Riding is a healthy, fun and economical way to get around.

Learn to ride

If you are new to riding or just want a short refresher, Let's Go can arrange a riding skills session to suit your needs. This is best done in small groups. 

The Let’s Go Cyclist Skills Training is an in-school programme for primary and intermediate students (years 5-8) delivered using the national BikeReady guidelines. We also offer Let’s Get Going Cyclist Skills Training - fun skills for under fives.

Keep an eye on the Hello NP Facebook page to keep you up to date with all of our biking events.

You can also contact us for information on any of our programmes or events.

Where should I start?

Get your bike out

Pump your tyres up (psi tyre pressure is on the tyres sidewall), check that the brakes are working and that the bikes handle bars and seat are tight and adjusted for your comfort. 

Get some practice

If its been a while since your last bike adventure a few practice rides on a quiet street or on an off-road shared pathway like Te Henui or the Coastal Walkway is a good idea. Riding well means that you are in control of your bike and not the other way around. If you would like more assistance with bike riding confidence the Let’s Go team can help you with advice and practical skills sessions to get you up to speed.

The right gear

The length of your walk to school or work will help you decide what you should wear. We recommend comfortable shoes and bright clothing, so you're more visible to other road users. A stow away jacket can be handy in case of wind/rain (we do have that in Taranaki!).

Route selection

Route selection is very important for your safety as well as for the enjoyment of the ride. A good route is one with lower risks, less traffic, slower speeds, and perhaps less parked cars. Try to stick to local roads, avoiding state highways and busy arterials. Often the scenic route is a less direct route so travel time and gradient are things for you to factor in.

Be courteous and communicate clearly to those around you. Sometimes this is as easy as a smile, at other times you will need to use hand signals. On shared pathways always ride slowly around people walking, skating scootering etc. Our shared pathways are just that - shared - so be courteous, ride slowly, keep your fingers over the brakes, give way to everyone, stay left and smile a lot.

Bike pod

We have a secure Bike Pod storage facility in the New Plymouth CBD for commuters who want to bike to work but are in need of a secure place to store their bike. 

Check out our bike rack map to find where you can safely park your bike - don't forget your lock.

Bike Pod Registration

New Plymouth Bike Kitchen

The New Plymouth Bike Kitchen is a bicycle workshop run by volunteers to help you to maintain and fix your bicycle. The volunteer bike mechanics give their time to help you:

  • fix something broken
  • to learn and do it yourself
  • build something new.

The Bike Kitchen provides tools and mechanical expertise in a safe and inclusive space that is open to the public twice a week. They have a stock of free used parts available for you to re-use on your bike project.

Location: The Metro Plaza Devon St (just in behind FitFresh)

Hours: Wednesdays 5.30pm - 7pm and Saturdays 10am - 12pm

Cost: Koha/donations are gratefully received and go towards the running of the Bike Kitchen, there is no cost for time, the workshop space or used parts.

New Plymouth Bike Kitchen on Facebook

Where to bike

There’s no end to the excursions and adventures to be had when heading off-road. Check out some good places to ride.

Coastal Walkway

The award-winning Coastal Walkway is a 13.2km path that forms an expansive sea-edge promenade stretching from Pioneer Park at Port Taranaki all the way to the eastern side of Bell Block Beach.

Perfect for biking, walking, scooting and skate boarding - a fantastic way to spend a sunny New Plymouth day!

Find out more

Lake Mangamahoe

Lake Mangamahoe is home to mountain bike trails for families and beginners through to intermediate riders. To check out the trails and find out more about the latest events and club news visit the New Plymouth Mountain Bikers website.

New Plymouth Mountain Bikers website

Taranaki Cycle Park

The Taranaki Cycle Park consists of a 1.75km closed road circuit with two smaller one-kilometre loops as well as a 333m velodrome and younger children's area including a learner’s pad, pump track, limestone obstacle course and mini road circuit complete with traffic lights, road signs, etc. This facility is free to use.

Taranaki Cycle Park on Facebook

BMX parks

If you’re into airtime, spins and stomach-churning ups and downs, check these BMX parks:

  • Peringa Jump Park, Clemow Rd, New Plymouth
  • New Plymouth BMX Park, Hickford Park, Bell Block

We endorse smoke free parks, playgrounds, sport grounds and walkways. Note: no cycling is allowed in Pukekura Park.

Child on a bike at Highlands Intermediate bike track

Bike skills tracks

Across the New Plymouth district there are a growing number of bike skills tracks at local schools.

Bike rack

Bike rack map

We have bike racks all over the city where you can park your bike. Find out the best one for you.

Bus and ride

Did you know that you can enjoy the ride downhill into work and avoid the uphill heading home? All of our urban bus services are sporting a bike carrier on the front.

Find out more

Report broken glass

To ensure our district is cycle friendly, we need to know of hazards like broken glass. Report hazards and remember to include the address or a clear description of where the glass or debris is.

Report an issue

Report a crash or near miss

Information about crashes or near-misses helps us and the Police to determine if there are particular areas that are accident prone and if changes need to be made to reduce the risk of accidents (e.g., signage, road surface etc).

All crashes, including near misses, should be reported to the Police.

NZ Police