We recently caught up with Amanda Robinson, owner of the only e-cargo bike in Queenstown and founder of the Lightfoot Initiative, an active travel community lobby group that passionately believes Active Transport is the way forward for the Wakatipu Basin.
Here’s what she had to say…
WHO?
Amanda (45), Gwyn (9) and Scarlett (5)
WHAT BRINGS YOU TO THE QUEENSTOWN TRAIL?
We regularly use the Frankton to Queenstown trail for commuting on our e-cargo bike so the girls can travel to school at QPS in style. We can often be found on actual mountain bikes riding around Arrowtown, Kelvin Heights, Gibbston or just locally in Frankton.
YOUR FAVOURITE QUEENSTOWN TRAIL?
My favourite trail for recreation is the Frankton Track to Kelvin Heights Peninsula. Every time I ride it I feel like I'm in Switzerland but without the huge crowds of people. It's definitely one of the coolest lakeside trails in the world!
WHAT BIKE ARE YOU RIDING? TELL US ABOUT IT.
Today I am riding a Yuba Spicy Curry. It's a long tail cargo bike that can carry a massive 130kg load on the back PLUS the rider. It's got a small back wheel which means it is super stable and you barely notice the load on the back. The e-assist makes it a sweat-free ride, so it is perfect for commuting.
DESCRIBE WHY YOU BIKE THE TRAILS, OR BIKE AT ALL?
I'm originally from flat as a pancake Christchurch, so bikes were how we had fun back in the day. My real love for biking developed when I started commuting on the mean streets of London back in the day. I love the trail network here because it is so versatile for both recreational riding and commuting. Bikes are the best way to see the world.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF ON THE TRAIL NETWORK?
Kids on e-bikes commuting to high school. More toilets & potable water at key locations and the chance to buy a cup of tea (I'm officially old).
WHATS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING ON A BIKE/GETTING ON THE TRAILS FOR YOU?
Biking clears the mind and helps the bod. The trails provide an environment that helps us be better people.
A SENTENCE OR TWO TO SUM UP THE QUEENSTOWN TRAILS FOR YOU?
They are the arteries that keep all the different parts of the basin humming and working together. And so much nicer to be on than the roads!
For more info on the Lightfoot Initiative check out www.lightfoot.org.nz.
OR connect via their Facebook page HERE.
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