Summary: despite political headwinds and financial hurdles, more people are biking for transport and recreation. Cycling advocacy has never been so necessary.
What's the good, bad and the ugly?
The good news
More people are biking, more often. Here's Census analysis from Geeater Auckland.
A report from Wellington. And from Cycling in Christchurch.
On the up:
Diversity of people biking, bike tourism, events, trails, bikepacking
E-bikes appeal to many. Cargo bikes can replace car trips.
CAN continues to make the case for cycling in news media and social media
We're building relationships with like-minded organisations in transport, climate, healthy and equity.
Cycling Works programmes in Auckland and Wellington
Cycling advocacy groups in main centres are doing well.
Growing support for cycling at council level
Housekeeping:
CAN is updating our rules to meet requirements of Incorporated Societies Act
Updating membership structure
CAN website update is underway – thanks David Laing and Stephen Wood
There is huge goodwill from our supporters, expecially from Board members and long-serving volunteers. Thank you all.
Fundraising:
Thanks to a grant from the Lottery Grants Board I was able to travel to Belgium in June to attend the Velo-city conference in Ghent.
Thanks to a donor, I travelled to Auckland in November to meet local bike advocates, news media and bike industry people.
Volunteer recruited to help plan 2025 fundraising e.g. to attract financial support from the bike industry, further funding applications to trusts and foundations.
Bad
After a period of tailwinds from Government, we are facing hostile policies from central government. The Minister has said that walking and cycling projects are a waste.
Road safety budgets have been cut.
Larger and heavier vehicles increase risk to people on bikes.
Cash-starved Councils have lost Government investment and are cancelling cycling and road safety projects
CAN is not financially sustainable right now. With NZTA no longer funding CAN's Share the Road programme, CAN has lost management fee income. That's a serious concern as our advocacy has never been more necessary.
Ugly
Bike lash. Cycling has been drawn into culture wars. In some circles, there's a an element of moral panic around bike lanes. Some people have adopted fear mongering and fake news to target cycling projects.
Unfortunately, hostile online behaviour can spill over to aggressive and careless driving.
In response, here's a helpful guide from The Worshop on How to Talk About Urban Mobility and Transport Shift.
Key messages: built empathy and connection by talking about shared values such as care, community, and a fair go for everyone. When encountering fake news, replace, don't negate.
Looking forward
It's always important to look forward when you're cycling. I'm convinced that the case for investing in cycling has never been better, and that current headwinds will abate. Let's focus on our advocacy, work together, and keep going.
As they say, "If you want to travel fast, go alone. If you want to travel far, go together."