Cyclists take over for festival finale

A group of about 30 cyclists takes part in a critical mass cycling event in Wanaka on Wednesday...
A group of about 30 cyclists takes part in a critical mass cycling event in Wanaka on Wednesday to celebrate the end of Bikevember, a month-long cycling festival. Photo: Tim Miller.
Organisers of a month-long celebration of cycling in Wanaka hope to continue advocating for better cycling facilities in the Upper Clutha.

Bikevember came to an end on Wednesday night with a group of about 30 people cycling in Ardmore St in a critical mass event.

The aim of a critical mass event is to allow cyclists to be the main form of transport on a road for a short time.

Most drivers of vehicles waited patiently at the Ardmore St roundabout while the group of cyclists rode around at least twice. One or two motorists felt the need to use their horns.

Bikevember volunteer Colleen Nisbit  said the  festival had been a success and organisers were confident it would be back next year.

"It’s been great fun and we’ve had some really fun events which people have really got involved in."

One of the aims of the festival was to advocate for better cycling facilities in the Upper Clutha.

"We have such great facilities when people want to go off-road but when it comes to travelling to work or school, people jump in their cars and trucks."

Hundreds of people had pledged to walk, cycle and even scooter during the month, Mrs Nisbit said.

About $2000 had been raised from festival events to help build an access ramp at the Hawea River bridge.

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