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If you have an idea that could encourage more people to get out riding bikes, as they were during lockdown, Auckland Transport (AT) has a fund that could help kick-start new cycling initiatives.
Community groups around Auckland can now apply for AT’s Community Bike Fund, which is in its third year. Grants of between $300 and $5000 are available.
Sustainable mobility manager, Cliff Wilton, says the fund is part of AT’s ongoing commitment to support cycling.
“Lockdown saw many Aucklanders dusting the cobwebs off their bikes to reacquaint themselves with their neighbourhood and we want to see that continue,” Cliff says.
“There are lots of groups within our communities with fantastic ideas to help encourage this.”
He says money from the fund can be used to help start up bike-related events or initiatives, especially if they are focused on encouraging people who are new to cycling, or haven’t done it for a while, to take part.
Past recipients range from learn to ride sessions for women from refugee or migrant backgrounds, to family fun days.
Cycling advocacy group Bike Auckland’s community activation manager, Anja Vroegop, says the Community Bike Fund has empowered 26 bike groups across the city (known as Bike Burbs) to run their own events and campaigns.
“Our Bike Burbs have run hundreds of events in neighbourhoods across Auckland in the last year, from group rides to fix-it days and more,” Anja says.
Applications are open now, until August 23.
Info: at.govt.nz/about-us/news-events/community-bike-fund-open-for-applications/
