"The weather conditions are magical," Mayor Peter Chin said yesterday.
It was the ideal opportunity to showcase the Ravensbourne cycleway, which was already one of the most popular amenities in Dunedin.
"Look at the people here today. They're family groups. It's a great family recreation spot," he said.
The community was becoming much more aware of the need to exercise and engaging people at a young age gave them the motivation to continue as they got older, he said.
Sport Otago co-ordinator Duane Donovan said about 100 people of all ages took part in the cycle ride and about 60 continued on to activities at the Settlers Museum.
It was the first time in the four years the event had been held that the weather was good, he said.
"Usually it is rotten, so this was a big advantage."