A large group of cyclists taking up the road in Manukau.

It's sparked arrests, fines, impounds, but one young BikeLifer says organised group rides are not a crime.

The BikeLife community in Auckland has been in the spotlight recently for large group ride gatherings, where more than a hundred cyclists take to the roads.

Police say they are disappointed to see the riders not following road safety regulations, but those involved told RNZ it was about community and a love of the sport, not causing trouble.

For 16-year-old Hugo, BikeLife was all about the community.