WINTER SOLSTICE 2026 WHEEL IN THE WINTER

Long exposure photo that shows cyclists riding across the frame with lights on their pedals which creates a glowing trail effect of multicoloured led lights. Trees are in the background and there is water in the foreground with the lights from the bikes reflecting in the water.

Winter Solstice Bike Ride returns for 15th year in a row
On the longest night of the year, hundreds of cyclists will light up Hagley Park in a glowing celebration of pedal power.
Spokes Canterbury invites families, commuters, enthusiasts, and everyone who has ever loved riding a bike to join the 15th Annual Winter Solstice Bike Ride - a free, fun community event to mark the turning of the season. Join us on the longest night of the year, and light it up to celebrate cycling!

EVENT DETAILS

📅 Date: Sunday, 21 June 2026
⏰ Gather from: 5:00pm. Ride departs 5:30pm
📍 Location: North Hagley Park, Armagh Street entrance, meet inside the Mickle Gates. The main 6km loop will use shared paths within Hagley Park. A shorter 4km loop suitable for younger tamariki will ride at a slower pace.
💰 Cost: Free and open to all
✨ Theme: Bling your bike! Lights, glowsticks, decorations - the more the merrier.

 

Click here to add it to your google calendar!

SAFETY BRIEFING

There are many ways to get involved with Spokes Canterbury
  • Have fun!
  • On the ride, ride single file, take your time, but keep going. Keep good space between riders, so don’t bunch up at bridges etc.
  • Please keep left, especially along Riccarton Ave where the path is narrow and we double back on ourselves - expect to see riders coming towards you
  • Use your front lights. Ring your bell!
  • Pull off the path if you need to stop, for example, to watch the model yachts
  • Be courteous to others in the park
  • Be wary and give way to oncoming foot/bike traffic
  • Between 5 and 5:30pm keep off the shared path to allow commuters to use the path.
  • Following feedback from last year we have extended the kids ride, there is a longer version of the ride for kids this year compared to last year.
  • There are two loops: the main 6.3km loop and a shorter 4.3km loop which is intended for those riding with smaller kids or anyone who would like to ride more slowly.
  • Please do not pass the ride leader.
  • Point out Ride leader, and tail end charlies (put your hand up)
  • Kids riding slowly or with parents walking, or slow riders, If you would like to ride the shorter loop, please start towards the back behind Cynthia
  • We will have a cut off time for riders at the entrance to the park at the Riccarton Ave/Deans Ave intersection. Our Marshalls will be there to direct you. If you want to do the whole ride after the cut off, you are welcome to, however it’s likely the marshalls will not be around to direct you at intersections so proceed with caution and care. If you would like to do that please talk to a marshall before the ride starts and they will give you a map.
  • If you are avoiding illness, feel free to wear face masks. If you have flu or covid symptoms, please do not attend, there will be a ride next year too!
  • If possible, please turn off your rear light if very bright to avoid blinding riders behind you.
  • Please ensure that any decorations and/or lights are securely attached to your bike and won’t fall off or get caught in wheel spokes or brakes.
  • We have marshalls wearing blue Spokes hi vis vests, if you have a question, pull off the path and ask them
  • Weather so far is looking cold but not rain
  • No smoking or vaping
  • Be careful riding off & on the path because sometimes the timber battens are slippery