Up Front by Emma Hart

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Up Front: This is a Photograph of Me

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  • Ben Austin,

    Oamaru is pretty long and with a fair amount of hills. I don't think I've seen much in the way of non school cycling but then I've not lived there for a decade, although I visit when I can

    London • Since Nov 2006 • 1027 posts Report

  • Islander,

    Oamaru has clearly marked and generous cycle lanes right from the 70kph sign as you get into town, and almost throughout it until you arrive at the southern 100kph sign-

    that said, those cycle lanes are on (most of) the main drag. And they aint on the highway south-

    I'm in Oamaru (and Waimate) every month - it's true family territory, like Karitane or Moeraki or Otepoti or - rather a lot of places south.

    There are quite a few touring cyclists (as well as the Waitaki GHS/BHS etc.) and they seem relaxed cruising around the town-

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report

  • BenWilson,

    Islander, my gut feeling is that a cheap electric would let you down. An expensive one might be OK, though. There's a huge difference between something made out of thick steel carrying a brushed motor and lead acid batteries, and something made of some lightweight alloy, carrying a brushless hub motor and lithium based batteries. The difference is reflected in the cost.

    So hard to advise, there are so many factors. Personally I'd find the danger factor on your country roads a little daunting. One perfectly good and much cheaper alternative is to get a pushbike carrier for your towbar, and then ride the bike around town. These can hold several bikes so you could get the dangerous difficult hills out of the way, then the whanau can jump on their bike and go about their business, catching up (or getting picked up), at the end of any trips to town. Saves gas, using it only for the more efficient long haul, and gives everyone the freedom they might require/desire when they get to town. Call it a hybrid solution.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report

  • Sam F,

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 1611 posts Report

  • BenWilson,

    Tragic. I feel pretty nervous driving along that road even in a car. Something about it is just totally off. Highways are much better designed in Australia.

    Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 10657 posts Report

  • Islander,

    Thanks BenWilson.

    And that road accident - a non-fault victim hit at random. Like so many others-

    Big O, Mahitahi, Te Wahi … • Since Feb 2007 • 5643 posts Report

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