350 Big Bike Ride
Home » Blog » Su Yin Khoo » 350 Big Bike RideCelebrating the International Day of Climate Action with a fun bike ride in Auckland
Photo from the 350.org photostream
You only had to sip in the sunny blue sky to know that the 350 Big Bike Ride was going to be the epic fun ride as promised.
Cyclists from every bike subculture—the lycra roadies, staunch mountain bikers, fixed-gear fahionistas, chic frockers, commuters with kids and Gil—turned out by the dozens for the mass bicycle ride as part of the 350 International Day of Climate Action activities in Auckland.
Photo from the 350.org photostream
“It’s like trying to herd cats,” the lady next to me commented light-heartedly as we huddled into formation for the 350 photo (above).
That's me! Photo from the 350.org photostream
And then we were off! In a nutshell, we did a short loop around Queen Street and High Street before riding along the waterfront, under the Harbour Bridge and up to Jervois Road and Ponsonby Road turning into K'Rd then Symonds Street and down Mt Eden Road where it concluded at the Tahaki Reserve for the other 350 events.
It was definitely one of the best events I have participated in this year. Big props to the organisers and bike marshalls who kept the ride smooth and cyclists safe in an orderly fashion.
It was hard not to smile the entire time. And for some reason, the sight of hundreds of friendly pedallers dring-dringing their bicycle bells made other people happy too.
Motorists—but not those in giant SUVs, poor souls—tooted support, kids playing on the road cheered for us and cafe patrons, Japanese tourists and retail assistants stopped what they were doing to wave and snap photos.
Short video of the ride from my handlebar-mounted camera
I hope that Big Bike Ride changed some people’s perspective of cycling and treat it as a normal means of transportation. Lowering my carbon footprint has always been a benefit, not the reason for me to put pedal to the metal.
There will be another mass (here's hoping) bike ride at 5.30pm this Friday in Auckland CBD. Costume up and come join the fun at Albert Park!
Tue October 27, 2009 @ 10:37 AM
