Kia ora tatau

On 22 August, over 150 of you came out to support safer cycle lanes in Wellington and the 350 movement, promoting cycling as a low carbon form of transport. (photo attached)

Cycle Aware Wellington (www.caw.org.nz <http://www.caw.org.nz>) is organizing another huge cycle ride bringing awareness to these two very important causes – and, of course, because cycling is fun, fast and free!

This time, we are drawing attention to the Great Harbour Way, Wellington’s beautiful coastline, and the necessity for a safe cycle route connecting Eastbourne, Hutt City and Wellington City.  So mark your calendars for Saturday, 24 October, oil your chain, grab your helmet, water bottle, patch kit, sunscreen and let’s ride!

Apologies if you've received this communication multiple times but please do forward this email to your networks, friends and lovers of 2-wheeled transport!  You don't need to be an excellent cyclist to come along - the route is about 17km but is all flat and it won't be a race! So come join the fun - but you cannot ride with us without a helmet!

The Route: Start in Days Bay, Eastbourne, through to Wellington Waterfront. Final destination is the International Day of Climate Action Festival, Taranaki St Wharf by Mac’s Brewery: www.350.org.nz/wellington <http://www.350.org.nz/wellington>

Meeting Spots:

Days Bay Wharf: 10.30am

Petone, westernmost pulloff on the Esplanade (opposite south end of Waione St): 11.00am

Ngauranga (East side of Hutt Road): 11.40am

Wellington Railway Station: 12pm

For those in Wellington City: The East by West ferry to Days Bay couldn’t commit to having room for more than a few cycles so CAW has arranged for a special ferry to take us across.  Meet at Queens Wharf at 9.15am.  We’re asking for a $10 koha to help cover ferry hire.  We’ll enjoy a coffee/tea in Days Bay while we wait for any late-comers on the 10.00am ferry (which has VERY limited space for cycles so if you can make the CAW ferry at 9.30 that’s a much better idea!)

Please RSVP (christina.bellis3_at_gmail.com) if you’ll be ferrying with us so I can reserve you a spot!

Important Notes
At the pick up spots the pack of cyclists will slow down enough for others to start pedaling and join in.  We won’t be stopping so when you see us coming, get ready to ride!

We will be obeying all road rules and everyone should signal all turns and lane changes.  If the pack gets split up, the one ahead will slow right down until the latter catches up.

We will have a leader keeping the pace of the pack.  If you get a puncture, please pull over and let us know so that a ‘Cycle Champion’ can stop with you and patch you up.  If you are keen to BE a “Cycle Champion” please let me know.  We can never have enough!!

We’ll be riding as much on cycle paths as possible but there are points where cycle lanes do not exist.  Confident road cyclists should take the outside lane next to traffic.  Please listen to the Cycle Champions or Marshalls if they tell you to move in. They are looking out for all our safety!

If you have any questions, concerns please do not hesitate to contact me.  Also, again please do RSVP for the ferry to Days Bay so we can ensure enough spaces.

****For those cyclists not wanting to cross the water, there will be a ride starting in Island Bay and cycling the Wellington bays around to the Festival.  Meet at Shorland Park at 11am.  Contact Willemijn for more info: vermaat@feestpaleis.net <mailto:vermaat@feestpaleis.net>

Look forward to seeing many of you there for an awesome ride.

Yours in sustainable cycling,
Christina and Cycle Aware Wellington
tel 021 150 3536