Recreation

On Your Bike

CyclistThe Season of Cycling is well underway and conditions are good for commuters to put away their cars and cycle to work. Our libraries have a great range of information for both the recreational and sporting cyclist.

Cycling in Canterbury

Canterbury’s mixture of flat plains, challenging hills and beautiful scenery makes it the perfect terrain for cycling of all kinds. Christchurch’s flat landscape, with its many wide streets, is ideally suited for cycling and, historically, Christchurch has enjoyed higher rates of cycling than in other metropolitan cities in New Zealand.

Christchurch has an increasing network of designated cycle ways linking popular destinations such as malls, shops, cinemas, parks and beaches. Off-road cycle ways through parks, forests or along the banks of the Avon and Heathcote rivers provide space for all kinds of recreational biking.

A variety of cycling events are held in and around Christchurch each year. They include Le Race and the Armstrong Prestige Festival of Cycling.

We recommend these online resources

Cycling
links to websites of clubs, organisations and information for recreational cyclists in Christchurch and Canterbury. From localeye
Cycling (Sport)
links to websites of clubs, organisations and businesses for sporting cyclists in Christchurch and Canterbury. From localeye.
Cycling clubs and organisations
contact information for clubs and organisations in Christchurch and surrounding areas. From CINCH
Cycling
recommended national and international websites from our Internet Gateway.
Season of Cycling
Annual promotion of cycling events in Canterbury over the Spring, Summer and Autumn months
Armstrong Prestige Festival of Cycling
Annual two day festival with events for elite and ordinary riders of all ages
Little River Rail Trail
Rail trail between Hornby (Christchurch) and Little River. Stages between Motukarara and Little River, and Lincoln and Prebbleton now open (December 2006).
Le Race
Annual race from Christchurch to Akaroa
Cycling
Christchurch City Council information on cycling in the city - cycle safety, cycling courses, events, policy and more.
Cycling Monitor 2005
Summary of the most recent survey of cycling in Christchurch
Tour de France
Official website of the Tour de France
BikeWise
Promotes cycling and cycle friendly environments in New Zealand. Information on choosing a bicycle, safe cycling and cycle routes
Spokes Canterbury
A cycling advocacy group

Resources in our libraries

Heritage Photos

Our collection of heritage photographs has some great cycling photographs – from the classic Bicycle Band, to penny farthing pioneers to early women cyclists (and their fashions).

Our libraries have a great selection of cycling books and magazines