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- By Franklin Junior Journalist Amy-Lee Roux
What is usually a quiet car park became a buzzing cycling hotspot at the Pukekohe Spring Spin.
Bike Pukekohe, Auckland Urban Development Office (AUDO), and other amazing local supporters came together in the Roulston Street carpark on Saturday, November 22.
The free community event brought many local bike and wheel groups together to celebrate all things pedal-powered and prepare their bikes for summer. From free bike tune-ups with Triple Teez (who repaired 26 bikes in total) and biking obstacle courses, to Skate Nation workshops and even a cycle-to-smoothie machine, the event kept the crowds entertained.
The smoothie machine was a stationary bike with a part in front that rotates as fast as the bike is cycled. There were plenty of laughs as people hopped onto the bike to blend their own smoothie creations.
The friendly team from Sunset Coast BMX Club, who are hosting the 2027 nationals, were encouraging sign-ups for all ages, from young to old.
When asked what sparked the idea for the Pukekohe Spring Spin, one of the organisers, Nadja Scherff, said: “It’s not just about mobility, it’s about community”.
Pukekohe currently has the 5 Summits walking and cycling track, with the vision that this will one day be extended to 9 Summits. This track would see a biking route connecting Waiuku, Patumahoe and Pukekohe.
Another highlight was learning about the “Bike Bus” initiative supported by Bike Pukekohe and Counties Manukau Sport, where kids meet the volunteers at a local spot, like a park and cycle to school together. Counties Manukau Sport provide bikes and helmets. So far, Tamaoho School and Pukekohe North School have taken part.
AUDO, part of Auckland Council, was also involved. Ole Maiava gave some insightful context behind the Roulston Street carpark being used by the community to drive a healthier, sustainable future. He spoke about the famous market being a place for people to sell their locally grown produce and how AUDO concentrates on people and places. By following a “Do-Learn-Do” principle, they are mentoring groups to educate others and pass on this knowledge to help communities thrive.
There is also an exciting mission underway to reduce traffic in the Pukekohe Town Centre by creating a cycle path from the railway station into town and encouraging walking and cycling.
Pukekohe Spring Spin turned Roulston Street into a space for biking, skating and having fun together. It showed what can happen when local groups and volunteers team up to support their community.
