Riding is a healthy, fun and economical way to get around.
If you are new to riding or just want a short refresher, Let's Go can arrange a riding skills session to suit your needs. This is best done in small groups.
The Let’s Go Cyclist Skills Training is an in-school programme for primary and intermediate students (years 5-8) delivered using the national BikeReady guidelines. We also offer Let’s Get Going Cyclist Skills Training - fun skills for under fives.
Keep an eye on the Hello NP Facebook page to keep you up to date with all of our biking events.
You can also contact us for information on any of our programmes or events.
Pump your tyres up (psi tyre pressure is on the tyres sidewall), check that the brakes are working and that the bikes handle bars and seat are tight and adjusted for your comfort. Don’t have a bike?.....Go and get one.
If its been a while since your last bike adventure a few practice rides on a quiet street or on an off-road shared pathway like Te Henui or the Coastal Walkway is a good idea. Riding well means that you are in control of your bike and not the other way around. If you would like more assistance with bike riding confidence the Let’s Go team can help you with advice and practical skills sessions to get you up to speed.
The length of your walk to school or work will help you decide what you should wear. We recommend comfortable shoes and bright clothing, so you're more visible to other road users. A stow away jacket can be handy in case of wind/rain (we do have that in Taranaki!).
Route selection is very important for your safety as well as for the enjoyment of the ride. A good route is one with lower risks, less traffic, slower speeds, and perhaps less parked cars. Try to stick to local roads, avoiding state highways and busy arterials. Often the scenic route is a less direct route so travel time and gradient are things for you to factor in.
Be courteous and communicate clearly to those around you. Sometimes this is as easy as a smile, at other times you will need to use hand signals. On shared pathways always ride slowly around people walking, skating scootering etc. Our shared pathways are just that - shared - so be courteous, ride slowly, keep your fingers over the brakes, give way to everyone, stay left and smile a lot.
Secure your bike, get a bike lock, it doesn't need to be expensive, a cheap one is deterrent enough for most would-be bike liberators. If you are working in town you might consider registering for the Bike Pod.
We have a secure Bike Pod storage facility in the New Plymouth CBD for commuters who want to bike to work but are in need of a secure place to store their bike. Click here to register your spot!
Check out our bike rack map to find where you can safely park your bike - don't forget your lock.
The New Plymouth Bike Kitchen is a bicycle workshop run by volunteers to help you to maintain and fix your bicycle. The volunteer bike mechanics give their time to help you:
The Bike Kitchen provides tools and mechanical expertise in a safe and inclusive space that is open to the public twice a week. They have a stock of free used parts available for you to re-use on your bike project.
Location: The Metro Plaza Devon St (just in behind Subway)
Hours: Wednesdays 5.30pm - 7pm and Saturdays 10am - 12pm
Cost: Koha/donations are gratefully received and go towards the running of the Bike Kitchen, there is no cost for time, the workshop space or used parts.
There’s no end to the excursions and adventures to be had when heading off-road. Check out some good places to ride.
The award-winning Coastal Walkway is a 13.2km path that forms an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki all the way to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach.
Perfect for biking, walking, scooting and skate boarding - a fantastic way to spend a sunny New Plymouth day!
Lake Mangamahoe is home to mountain bike trails for families and beginners through to intermediate riders. To check out the trails and find out more about the latest events and club news visit the New Plymouth Mountain Bikers website.
The Taranaki Cycle Park consists of a 1.75km closed road circuit with two smaller one-kilometre loops as well as a 333m velodrome and younger children's area including a learner’s pad, pump track, limestone obstacle course and mini road circuit complete with traffic lights, road signs, etc. This facility is free to use.
If you’re into airtime, spins and stomach-churning ups and downs, check these BMX parks:
We endorse smoke free parks, playgrounds, sport grounds and walkways. Note: no cycling is allowed in Pukekura Park.
Across the New Plymouth district there are a growing number of bike skills tracks at local schools.
Check out these tracks at local schools.
The tracks are open to everyone outside of school hours.
There's a range of tracks to suit all riding abilities, a general rule of thumb is that tracks at primary school will be easier and ones at high schools will be more challenging, but you will know your (or your kids') own riding level and what you are capable of.
We have bike racks all over the city where you can park your bike. Find out the best one for you.
Did you know that you can enjoy the ride downhill into work and avoid the uphill heading home? All of our urban bus services are sporting a bike carrier on the front.
Find out more
