I love my shop

DAN MIKKELSEN RUNS WELLINGTON’S BICYCLE JUNCTION, AKA ‘YOUR FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD BIKERY’.

Where is it? 1 Marion Street, Te Aro, Wellington, New Zealand.

Describe Bicycle Junction in a sentence. A café and bike shop that’s all about building stronger communities by introducing people to cycling and cycle culture.

What goes on there? It’s always a hive of activity, with bikes being dropped off for repair, people test-riding bikes to buy, and business folks meeting up over a cup of coffee. Sometimes musicians give us a little lunchtime piano concert, too.

How did it all begin? I wanted a Cargobike to ride around with my newborn son. At the time, there were none in New Zealand, so I called the original Christiania Bikes in Denmark and said I wanted one. They told me they had to sell me four, because that’s how they ship them on a pallet. And so, it started…

What made you think: yes, bikes and coffee? They’re the first two things that come to my mind every morning! So it was an entirely selfish choice. Turns out I’m not the only one who likes the combo, though.

Have you always been a cyclist? I’ve always ridden a bike, and at times I’ve considered myself a cyclist. I’ve raced and worked as a bike messenger, but mostly it’s just a part of my life that gets me from one place to another and makes me feel whole.

What’s your favourite part of the space? I love the afternoon sunlight that streams in and floods the shop with a warm glow. It goes really nicely with a mug of filter coffee and a bike book from our library shelf.

Tell us about some of the events that have been held there. We’ve had music gigs flooding onto the street, comedians, roller racing, literary events and bike raves. We’re forever looking for fun events to hold that will inspire people to get involved in cycle culture. We’ve just built a bicycle-mounted cinema, so we can watch movies while riding around the bays! We always have plans to build ridiculous bikes.

Any tips for good bicycle maintenance? A drop of oil on the chain once a week ensures a quiet ride, and pumping your tyres every two weeks saves your energy and tread. Get to know your local bike shop – they’ll sort out the rest.

Is the cycling culture strong in Wellington? It’s growing, and there’s a core crew of creative, passionate people we collaborate with to inspire others to join in. Wellington is a creative city, which means there are always people with new ideas for events and bike fun.

What do you love about what you do? I get to be creative and make fun things happen for a good cause. And every time we see children riding on the back of a Cargobike, we feel a little satisfaction that we’re helping them grow up knowing car ownership is just a choice, not a right of passage.

Are there any drawbacks? It’s really hard to decide which bike to ride home. My trusty old Surly fixed-gear? An electric, full-suspension Cargobike? Our neighbourhood-waking sound system bike?

Best way to find out more? bicyclejunction.co.nz