hate running too.

What area of town do you mostly bike in? Between town and uni

While riding you…? I just zone out. It’s a good time to think about stuff, it’s a nice feeling.

How can Dunedin improve bike infrastructure or be more bike-friendly? More cycle ways maybe? There are a lot of lorry trucks around here that don’t make you feel very safe. I was riding on a cycle way recently and it just suddenly stopped and I had to go through all this awkward stuff to get back. Also getting more bike locks areas in the city. Sometimes when I'm in the middle of George street I've had to lock my bike to some random pole/down pipe. By the Uni there is heaps, but there's not as many in town. Then when there are some proper bike locking areas there's already heaps of bikes locked onto them.

Have you got a piece of myth-breaking wisdom or advice to get more people on their bikes in Dunedin? You don't need all the fancy gear to go riding. A pumped up tire is a happy one. Old school bikes feel nicer to ride then these new flash light professional ones. All of the road bikes I've owned have been retro bikes under $300. Biking is one of the forms of transport where you are free. Free from traffic, free from your phone and free to get places faster than walking or driving (most of the time). I break a sweat more from walking then I do from riding.

I think one of the things that put people off is that you have to ride fast and only on the road. But I've gone on so many casual rides where I cruise on the road then when it gets a bit tight with cars I just hop onto the footpath. Just riding at the same speed as someone running/jogging. Sometimes I'd rather casually ride around someone on the footpath then have a frustrated person in a car try go around me on a tight street. Ride where you feel comfortable. Don't ride where you feel unsafe or endangered.