"It was the families and recreational cyclists we were aiming at. So everyone could get involved.
"This was a strong message to council that the citizens of Tauranga want this cycleway - and we need it. It's a great opportunity to link our coastal communities, which is what this is about."
The proposed cycleway would link into the city's existing cycling network and, ultimately, form a continuous trail stretching from Omokoroa to Matua, eventually extending out towards Paengaroa and the Tauranga Eastern Link.
Nineteen cycleways have been established around New Zealand from local and government funding.
"If we don't step up and do this, we're going to miss out on funding and getting a cycleway," said Mr Kerr.
He said the proposed cycleway would bring huge overall benefits to the local community.
"We've got the climate to bike. You're looking at environmental benefits, economic benefits, health benefits and safety benefits as well."
Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller was one of those who rode in the bike rally.
Mr Muller said he was calling for Tauranga City Council to reconsider its "lack of appetite" for supporting the project.
"It absolutely deserves a second look from the council," he said. "It feels to me like the council perhaps skimmed over it a bit too quick initially, but it now feels to me that they're now circling - or cycling - back to have another look at it.
"I think that when they do they'll see the merits in the case."
Mr Muller said what he saw from the rally was people who rarely protest but turned out in the hundreds "because this was important to them".
"The people have said it's important. I think it is. Now let's see if Tauranga City Council see it as important too," he said.
Tauranga MP and Transport Minister Simon Bridges said the numbers that turned out, as well as Mr Muller's advocacy, were now piling on the pressure.
"That's an incredible show of people power. I'm sure council will be listening," said Mr Bridges.
Up to $25 million is to be allocated to regions under the Government's Urban Cycleways Fund.
Mr Bridges said the cycleway would have an influence on congestion as a growing number of people and families were now on bikes.
He also said the cycleway would be a strong health benefit as well as connecting local communities.