Meeting Minister for the Environment

Meeting Minister for the Environment

CAN arranged a cordial meeting with the Minister for the Environment Dr. Nick Smith, last Saturday August 1st.

John-Paul Pochin of Bicycle Nelson Bays came with CAN, and we expressed support for the Government’s Urban Cycleway programme and for the new direction of NZTA. Dr. Smith wondered about cyclists’ financial contribution to roading costs. CAN and BNB presented the case for the huge healthcare cost benefits of cycling.

We also chatted about shared-use paths, with Dr. Smith agreeing that a good width of path was essential for comfortable use by both cyclists and pedestrians.

Good to have the opportunity to put the case for cycling promotion to Cabinet members.

Have you contacted local policy-makers recently? We posted a list of senior politicians, sorted by region, here.