Hints and Tips

Useful tips for parking your bike

Always be sure to lock your bike when you park up in the city centre - it's free after all.
Make sure you lock your bike to something static, ideally a bike stand, otherwise a pole or even a tree. If you can, hook the bike lock through your front wheel.
Lock-up your bike in a visible location where it can be seen by lots of people. Remove your lights or secure them with duck tape or cable ties.
There are plenty of places to park your bike safely for free within the City. View a map of bike lock-ups at carpark buildings (PDF)

Riding to work

If you already getting out and about on your bike for fun - have you considered cycling to work?
‘Start and end your day with a bit of fun - make your own way and set your own timetable'

Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Check the cycle routes in the Getting Around section for options
Be familiar with the cyclist's code
Be sure to carry out a ‘bike check' before you leave home
Talk to your workmates about bike parking, changing facilities and best bike routes
Check the weather and eat the right food to give you the most energy
Try cycling the route at the weekend or when there is less traffic (you may notice short cuts and safer crossing points). It may also help build your confidence if you are new to cycling.
If your cycle route is less than 5 km - you may not need to take a full change of clothes. You can judge this by doing a trial-run of your route at the weekend.
Read the hints and tips - cycling in traffic, bike fit?

Give it a go - start small and aim to ride once a week.

How to have a smooth ride

Fortunately, Christchurch is a reasonably flat city therefore you don't have to work too hard to get to your destination.

Make sure you are fitted with the right size bike and the right type of bike for your journey

Make sure your helmet is a comfortable fit
If you're unsure of your route, check it out here before you head off, to give you more confidence on your journey.
Make sure you are confident with road rules and cycling safety
A good set of lights and reflectors on a bicycle also helps keep you safe from dusk to dawn and in overcast conditions.

Different types of bikes

There are a wide range of bikes available today, suitable for whatever style cycling you are after.

Road Bikes: Great for all kinds of road cycling, from commuting to racing and long distances. They are designed to give you good handling, cornering and sprinting.

Mountain Bikes: Designed to tackle rough terrain with wide tyres, nobly tread and suspension to give cyclists better control and a little more comfort.

BMX Bikes: Designed for tracks and trails, but are not ideal for commuting with a low seat position that can be uncomfortable for long distance cycling.

Hybrids: Used for trails and city streets and feature an upright riding position to make cycling more comfortable. Hybrids combine good features of road and mountain bikes and can be used for recreation, fitness and commuting.

Cycling in traffic

While some cyclists are intimidated by motor vehicles, cycling on city streets really can be enjoyable and safe so long as you are prepared.

Make sure you know the road rules
Ride predictably so other road users can see and anticipate your movements
Treat other road users with respect
Make sure you are well protected, with a safety helmet and lights. Florescent clothing is also a great way to stay visible on the roads.
Keep to the cycle lanes, where applicable

Getting bike fit

If you're just returning to cycling again or a beginner, why not start with an enjoyable off-road cycle through Hagley Park? The cycle ways are smooth, flat and away from motor vehicles. It's the ideal place to practise your basic bike-handling skills such as changing gears, turning rapidly and keeping aware of other traffic.

If you are looking for a little more of a challenge to get you in peak fitness, why not try Bottle Lake Forest or the Port Hills, which both offer good mountain biking tracks.

How to choose the right bike and helmet

There are many retailers in Christchurch to advise you on the right bike and helmet to buy. However it's worth considering:

How often you are likely to use your bike.
What sort of riding you will be doing - commuting, mountain biking or BMX for example?
Where you are likely to ride your bike - on the roads or off the roads?

What to do if you are knocked off your bike

If you cycle, it's important to know what to do should you be knocked over on your bike and suffer an injury.
Try to stay calm
Check yourself over and make sure you are not injured
If you are injured badly, either call an ambulance yourself or hopefully someone nearby will be able to do so for you. It's important not to move around.
Always report the incident to the police, within 24 hours if you are injured.
Try to get as much information about the other person involved as possible. You may need this should you need to make a claim later on.

Want to know more?

To keep up with what's happening regarding cycling in Christchurch, visit the Christchurch City Council website.

The BeThere website also lists regular events and activities taking place around Christchurch and Canterbury.

Active Canterbury Sport and Recreation Guide is a free guide listing sport and recreation contacts. The guide is available from Council Libraries, schools, sports clubs and associations, health and fitness centres and other outlets. Find the guide here.