Commuter Connect
Discover the Sutherland Track
Experience Something New Every Day
Queenstown’s newest commuter route is going live. For six months, Lightfoot is rolling out activations, events, and initiatives to support locals in shifting to active travel between Queenstown and Arthur’s Point.
Whether you’re a parent looking for safe ways for your kids to get to school, a commuter considering a change, or someone who just wants to enjoy the trail, there’s something for everyone.
Did you know that it takes less than ten minutes to travel by e-bike between Arthur’s Point and Queenstown?
What's Happening?
Bike Bus for Schools
We’re launching a bike bus from Arthur’s Point to Queenstown Primary and St Jo’s every Wednesday starting from 12 February, led by a qualified bike instructor.
Kids can ride together in a safe, supervised environment while building their confidence on two wheels.
Around the Basin will provide return transport for the bikes, so the littlest kids only need to pedal one way!
Coffee & Kai Pitstops
Every Wednesday in February, and regularly throughout the programme, we’re hosting pitstops along the route—offering free coffee, kai, and good vibes to morning commuters.
Plus, pop-up pitstops will surprise riders throughout the season.
Fun Youth Events
We’re making the Sutherland Track a destination for young riders! Expect scavenger hunts, glow rides, and creative challenges designed to get kids and teens excited about using the trail.
Events for Adults
Commuting doesn’t have to be a solo mission. We’re running group rides, social events, and commuter challenges to make it easy (and fun) for adults to give active travel a go.
Why it's Happening...
Bike Bus for Schools
→ Builds Safe Travel Habits for Families
Parents often hesitate to let kids bike independently due to safety concerns. The bike bus provides a structured, supervised environment, helping families feel comfortable with the route.
IMPACT
Parents see it as a viable option, kids develop lifelong biking habits, and families gain confidence to continue riding beyond the programme.
Coffee & Kai Pitstops
→ Providing a ‘Nudge’ to Try Active Travel
Many people don’t change habits unless given a reason to try something new. Offering free coffee, kai, and encouragement makes it easier for people to consider riding or walking just once.
IMPACT
A single positive experience can change someone’s perception of biking or walking as a ‘too hard’ option.
Youth Events
→ Normalising the Track for the Next Generation
Fun events like scavenger hunts and glow rides make the trail a social, engaging space rather than just a commute.
IMPACT
Young people associate biking with fun and adventure, increasing the likelihood that they’ll use the track for everyday travel.
Adult Events & Commuter Challenges
→ Overcoming Mindset Barriers
Many adults think biking is inconvenient, tiring, or unsafe. Events that pair new commuters with experienced riders, showcase route tips, or create friendly competitions help break down these barriers.
IMPACT
Seeing others successfully commuting builds social proof, making active travel seem achievable.
Pop-up Pit Stops
→ Encouraging Consistency & Habit Formation
Surprise rewards keep motivation high. These pitstops reinforce the idea that choosing the track is acknowledged and appreciated.
IMPACT
Repeated reinforcement builds commuting habits over time.
Social Media & Storytelling
→ Shifting Perceptions
Featuring real commuters and their experiences (e.g., “I never thought I’d bike, but now I love it!”) helps others relate and imagine themselves making the shift.
IMPACT
Personal stories make change feel possible and desirable.
To find out more
FOLLOW LIGHTFOOT ON SOCIALS
Bringing It All Together → The Behaviour Change Cycle
These activations work together to:
Make active commuting more visible (bike buses, events, social media).
Give people a reason to try it (free coffee, prizes, group rides).
Make it feel normal and social (bike bus, group events).
Reinforce behaviour with rewards (pitstops, encouragement).
Help build a habit (consistency through weekly events).
This project is funded by
Waka Kotahi and Queenstown Lakes District Council: Transport Choices.
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Lightfoot Projects
