Briefing notes for media commentators

25 Sep 08

by Scorcher

tags:

 
 

Support cycling!

As an election approaches, we want you to have top quality facts on cycling. There are many myths about cycling! And the facts which counter those myths make good media copy.

 

Burning election issues…

…make good copy. And cycling is often ‘part of the solution’ to a range of juicy issues thevoters may like you to cover. Here are some examples.
 

Traffic congestion/roading demand

Most journeys are very short (1/3 under 2km, 2/3 under 6km), so most of the demand for more roading comes from trips which could be cycled. Providing for cycling is far cheaper than building major new roads.
 

Climate change/Kyoto protocol/resource scarcity

Changing weather patterns and scarcity of resources like oil can be tackled by lots of small actions added together. A single cyclist makes a tiny difference (one less car), but adding all cyclists together makes one big difference.
 

Health/pollution

Regular cycling (such as work or school commuting) provides the classic preventive health ‘prescription’ of about half-an-hour of gentle exercise most days of the week. We can build everyday cycling into busy lifestyles more easily than other forms of exercise. For example, we need to travel to work and cycling takes about the
same time, saves us money, and saves everyone else from more pollution and congestion.
 

Crime/public safety/urban design

More cycling means more people are on the street, which deters crime, especially in city centres at night.
 

The economy 

Cycling saves costs in various ways, such as:
  • reduced employer costs through a fitter workforce, meaning less sickness and absenteeism
  • more personal disposable income (and thus spending power) from saved transport costs
  • reduced health service costs through reduced heart disease, obesity and other ailments
  • reduced travel time for everyone, through reducing congestion.
 

It’s fun!

  • Cycling’s a fun way of getting around for adults and children alike, bringing a sense of personal freedom and accomplishment
  • Cycling gives children independence and mobility, which are vital for their physical, social and intellectual development. 
 

To return to the CAN Election Campaign homepage, click here

http://can.org.nz/elections  

Authorised by Stephen McKernon, Media Co-Ordinator CAN, 41 Moa Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland.