Subscribe to RSSBike Across Harbour bridge
Details have been announced today of the cycle race which will enable cyclists to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge and use the Northern busway on December 11.
This is the first time approval has been given by the NZTA for cyclists to cross Auckland’s iconic Bridge, and leads on to another exclusive route: the Northern Busway. Until now permission has only been granted to the Auckland Marathon, which sold out again this year.
The TelstraClear Challenge offers cyclists the choice of three outstanding paths:
The TelstraClear ClipOn 110 km: Beginning with the iconic Auckland Harbour Bridge, and leading into the Northern Busway, some of Auckland’s most scenic country roads, and a 3.4km Paris-Roubaix-style gravel road, especially groomed for this event. Options allow for this route to be completed solo or as a two-person relay.
The TelstraClear Pedaller 15 km: At 15km, this course is easy for every urban rider . This gem of a ride crosses the Auckland Harbour Bridge and cruises the Northern Busway, before finishing at Smales Farm. Participants can stay after the ride and enjoy the festivities at a Community Bike Festival.
The TelstraClear Bike the Busway: Choose between the 8km family ride (age 8+) and the 2km family ride (age 5+) along the Northern Busway. This is an opportunity for the whole family to get on their bikes and enjoy the Bike Festival at Smales Farm. The perfect start to a summer of family cycling.
The two outer southbound lanes of the bridge will be closed until mid-morning on the Sunday of the event so that cyclists starting from the Westhaven Marina can cross the harbour and join the Northern Busway.
Organisers will have to have the lanes re-opened before traffic volumes increase in late morning. will provide 160 buses to ensure the safety of participants; forming a 2.3 km barrier from motorway traffic to separate to cyclists as they descend the bridge and make their way to the Northern Busway.
The day when cyclists crossed the bridge in protest in May 2009
NZ Bus will provide 160 buses to ensure the safety of participants; forming a 2.3 km barrier from motorway traffic to separate to cyclists as they descend the bridge and make their way to the Northern Busway.
The NZ Transport Agency says December’s TelstraClear Challenge is an historic occasion for the Auckland Harbour Bridge that could develop into a permanent high profile cycling event for the city.
NZTA’s Regional Director for Auckland and Northland, Stephen Town says NZTA is aware of the interest from cyclists wanting to cross the bridge, and ” we’re delighted that we are able to say ‘yes” to a properly organised community event that has the added bonus of a ride on the busway as well.”
Online registration opens Monday morning.
4 Comments
Sweet - already have half the office (and some of their kids) signed up before registration even opens
Looking forward to it, except the 6am start and the price point.
I hope to get a few people signed up at work too even if its just for the ride across the bridge.
The last event seemed rather well organised to me too. That’s why thousands of people turned up! Even the police were organised!
Stoked for this event happening. CAN NOT WAIT! The TelstraClear ClipOn 110 km?….. YES sirrie!