Hawke's Bay cycle shop owners basking in a biking boom

Vaughn Phillipson, left, Steve Humphreys and Dylan Bishop of Pedal Power Taradale are basking in a Hawke's Bay biking boom. Photo / Paul Taylor

A $1.3 million Government funding package to expand Hawke's Bay's cycle trails is a bonus for a region pretty well made for cycling, Pedal Power Avanti Plus owner Steve Humphreys says.

They were a drawcard for locals and tourists and their popularity had flowed into local bicycle sales — especially in the arena of electric bicycles which have emerged strongly on the pedal (and pedal assisting) front over the past couple of years.

"Electric bikes are perfect for the trails," Humphreys said, adding that they had ensured that people could continue cycling longer, despite the years going by, and also drew people back into cycling.

"Electric bikes are very good in Hawke's Bay because there's always a headwind somewhere and the electrics will kick in to provide more pedal power."

They had become a welcome addition to the world of cycling, and valuable in that they "keep everyone moving".

Humphreys said the region was fortunate in having the landscape it had for picturesque and flat cycling trails.

"Not many other provinces have what we have."

And the trails had become a boost for both people's health and fitness as well as the economy.

"A lot of out-of-towners come here for the trails and that's great for the Bay."

It was also great for cycle sales through the 30 years Pedal Power had been operating in Taradale, with Humphreys steering it for the past 12 years.

"There will always be people cycling and yeah, it's been pretty steady lately."

However, there was a seasonal touch to it and with the arrival of late autumn and winter there was a lull.

"But it will come back in the spring."

Sales reflected that cycling was something for young and not-so-young.

"Kids love bikes," he said, and the advent of pedal-assisting e-bikes meant those not so youthful could join the fun.

One of the Biker Barn crew in Napier agreed it was seasonal, and echoed Humphreys' thoughts about the e-bike emergence.

"It's been amazing," he said.

The assistance of a small motor meant people could travel further in either challenging terrain or windy weather.

He said the big selling point for cycles was the region's accessible and well-designed and crafted trails.

"We are very fortunate here."

For Hawke's Bay Tourism marketing manager Ben Hutton, who has been tied in with the staging of the annual Big Easy event across the region's trails, the latest boost underlined both the regional and national value and appeal of the region's cycleways.

"We're fairly confident this was our biggest event so far and it illustrates the success of the trails year on year."

He said extensions to the trail would widen the scope of future Big Easys.