Good things come in cycles

BY JANIE SMITH

Years of working in the cycling industry inspired Paul Sumich to create a place where fellow bike riders can get the help they need to stay on the road.

He opened BikeCentral near Britomart two years ago where riders can safely store their bikes during the day, have a shower, get any necessary bike repairs done and grab a coffee on the way to work.

"I started out being a cycle messenger on and off for 10 years in town and there wasn’t a place to do spot repairs combined with a cafe to relax during the down time."

He says certain aspects of the business, including the cafe and hire bikes, have grown faster than expected, while the bike storage for commuters hasn’t been as popular as he hoped.

"As an experienced cyclist, I underestimated people’s fear of riding in traffic. It’s the number one reason people don’t ride into town when we ask them why they don’t, even when they live a few suburbs out from the city.

"It’s the perceived and real danger of riding in traffic."

The One Tree Hill resident rides to work a couple of times a week although he no longer has the time to train for competitive cycling.

In the past he has raced nationally and internationally in both road racing and mountain biking and is one of the few New Zealand riders to have competed in the Oceania Games in both disciplines.

This month is Bike Wise Month and Mr Sumich encourages people to get on their bikes and give cycling a go.

"You don’t have to join a gym after work because you’re getting your exercise."

Bike Wise is held by the New Zealand Transport Authority and the Health Ministry and events around cycling are taking place nationwide.

NZTA road user behaviour national manager Michael Cummins says Bike Wise is aimed at highlighting the benefits of cycling and getting as many people as possible on to their bikes.

"Seventy percent of New Zealand families with children have one or more bicycles at home. Cycling is a fun, healthy and environmentally-friendly form of transport that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. We hope people will jump on their bikes this month and give it a go."

Aucklanders can join the action on February 17 with a free breakfast in the Viaduct Harbour as part of Go By Bike Day.

The breakfast will be held from 6.30am to 9am at the eastern end of the Viaduct and includes prizes for cyclists and free bike health checks.

For more information, go to www.bikewisechallenge.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News