Some Waiheke buses are now equipped with racks to carry bikes.

The American-imported racks were installed last week on three separate buses, capable of carrying three bikes each.

Waiheke ferry customers can already take their bikes for free on the ferries and this has been extended to the service’s buses, mainly on the Onetangi routes, for a trial period up until Easter.

During that time, Fullers will be gathering feedback from users before deciding how to adapt the service and how to develop it further and improve options for cyclists and many commuters who choose to ride to and from the ferry terminal or who want to explore the island’s many cycle tracks. Forms are available from Fullers at Matiatia and are posted on the company’s website.

The trial means people can hop on a bus with their bike in order to venture further, get home after dark when cycling can be hazardous or - in the case of cycling visitors - link up with the 360 Discovery ferry service at Orapiu.

The Coromandel shuttle bus service from Hannaford’s Wharf to Coromandel Town now also provides bike rack options, enabling cyclists to take their bikes even further.

The trial’s launch at Matiatia last Monday was attended by representatives of Auckland Transport, the New Zealand Transport Authority, Cycle Action group representatives, two Waiheke Local Board members and Fullers’ chief Doug Hudson.

He said, “Fullers has been committed to carrying passengers and their bikes on their ferry services for a long time and were awarded for being a cycle friendly business by the transport authority and the Cycling Advocates’ Network in 2009. 

“We are very pleased to be able to extend this to the buses on Waiheke. This may only be a small step but it has taken a lot of effort to find and import the right racks that are sturdy enough to work effectively on the island’s roads.”

Last summer the company worked with Cycle Action Waiheke and Auckland to produce a map of Waiheke cycle touring routes. Publicity about the map has encouraged increasing numbers of cyclists to tour the island, enjoying its cafés, vineyards, beaches and accommodation.

Cycle Action Waiheke supports the trial as an important local transport and tourism initiative for the island. 

Chairperson Tony King Turner said, “We thank Fullers for taking this step and see it as just the beginning of what could be very exciting developments for cycling on Waiheke. “It will also be very important as we work towards our goal of getting Waiheke included in the National Cycleway programme.”

Cycle Action Auckland’s Barbara Cuthbert is also impressed.

“I am confident that when we look back at this moment in 10 years’ time, we will understand how important this launch and trial is,” she said. • Diana Worthy