Wheels in motion to laud pedal power
If the music is good, pedal on.
Tomorrow, Wellington Museum hosts Pedal Power, an event in which even the stage and music are powered by bicycles, in a celebration of Wellington cycle culture, new technology and all things pedal-powered.
There will also be a bicycle blender making smoothies, adapted bicycles - and wheelchairs - from Lucid Dreambike on display, a cargo bike and folding Brompton bicycles to try out.
Participants can also test their stamina, as pedalling will power the audio PA, DJ turntable and lighting of the stage.
Museums Wellington programmes developer Nell Thomas says it’s a difficult task.
‘‘You’ve got to try and keep your pedalling quite smooth and consistent,’’ she says. ‘‘You can directly gauge how your pedalling is powering the sound and lighting.’’
It is designed to be a fun, participatory event.
Thomas says Wellingtonians have embraced cycling, not only as a mode of transport but as a way to enjoy themselves and build communities.
The event will feature photo and video of creative cycle-related initiatives and events from around the city, such as Kaicycle and Frocks on Bikes.
‘‘I just wanted to celebrate some of the great, creative stuff that’s been going on down here for the last couple of years,’’ Thomas says.
Events programmer Benjamin James says it is to be a celebration of Wellington’s unique bike culture: ‘‘My bike is getting rusty but will always be my transport around Wellington,’’ he says.
‘‘I have some frictionless generator pedals and wheels for my lights, which are pretty tech and futuristic. I always get grumpy when an E-bike motors past me up a hill, but I think science and bikes can change the world.’’
Spinning wheel musician Sign of the Hag and DJ UMU will provide entertainment.
Third Thursday: Pedal Power takes place at Wellington Museum tomorrow; 7pm-9pm. Entry by koha.