Biketober, the city’s month-long cycling festival, is back this October with more than 40 events, including group rides, workshops, social sessions and public talks.
Now in its fourth year, the annual cycling extravaganza features is for anyone who rides a bike or wants to give it a go. Step into the saddle, feel the joy of biking and come explore Christchurch with us on two wheels. During the month, you're encouraged to explore Christchurch by bike and take part in the Biketober passport challenge, cycling to destinations around the city and using your smartphone to check in using a code unique to each participating business or site. There are more than 40 destinations listed on the Biketober website. The more people visit, the greater their chance of winning a prize!
Biketober and Action Bicycle Club owner Charlotte Bebbhington is thrilled to be able to run this event in Chirstchurch, where we have an amazing network of safe cycleways, and lots of people riding all types of bikes. She encourages cyclists off all experience levels to get involved: “Biketober is a great event to meet new friends, give cycling a go in a comfortable, encouraging environment, learn some new skills and have fun."
Get along to these great Biketober events:
Biketober Rainbow Rave
Kick off Biketober with this fun, night-time cruise around the central city starting at the Vaka A’Hina sculpture in the East Frame and travelling along the Avon-Ōtākaro Promenade. Decorate your bike and enjoy the beats, courtesy of a bike DJ.
October 3, 8pm-9.30pm, 145 Worcester St
Tuesday Transport Seminars
Held each Tuesday during October, Spokes Canterbury and Biketober have organised fourtransport seminars at the Pegasus Arms. Expert speakers will challenge and inform you abouthow we get around our cities.
Starting October 6, 5pm-7pm, Pegasus Arms
Velo à l’est – Te Ara Ōtākaro
Join a guided ride to the east through the red zone on Te Ara Ōtākaro, the Avon River Trail. The tour will touch on history, the earthquakes, the natural environment and the future vision for the area. Learn and hear from people who have been involved in the community development of thespace.
October 24, 10am-1.30pm, meet 396 Oxford Tce
Wheel Womyn Workshop
Wheel Womyn is a dedicated workshop run by the ladies of the RAD Bikes shed to share knowledge, answer questions and socialise with other bike lovers. The team will cover the basics of what you should check to ensure your ride is ready for summer.
October 11, 10am-12pm, RAD Bikes shed, 70 Kilmore St
Passport One-Day Challenge
For riders short on time, see how many Biketober passport destinations you can get to from 9am to 4pm to be in for the chance to win prizes (don’t forget to enter each destination code on the My Passport page on the Biketober website). Winners announced at the Passport Prize-Giving.
October 31, 9am-4pm