Bike expo wheels into Christchurch

It’s a fitting grand finale to Biketober that features everything to do with bikes and cycling for beginners to elite competitors.

The NZ Bike Expo, at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand this Saturday and Sunday is a show that welcomes anyone and everyone interested in bikes.

The NZ Bike Expo has something for everyone. Photo: New Zealand Transport Agency

Organised by the Cycling Action Network (CAN), the expo is the first of its kind in New Zealand and it’s hoped that up to 6000 visitors will visit over the two days.

“It’s the first time we’ve had a consumer show like this focused on everything to do with the bicycle and Christchurch is the first city to get it”, says CAN spokeswoman Jo Mackay.

“Cycling is really good for Christchurch and we’re hoping to build this into a regular event. It’s about growing the bicycle economy.”

She says there will be about 50 exhibitors at the expo with stalls featuring all types of bikes, including electric bikes, bike accessories and information on cycling holidays, cycle clubs and events.

There will be an off-road “demo track” on the airfield and the asphalt runway will be used for potential buyers to test-ride road bikes, including e-bikes.

Christchurch City Council’s Cycle Safe Programme team will work with Canterbury Plunket to set up a Kids zone track for one to 10-year-olds to ride on.

The Council will also be promoting its new Major Cycle Routes  with a display and information.

Gold Partner Fulton Hogan will have their new truck driver safety training simulator for people to experience being behind the wheel and there will be speakers on topics such as coaching tips for teenagers and what to look out for when purchasing an e-bike.

There will be plenty of bike parking as well as car parking at the venue. The Air Force Museum in Wigram is not far from the new Little River Link Cycleway.

The NZ Bike Expo is part of Biketober – a month-long spring festival of more than 50 cycling events during October in Christchurch.