Case Study Auckland
How Auckland City Council became infested with BUGs
It all started in 2002 when Auckland City Council staff member Andrew Trevelyan and a colleague were cycling along Karangahape Road.
"We were passing the Gundry Street corner when an articulated car transporter ran her off the road. I was behind her and couldn't believe what I saw. The driver stopped further along Great North Road and we drew up alongside to politely enquire as to where he got his licence.
"We gave him the spiel about 'look out for bikes'" and rode off into the sunset. The next day we were chatting about the experience and agreed it would be a good idea to form a Bicycle User Group (BUG) for council cyclists."
BUG power gains momentum
Andrew said things have snowballed from there. "We meet for breakfast once a month. We shift the venue so this doesn't favour cyclists riding from any one direction. So far the idea has been well received by the café owners, who have not objected to a group of 20 riders crashing their establishments. Our group has now reached 50 members and we're planning to produce a cycling shirt to celebrate this milestone."
The agenda at BUG meetings includes tactics to cope with traffic, safe and unsafe cycling routes, and forthcoming events.
Reaping the rewards
The BUG has negotiated a discount on cycling gear, bikes, accessories and workshop fees with Planet Cycles in Dominion Road. The group met at the shop, where a mechanic gave tips on bike maintenance. They plan to produce a bike maintenance booklet.
"We're working towards becoming an officially recognised Council support group, which would give us access to internal newsletters and noticeboards", said Andrew.
Some BUG members meet for weekend rides, while others meet during the week for swims, runs and rides. A group of women also met through the BUG and entered a triathlon together. "So there are some great things happening as a result of people riding and socialising together," said Andrew.
Updated | 23 Mar 2007.
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