Outcomes of the New Zealand Cycling Symposium 2000

"Making Cycling Viable"

Over 150 transport planners, engineers, policy makers, health professionals, cyclists, cycling advocates and representatives of the cycle industry attended the New Zealand Cycling Symposium 2000 held on Friday 14 and Saturday 15 July in Palmerston North.

In the wrap-up session on Saturday, the Symposium made the following recommendations to make cycling viable, based on the two days of information and discussion:

1.      Government engages with the cycling community in developing its long term, sustainable transport strategy.

2.      The Ministry of Transport develop a separate national cycle strategy linked with the national transport strategy.

3.      All roads have, as a minimum design standard, safe provision for cyclists.

4.      The Ministry of Transport identifies suitable funding processes for on-road and dedicated cycle facilities.

5.      The cycle industry develop a levy used to promote cycling.

6.      The government recognises the health, environment, economic, safety and social benefits of greater cycling.

7.      Local government recognises the overall benefits to their communities of greater cycling.

8.      Individuals and organisations wishing to show their support for cycling join the Cycle Advocates' Network.

9.      Central and local government recognises and improves communication with New Zealand's existing pool of cycling expertise and research capability.

10.  Where central and local government rely on voluntary sector cycle groups for cycling expertise, a fee for service is provided.

The next Cycling Symposium will be held in Christchurch in September 2001.  Progress on these recommendations will be presented in one of the opening sessions.

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