who is bike waikato
We are a non-profit community organisation, run by volunteers, that represents people on bikes in the public forum and fulfills the stakeholder role on transport projects where facilities for people on bikes are needed.
what is our purpose
To encourage the use of cycles
To promote cycling as a healthy, sustainable, and convenient form of transport
To improve the perception of cycling as a viable option
To present the case for biking in public debate and to relevant authorities
To advocate for better conditions for cyclists and cycling
Our vision:
More people on bikes, safely
At Bike Waikato we love bikes. It doesn’t matter what you ride, or how far, we are your voice for a better Waikato for bikes.
Our vision aims for a simple outcome: to see more people on bikes.
We focus on advocacy, collaboration, and promoting ways to empower people to get on a bike.
Our Team
Our committee is made up of everyday people making positive changes for all people who use bikes.
A lot of our work is produced by volunteers who are passionate about advocating for change to create better places for people on bikes.
Melissa Smith
Co-Chair/Spokesperson
Melissa is a co-chair and spokesperson for Bike Waikato. They have commuted by bicycle since they were a student, enjoying the independence, health benefits, and affordability offered by that mode. They became involved in cycling advocacy after moving back to Kirikiriroa Hamilton following their undergraduate studies.
Melissa is passionate about using evidence-based policy to improve communities and livelihoods. They split their time between working as a public servant and studying Environmental Planning at the University of Waikato, where they research how to make cycling safer and more attractive. In their own time, Melissa enjoys bike-packing, creative writing, and learning foreign languages.
Chris Manson
Co-Chair
Chris is a new member to the Bike Waikato team. They often biked to school, with memories of numb knuckles on cold mornings and a heavy breath walking into class. As a life-long Kirikiriroa Hamilton resident they have also experienced dangerous trips around the city streets and see this as a major barrier to more people enjoying their time outside and getting out on bikes.
Chris has a long history of getting involved and submitting to city, regional, and national plans. Advocating with Bike Waikato is about improving cycling infrastructure so everyone can feel safe. How you draw the line from point A to point B is a personal choice and every option should be available. The development of the city should have everyone’s best interests baked in.
Jackson Fankhauser
Committee Member
Jackson is a massive fan of multi-modal transport options and creating safer and convenient transport options. During intermediate and high school his key mode of transportation was cycling. Jackson enjoys cycling and has a great love for using cycling as an active form of transport that fulfils the daily exercise needs. In the hunt for a new bike Jackson currently uses an e-scooter to navigate the centre city area.
Jackson is an advocate for safe and efficient transportation around the city and has the fundamental belief that everyone should be able to get to their destination safely and return back home.
Jackson works in the road safety and transportation space as a Transport Planner, so you’ll see him involved in some of the technical work behind submissions and assisting in the information and membership spaces.
Phil Evans
Committee Member
Phil has been riding bikes for around 55 years and has always had at least one in the garage. Biking is always the preferred option, and he hasn’t used his car since June 2023, thanks to his e-bike and trailer that can carry 150kg.
Phil has been advocating for safer cycling in Hamilton for the past five years. He is a regular at Hamilton City Council’s Public Forus, particularly before the Infrastructure & Transport Committee, where he passionately discusses the need for a fully connected and safe cycleway network throughout the city.
He is keen to help grow Bike Waikato’s membership and expand the Bike Valet service at events around the city.
Our Achievements
in the media
How we are run
Bike Waikato Incorporated (Bike Waikato) is an Incorporated Society (registration number 50051420) and a Registered Charity (registration number CC58854).
The Bike Waikato Committee members serve on the committee for two year terms. The Committee sets the course of organisation and runs many of the day to day tasks as volunteers.
Membership is available to anyone who agrees to the society rules and pays an annual membership fee. Membership fees and donations are used to fund the activities Bike Waikato undertakes to connect with the community and decision makers to make biking in the Waikato easier, safer and more enjoyable.
agm minutes
The Bike Waikato Annual General Meeting (AGM) is held after the beginning of September of each year. You can read the latest confirmed AGM minutes here.
2024 Confirmed AGM Minutes
Society Rules
The society rules state how the Incorporated Society is to be run. All members of Bike Waikato agree to adhere to the society rules.
The rules may be amended at an AGM or Special General Meeting (SGM).
You can read the current society rules here.
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