Queenstown’s inaugural Active Travel mini-expo was held on 2nd December 2020 during torrential rain. The weather highlighted one of the key reasons why a shift in how we view and use transport is required. 

We were inspired – NZ Active Travel pioneer Darleen Tana Hoff-Nielson spoke to the challenges of shifting to more sustainable modes of transport. She discussed the challenges of developing e-active travel tech in NZ, but outlined the many reasons why the shift needs to happen. Darleen is the co-owner of Bikes and Beyond – an innovative e-bike retailer and tech developer. She’s famous for her tour of Northland in her e-cargo bike and passionate about finding a bike option that works for every individual.

We got the facts – QLDC Active Travel expert Matt Roberts updated us on current happenings and plans in the Wakatipu. Matt, a senior transport engineer for QLDC was a passionate user of the existing network – until he returned to his bike friendly hometown in Scotland

We learned how – Wanaka based Active Transport advocate Simon Telfer was in conversation with local journalist Lauren Prebble to talk about how communities can work together to create travel networks that satisfy everyone. Simon is Active Travel Wanaka and a passionate advocate for developing urban cycle networks.

The event brought many of the people currently working together in the active travel space, into the same space, for the first time. Hosted at the BuzzStop Cafe. This event was supported by the Otago Regional Council, Bikes and Beyond, Bikeaholic and Sustainable Queenstown.