Police said they were disappointed some participants ignored road safety messages and legislation at the event attended by about 120 riders. Video / PassMe TheBall
Four people have been arrested, 53 infringement notices issued and a bike impounded after a mass three-hour bike ride across West Auckland streets.
Waitematā road policing manager acting Inspector Damian Albert said the event, which travelled across Henderson to New Lynn, attracted about 120 riders.
He said policemonitoring the event were disappointed that a portion of the group failed to comply with road safety messaging and legislation, resulting in the enforcement action.
“These riders showed a complete disregard for others on the road, and we will continue to hold them to account and impound their bikes.
Police say about 120 riders attended the large-scale bicycle event named Tour De Neighbourhood West Auckland.
“Police attempted to keep disruption for commuters to a minimum and hope that police enforcement action ...sends a strong message about the seriousness of road safety.”
He encouraged anyone concerned about driving or riding to call 111, if it was happening now.
Footage from the ride around West Auckland yesterday showed the cyclists, escorted by police, doing wheelies and crossing the road centre lines.
Riders crossed the centre line into oncoming traffic during yesterday's large-scale cycling event.
YouTuber and “bikelife” advocate Kimami Ngaluafe told the Herald he understood people’s safety concerns, and said riders crossing the centre line was not right.
However, he said the goal of organisers, Bikelife Collective NZ, was to make the culture of riding bikes and doing wheelies safer.
“Even if we don’t do anything about it, these kids are going to continue to go ride bikes in groups elsewhere.
“We’re actually doing the work. We’re actually encouraging the kids to wear helmets, encouraging safety, but it all takes time.”
A registration form for the event, dubbed Tour De Neighbourhood West Auckland, asked participants to stay left and wear helmets.
Ngaluafe, known online as Pass Me The Ball, said he also understood why the group’s aesthetics would intimidate the public, although he maintained riders had good intentions.
“Seeing a group of 100 young men rolling down the street in balaclavas, that’s already intimidating without crossing the centre lines and the wheelie.”
Tour De Neighbourhood attendees at the Auckland Transport Bike Hub in Henderson.
Getting everyone to bike safely would not happen overnight, but helmet usage had increased significantly, he said.
Although crossing the centre line was not permitted, wheelies were here to stay, he said.
“Wheelies are what make bike life what it is. Right? I mean, if you can’t wheelie, then are you really a bikelifer?”
