CAN Cycling in New Zealand - Facts and Figures

Cycling is popular, safe, economical, responsible and healthy. These key facts and figures show why this is true in New Zealand. You can download the page below, giving the more detailed facts and figures.

o There are many cyclists. There are 1.3 million cyclists in New Zealand today (30% of the population), and of these, 750,000 are adults of voting age (26% of adults).

o Cycling is relatively safe. About 1 in 1,000 cyclists have road accidents compared to about 3 in 1,000 car drivers. Only 40% of cycling crashes are caused directly by the cyclist, with a smaller proportion by adult cyclists[1].

o Cycling more than pays its way. Urban cycle lanes and other facilities are partly paid for by rates, which cyclist pay, and partly through from petrol taxes which most cyclists pay as motorists. Through these sources, cyclists pay for roads whether they drive on them or not. Most cycling facilities are also needed because of the volume and risks of motor traffic.

o Cycling is responsible. Cyclists account for about 1% of traffic offences[2] only.

o Cycling is good for both cyclists and non-cyclists. Cycling counters the effects of obesity, respiratory and other health conditions[3]. Cycling decreases pollution and congestion, which total over $1 billion per year each in social and economic costs.[4]

Here's CAN's plan to help everyday cycling grow more quickly in New Zealand.

CAN's Nine-Point Plan to help cycling

Run a national Share the Road promotional campaign telling motorists and cyclists how to share roads safely.
Change transport planning and funding processes to make sure key problem areas or gaps for cyclists (e.g. Ngauranga to Petone cycleway, Auckland Harbour Bridge) get fixed – no more delays or buck-passing.
Spend less on road building and more on encouraging alternatives to driving: more motor vehicles on our roads only make things less safe and attractive for cycling.
Promote the use of lower speed zones (particularly 30km/h).
Change the tolerance for motor vehicle speed limit enforcement from 10km/h to a maximum of ten per cent of the posted speed limit.
Increase the walking and cycling budget in the National Land Transport Programme by a factor of five.
Change funding and audit processes to ensure that all roading projects improve the environment for cycling.
Change the driver licensing system and driver instruction (including bus and truck drivers) so motorists are educated about how to take care around cyclists.
Fund and promote nationwide roll-out of cycle skills training for children and adults.

[1] From the Ministry of Transport’s Accident Data 2008.

[2] Ministry of Justice data 2006.

[3] Health studies suggest years added to a life through cycling’s exercise benefits, outweigh years lost through safety risk by a factor of 20 to 1.

[4] From the Ministry of Transport’s 2005 ‘Surface Transport Costs and Charges Study’.(2.2MB pdf)

Tags:

Attachment	Size
CAN Cycling Facts.pdf	438.73 KB