User:BrookeNZ/sandbox

The TelstraClear Challenge is an annual cycling event held in Auckland that allows entrants to cycle over the Auckland Harbour Bridge, the only time each year that cyclists are allowed to do so. It is both a race and a leisure ride, aimed at cyclists of all skill levels.

History
The event was first run on the 11th of December 2011, and attracted approximately 4000 cyclists, despite the high wind that often buffets the Harbour Bridge. Auckland Mayor Len Brown competed in the race, highlighting the need for Auckland to transition to a cycling culture.

Cycling over the Harbour Bridge (which usually does not allow pedestrians or cyclists) was proposed soon after its completion in 1959, and many riders attempted it illegally. Due to the vehicle-centric design of the bridge, that was deemed impractical until the TelstraClear Challenge was successfully pitched to the NZTA. Rider safety was achieved by a row of 160 buses which protected the riders from oncoming traffic.

In 2009 the idea of a cycle over the Harbour Bridge was pitched to the NZTA. Whilst not the first time this had happened, a combination of the “right package”, good timing and strong partners saw the application gain momentum to the point that approval in principle was granted in November 2010.

ClipOn NZ Limited - a new company formed to deliver the proposed event - were given the challenge to find solutions to a number of key safety and timing issues before the approval was firmed up in April 2011

Vision

The vision behind the TelstraClear Challenge was to deliver a cycle event for all – from Trikes to Lycra riders and in doing so deliver strong messages supporting cycle safety, cycle advocacy and mode shift in Auckland.

Instrumental in supporting this vision were Cycle Action Auckland - a cycle advocacy group, Auckland Transport, NZ Bus(who delivered a 160 bus guard of honor - in reality provided protection for cyclists against the oncoming motorway traffic), BikeNZ (the sports national body), TelstraClear (the naming right sponsor) and of course the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).

Auckland Mayor Len Brown said cycling had an important contribution to make towards developing the world's most liveable city. Auckland, needs an event like the TelstraClear Challenge – an event that puts Auckland on the cycling road map alongside most other international cities

The event is planned to run annually with a 11 November date set for 2012

It offers cyclist the opportunity to ride various distances including - 110km - 60km - 20km - 12km - 1 km (for the little kids)