GET ON YOUR BIKE CHRISTCHURCH

1 – 31 OCTOBER 2023

Biketober is a grassroots festival of pedal-powered fun. Fast or slow, off-road or on, Biketober expresses our city’s cycling spirit in all its diversity.

Bike_workshop1

Plan Your Own Biketober Event

As a festival of all things cycling, Biketober Christchurch invites your event or activity – so long as it’s related to riding a bike – to be included in the festival programme.

  • Your event principally involves riding a bike or is relevant to riders and their trusty steeds. It could be a themed ride, a race, a seminar, a how-to workshop – anything about cycling and the culture of riding a bike.
  • Your group will take responsibility for the necessary Health and Safety requirements, ensuring a safe and enjoyable event for all.

Have you considered showing new arrivals around your neighbourhood by bike? We’re looking for regular cyclists to show others the great spots that are just a short ride from home. Be part of Biketober’s hyper-local ‘New to Otautahi’ ride series – short, convivial rides by locals for locals. We’ll even help with after-ride refreshments.

Get in touch at hello@biketoberchch.nz to discuss your ideas.

PS: we have a very inclusive definition of “bike”

Frequently Asked Questions

The event listings show the full list of what’s on. Most events are free, and you can just turn up on the day with your bike. For some events, you’ll need to pre-book your spot – this is clearly stated, along with details of any costs. If you don’t already have a bike, check out these options for getting your hands on one.

With the right clothing, cycling is an all-weather activity. However, if the forecast is particularly unpleasant, an event may be postponed – as detailed in event listings here – or cancelled. Each event’s Facebook listing will display any on-the- day weather updates: find them here.

Certainly not! There are events for every level of cycling experience.

Most events arranged by the Biketober volunteers will fall within the EASY category which means riding on shared paths, major cycleways, quiet areas or painted cycle lanes on roads. Off-road events will suggest a required level of fitness, and many events will include an indication of total riding distance. Events organised by other groups may indicate the required skill level, but if in doubt please do ask the event organisers.

Remember that your safety is your own responsibility. Do not ride beyond your ability. Follow all road rules and safety advice at all times.

Guided events will be led by at least two experienced riders (one in front, one behind), and the group will stay together unless arranged by the ride leader.

You can still participate in Biketober even if you don't have a bike!  These cycle hire options are available in 2022:

Our new Central City is full of people friendly spaces designed to spend time in.

  • There are shared spaces for people walking, scooting, biking, and sometimes even driving.
  • Places like the shared paths in north and south Hagley Park, and the beautiful City Promenade all along the Ōtākaro Avon River, which is a shared zone. Also Rauora Park, the block east of Manchester Street between Armagh and Lichfield Street.
  • These areas are for everyone to enjoy, and are slow speed zones.
  • People walking and using mobility devices have priority, everyone else is a guest. Whether you’re travelling by bike, skateboard or scooter, the speed limit for everyone in Shared Zones is 10km per hour.
  • Likewise, on shared paths, people scooting and biking must give way to people walking, but pedestrians must be courteous too, and not intentionally get in the way or take up the whole path.
  • Please be considerate of others –  slow before passing, give a friendly warning call or ring of your bell in advance.
  • Everyone should keep left if you can, whether you’re biking, jogging, scooting or walking.
  • If you’re just trying to get somewhere fast/want to ride at high speeds, please use alternative routes that avoid shared paths.

Most definitely. You might be involved with a community group or activity that has a great little newsletter. If you think your readers would like to hear about Biketober, let us know the details. If you just have a great idea about getting the Biketober word across town and we're missing out on it, please let us know.

Volunteer

There will be some events where an extra hand or pair of wheels will be extremely welcome.

If you are confident riding in small groups a ‘tail end charlie’ could be just the role. Some bigger events will require marshals to help out along the route, and assistance to set up or take down.

Being a ‘Bike Ambassador’ may be your thing, or helping at the Passport prize-giving.  There are also many other important jobs like distributing posters, putting up signs and helping with ‘behind the scenes’ administration.

Get in touch at hello@biketoberchch.nz to tell us how you can help.

SHAKE OFF THE WINTER BLUES AND ENJOY SPRING ON A BIKE.

Family riders
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