Media Releases

  • Cyclists urged to light up as daylight saving ends
    30 March, 2012

    Cyclists need to make sure they are well lit as daylight saving ends, say the Cycling Advocates Network and Bike NZ.

    "The end of daylight saving on Sunday means it's time for cyclists to check their lights and batteries," says CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan.

    "Some may be caught out by earlier evening twilight, so we all need to be extra careful."

    "Lights, reflectors and high-visibility riding gear make you easier to see," says Mr Morgan.

    "Cycling offers the ultimate trip: it's a fast and flexible way to get around, while improving your health at the same time."

    Read more ...
  • Get on your bike to beat high fuel prices, say cyclists
    16 March, 2012

    The Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) and BikeNZ say it is common sense for government and business to fight high fuel prices by investing in cycling.

    As petrol hits $2.20 a litre, people are looking for alternatives to driving.

    CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan says local councils and the government need to shift up a gear to soften the impact of high fuel prices.

    "New Zealanders love to bike, but many are put off by our busy roads and a lack of decent cycleways."

    "The good news is that cycling is a cheap date."

    Read more ...
  • Best cycling projects and champions announced
    23 February, 2012

    New Zealand's best cycling projects, campaigns and champions were announced at the 2 Walk and Cycle Conference in Hastings today.

    The finalists were applauded for their contributions to making cycling a fun, safe everyday activity for all New Zealanders.

    The Department of Conservation and NZTA banded together to provide world class cycling and walking paths between Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. The success of this effort along with the techniques learned hold promise for better access to all of New Zealand's Parks.

    Read more ...
  • Cycle Friendly Awards Finalists Announced
    15 January, 2012

    Finalists for the CAN Cycle-Friendly Awards 2012 have been announced.

    The Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate the most notable achievements that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment.

    The Awards are devised by the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN), the national organisation promoting everyday cycling.
    Awards coordinator Dirk de Lu says the finalists are exemplary projects and cycling champions.

    Read more ...
  • Merry Cycling Christmas
    20 December, 2011

    Bicycles and summer go together, and kids of all ages will be heading out on new bikes this Christmas.

    Cycling Advocates' Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan says a bicycle is often near the top of the Christmas wish list.

    In 2005 a BBC poll ranked the bicycle as the favourite invention, ahead of electricty and the internet.

    For those lucky enough to find a bicycle at the foot of the Christmas tree, Cycling Advocates' Network has some tips:

    Read more ...
  • Roll On Wellington Awards reward the best (and worst) of cycling
    7 December, 2011

    Volunteer trail builders are the heroes of the Wellington cycling community, winning the award for the best piece of cycling infrastructure.

    Cycle Aware Wellington presented the first Roll On Wellington Awards on 6 December.

    Spokesperson Claire Pascoe says the awards showcase the best and brightest of cycling in Wellington.

    "They're a great opportunity for the cycling community to show their support for the things they love in Wellington. There were lots of winners on the night... as well as a few who lost out."

    Read more ...
  • Advice for drivers and cyclists follows Dunedin crash
    14 November, 2011

    Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and BikeNZ have issued advice for drivers and cyclists following a fatal crash in Dunedin this morning.

    Although the details of the crash have not yet been released, CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan has reiterated advice to all road users about proven ways to reduce the chances of a crash.

    Read more ...
  • Advice for cyclists and drivers follows truck, bus crashes
    1 June, 2011

    Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and BikeNZ have issued advice for drivers and cyclists following two crashes involving cyclists in Hamilton this afternoon, one of which was fatal.

    Although the details of the crashes have not yet been released, CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan has reiterated advice to all road users about proven ways to reduce the chances of a crash.

    "We know that reducing speeds is an effective road safety measure. Safer speed limits save lives."

    Read more ...
  • Cyclists welcome inquest into cycling deaths
    24 May, 2011

    Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and BikeNZ welcome the Coroner's inquest into eight recent cycling deaths.

    CAN spokesperson, Patrick Morgan said cycling is a wonderful sport and way to get from A to B,
    but we need to do much more to make it safer.

    "The Coroner's inquest is an opportunity for a major re-think on road safety."

    "We expect the 1.5 million New Zealanders who ride bikes to take a close interest."

    The inquest will examine whether there were any patterns in relation to the deaths and if possible law changes were needed.

    Read more ...
  • Churchill Fellowship for cycle skills trainer
    19 April, 2011

    Cycling Advocates Network manager Patrick Morgan will travel to Europe in September to study best-practice cycle training programmes. The study trip is partly funded by a Winston Churchill Fellowship.

    Report: It's as easy as riding a bike

    Mr Morgan says cycling skills can be acquired informally or taught in training programmes.

    Read more ...