Great to see CYCO bicycle shop getting recognition in July’s Ponsonby News. I bought my first e-bike from Chris 10 years ago when the shop was in Ponsonby Road.
I had decided to buy an e-bike for my 70th birthday. What a life changer and what pleasure it brought me.
Sales of e-bikes have increased every year including to older people who can improve their health and wellbeing by staying active and connected. It’s not all positive. I’m now on pills for high blood pressure which I believe at least in part, is caused by often having to share the road with dangerous traffic. And unfortunately, plans to make Auckland safer for cyclists and other vulnerable road users are continuously being thwarted by a tiny group of activists.
Read more about this in the latest ‘Metro' in an excellent article on the 'Cycleway Saboteurs' by Hayden Donnell.
This small group will say they aren’t against cyclists, they just don’t want much money spent on infrastructure for them. Added to this, there is a group of Auckland cyclists for whom they have an intense dislike. Apparently this justifies compromising the safety of all vulnerable road users, old people and children included. Unfortunately this group also has the ear of Mayor Wayne Brown who treats them like eccentric court jesters.
There is a reason to be cheerful though. The improvements along Great North Road will go ahead. AT could finally not ignore the many groups, schools and individuals who support it. Let’s hope it’s a turning point for more connectivity with cycleways.
But back to CYCO and to all bicycle shops – may they continue to thrive and expand. They are providing the right transport for these difficult and challenging times.
Barbara Grace, Grey Lynn
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Published: 31 July 2023