Nelson is set to become a destination for some of the country's - and the world's - top walking and cycling experts and advocates later this month, as it plays host to New Zealand's second 2WALKandCYCLE Conference.
Uli Neumann, Conference Co-Convenor, says the organisers are delighted to be holding 2WALKandCYCLE 2014 in Nelson. Running from 29 to 31 October, 2WALKandCYCLE promotes walking and cycling for everyday transport, recreation and tourism.
Uli says Nelson is seen by many as the walking and cycling capital of New Zealand and will provide a stimulating and ideal setting for the conference. Peter Kortegast, local Conference Committee representative adds:
"Nelson is renowned as being a trailblazing city for walking and cycling, with the local enthusiasm and the climate to match.
"It's hard to think of a more ideal setting for this conference, and we'll be building into the conference plenty of opportunities to get first-hand experience of Nelson's offerings.
"It won't be a conference where people just sit around indoors - we'll be walking the talk - and cycling it - through many activities utilising the local pedestrian and cycle facilities that Nelson is famed for."
‘Communities on the move' will be the key focus of this conference, as communities are at the heart of building support for safer facilities, healthier lifestyles, and cleaner environments.
Uli says the conference comes at a pivotal time, with momentum building nationwide for improved cycle safety and facilities, along with a tide of ever-increasing recognition for the health and environmental benefits of getting around using your own body as an engine.
The programme will feature keynote presentations by filmmakers and social media activists Chris & Melissa Bruntlett from Canada, renowned walking expert Daniel Sauter from Switzerland and Celia Wade-Brown, Mayor of Wellington.
Peter and Uli expect improving cycling safety to be a hot topic at the conference, particularly in light of recent recommendations from a new cycling advisory panel set up by the Government.
The door is still open for standard registrations; for more information about the conference, please visit www.2walkandcycle.org.nz or like the conference on Facebook.
Information about provisions for media attendance will be provided in the next fortnight. The NZ Transport Agency is the Gold Sponsor of the conference, with Greater Wellington Regional Council, Be Counted Technology and HMI Technologies also providing valuable support as bronze sponsors.
For more information please contact:
Anthony Frith
T: 04 894 5251
04 894 5251
M: 027 213 7617027 213 7617
E: anthony.frith@nzta.govt.nz
W: www.nzta.govt.nz