Contents:
- Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards Winners Announced
- Cycle to your polling booth on voting day!
- Government by National threatens cycling
- Minister welcomes AA's road safety call
- Cycle helmet safety regulations questioned
- Helmets aren't the issue, says BikeNZ
- Call for papers: Transport Demand Management conference
- Urban segment fuelling bike sales
- A virtuous cycle: safety in numbers for riders says research
- Active Transportation for America
- Bike test reveals city safety
- Chile changes to bicycles
- Weblinks
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GEMINI CYCLE-FRIENDLY AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED
2 October 2008- Winners for the Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards 2008 have been announced. Out of twenty-nine nominations the winners are as follows:
- Avanti Award for Best Cycle Facility Project: New Plymouth District Council for Foreshore Coastal Pathway
- NZ Transport Agency Award for Best Cycling Promotion: Tauranga City Council for Kids Can Ride - for life
- NZ Transport Agency Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by Business: Bike Central for Cyclist Services/Facilities at Britomart Transport Centre
- ViaStrada Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by a Public Organisation: NZTA for Bike Wise Week
- Boulter Consulting Award for Cycling Champion of the Year: Robert Ibell - Chair of Cycling Advocates Network
The prize winners in each category were announced at a ceremony in Christchurch on Friday 3rd October. The Minister of Commerce, the Hon Lianne Dalziel, presented the awards to the finalists and winners. The winners received a uniquely designed 'bicycle-bell' trophy and certificate.
Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel says the New Zealand government is encouraging people and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint as far as possible. "On an individual level people can make a big difference by leaving the car at home and, as much as possible, choosing to cycle, walk or take public transport for everyday journeys."
Now in their sixth year, the Cycle-Friendly Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate some of the most notable achievements in the country 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.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CYCLE TO YOUR POLLING BOOTH ON VOTING DAY!
2 November 2008- The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) is calling for all cyclists to cycle to their polling booth this Election wearing bright safety clothing.
CAN spokesperson Stephen McKernon says, "About 750,000 or a quarter of voters cycle. Imagine if they all rode to their local polling booth on Election day. Imagine the decrease in traffic congestion and pollution, and the increase in colourful, healthy fun and socialising!"
"Cycling shows people want a better quality of life from the next government, irrespective of party," says McKernon. "It says people want roads that are safer, less congested and less polluting. It says they want communities that are more social and support a stronger local economy. It also says they want to live healthier, more enjoyable lives and cut costs during times of hardship."
CAN's survey of 520 election candidates shows a quarter support an increase in provision for cycling.
"The poll shows candidates see cycling as more than just a marginal or single-party cause. Cycling stands for better roads, health, lifestyles and communities. These are also things all voters can value," says McKernon.
"A higher proportion of candidates supported cycling among the Alliance, Green, Labour and Maori parties," he says. "It is not CAN's intention to support one party over another, but the poll clearly shows some parties are more aligned with cycling and its beneficial effects than others."
The poll results and other useful information about cycling in New Zealand can be found on http://www.can.org.nz/elections.
CAN is a national voice for cyclists in promoting cycling as an enjoyable, healthy, low-cost and environment-friendly activity, and as a key part of an integrated, sustainable transport system.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT BY NATIONAL THREATENS CYCLING
The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) today announced the final results of its candidate poll, showing a quarter of candidates in this election support increases in provision for cycling.
CAN spokes person Stephen McKernon says "we have polled 520 candidates by email and 166 or 32% of these are pro-cycling. We adjusted this for all candidates (about 620) to give a figure of 27%, or a quarter of candidates."
"The poll shows candidates see cycling is more than just a single or marginal cause. Cycling stands for better roads, health, lifestyles and communities. These are also things all voters can value," says McKernon.
"Unfortunately the poll indicates cycling would suffer under a National-led government, as party policy does not emphasis sustainable transport, and only a small proportion of candidates are pro-cycling," comments McKernon. "Parties showing higher support are Alliance, Green, Labour and Maori," he says "so it is very possible that any government led by National (with its potential partners in government) would threaten advances for cycling."
"It is not CAN's intention to support one party over another, but the poll clearly shows where the pro-cycling vote can best be placed."
The poll results can be found on http://www.can.org.nz/elections and show which parties and which candidates in each electorate support cycling.
Ministry of Transport cyclists data indicates about 750,000 or 26% of voters are cyclists.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINISTER WELCOMES AA'S ROAD SAFETY CALL
22 October 2008- Minister for Transport Safety, Harry Duynhoven, welcomes the AA's call for increased commitment to road safety. The AA has identified 10 policies it would like to see implemented during the term of the next government.
Initiatives related to cycling include the following:
The walking and cycling allocation has increased from 2007/08 to match anticipated growth in demand. NZTA has set aside an allocation of $18.0 million in 2008/09 programme for funding walking and cycling projects, an increase from the 2007/08 allocated budget of $14.5 million.
The allocation for 2008/09 includes provision of $14.5 million for local roads and $3.5 million for state highways. This allocation is effectively doubled when the walking and cycling components incorporated into many roading projects are included.
Safe cycling is also promoted through resources such as:
- Cycle network and route planning guide - aims to promote a consistent approach to planning the provision for cycling in New Zealand.
- Cyclist skills training - a guide for the set-up and delivery of cyclist training in New Zealand.
- Neighbourhood accessibility planning - a programme designed to help councils improve walking and cycling access and safety in communities where pedestrians and cyclists are shown to be at high risk of injury.
- New Zealand walking and cycling strategies - best practice guidelines.
Read more here:
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PA0810/S00505.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CYCLE HELMET SAFETY REGULATIONS QUESTIONED
23 October 2008- The Minister of Transport Safety, the Hon. Harry Duynhoven, yesterday questioned NZ's compulsory helmet wearing legislation. The Minister was addressing a transport forum and questioned whether the compulsory helmet wearing legislation was working against government's aim of increasing the number of cyclists.
The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) supports the Minister's stance.
CAN co-chairperson Axel Wilke says, "CAN has been calling for an objective review of the law for a number of years. To date, central government transport authorities have yet to provide research analysing the effect of the law".
"The merits of wearing a cycle helmet have not been conclusively proven either way in research worldwide. While we fully support anyone choosing voluntarily to wear a helmet, we are concerned about the wider effects the mandatory law has had," says Wilke.
"If the Government is keen to promote cycling for its health, safety, economic and environmental benefits, then a law that results in a 20% - 25% reduction in the number of cyclists would not appear to be the right way to go about it. Instead it sends a message that cycling is inherently dangerous, which it isn't."
CAN would prefer that the considerable money spent on helmet enforcement and
promotion was spent on programmes with more tangible cycling safety
benefits, such as driver/cyclist training, better cycle facilities and most importantly, speed reduction in urban areas.
Ministry of Transport accident data has shown that 1 in 1,000 cycles are involved in injury accidents compared to 3 in 1,000 cars.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HELMETS AREN'T THE ISSUE, SAYS BIKENZ
24 October 2008- BikeNZ welcomes the Minister of Road Safety's interest in encouraging more people to ride bicycles, but helmets aren't the issue that we need the government to focus on said John Willmer, BikeNZ's Cycling Development Manager.
"What we need is a safer riding environment. This means a fair go from other road users and dedicated cycling facilities," Mr Willmer said.
For more, see:
http://www.bikenz.org.nz/Article.aspx?ID=3674
BikeNZ Chairman, Arthur Klap recently announced that Auckland businessman and keen cyclist, Kieran Turner will become the organisation's new Chief Executive Officer. Read more at:
http://www.bikenz.org.nz/Article.aspx?Mode=1&ID=3718
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CALL FOR PAPERS: TRANSPORT DEMAND MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE
The third annual Transport Demand Management conference will be held in Auckland, 10-11 March 2009.
Please submit abstracts of no more than 200 words, via email to Angie Crafer (angie@flownz.com) by Friday 7 November 2008.
More information and abstract forms are available here:
http://www.flownz.com/Publications/2009+TDM+Conference.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
URBAN SEGMENT FUELLING BIKE SALES
30 September 2008- "Manufacturers and retailers were talking about swelling interest for commuter, urban and electric and folding bikes, and a rise in people that are using bicycles to ride to work, a quick trip to the corner grocery store or an outing with their family. This new consumer segment is providing economic opportunities for the entire industry," says Lance Camisasca at the close of the US Interbike bike show.
Read more here:
http://www.bikebiz.com/news/29795/Urban-segment-is-fuelling-bike-sales
------------------------------------------------------------------------
A VIRTUOUS CYCLE: SAFETY IN NUMBERS FOR RIDERS SAYS RESEARCH
3 September 2008- It seems paradoxical but the more people ride bicycles on our city streets, the less likely they are to be injured in traffic accidents, say injury experts who will speak at a forthcoming cycling safety seminar in Sydney.
Local and international research reveals that as cycling participation increases, a cyclist is far less likely to collide with a motor vehicle or suffer injury and death - and what's true for cyclists is also true for pedestrians. And it's not simply because there are fewer cars on the roads, but because motorists seem to change their behaviour and drive more safely when they see more cyclists and pedestrians around.
Read the full story here:
http://www.science.unsw.edu.au/news/a-virtuous-cycle-safety-in-numbers-for-riders-says-research/
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION FOR AMERICA
21 October 2008- The US Rails-To-Trails Conservancy has released a groundbreaking report, 'Active Transport for America', to Congress, stating the case for increased Federal investment in cycling and walking.
The report quantifies for the first time the national benefits (in the tens of billions of dollars) that increased federal funding in bicycling and walking infrastructure would provide.
Read the report here:
http://www.railstotrails.org/resources/documents/whatwedo/atfa/ATFA_20081020.pdf
------------------------------------------------------------------------
BIKE TEST REVEALS CITY SAFETY
11 October 2008- How long will an unchained bicycle last on a city street before someone steals it?
Using hidden cameras and cheap bicycles as bait, an Argentine publicist set out to gauge crime in different neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires. The longer it takes for the bike to be stolen the safer the area, is his hypothesis.
"It's not a statistic but in a way it shows that the places where the bicycle gets robbed really quickly perhaps the quality of life is poorer," said Mariano Pasik, 37.
Pasik speeds up the videos, sets them to music and puts them on a website (http://www.lapruebadelabicicleta.com). He hopes other videographers will join his nonprofit "Bicycle Test" project and create a worldwide insecurity index.
Read more here:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/4722901a4560.html
------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHILE CHANGES TO BICYCLES
27 October 2008- Climate change and high fuel prices have made cycling popular in Chile. The country is busy realising bike paths, parking facilities and a plan for renting bikes. In this way the percentage of cycling should gradually increase.
Local authorities of the Santiago metropolis unveiled in 2007 a plan to construct 690 km of bike paths before 2012. Approximately 550 km of bike paths will be within urban areas, the remainder is rural. Construction costs will come to over 28 million Euro. Bicycle parking facilities will be realised as well. Currently a mere 2 per cent of all transport in Santiago occurs by bicycle. When good bike paths and parking facilities are available, this may increase by at least 8 per cent, studies have shown. In the Santiago district of Providencia the first public bike rental system will be launched in November. Within the Providencia borders people may use a bicycle for a maximum of one hour, at a price of 1.50 Euro a month. Overall one hundred bicycles will be placed at ten locations in Providencia for this purpose.
[from http://www.fietsberaad.org ]
------------------------------------------------------------------------
WEBLINKS
- A Bicycle Is Born: recycling bikes in New York:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=1K5te_4ZD6I
- Videojug cycling videos: film clips on riding and maintaining your bike:
http://www.videojug.com/tag/cycling
- Fixing your bike is good for your brain, according to a UK government report on mental well-being:
http://www.bikebiz.com/news/29844/Boost-your-brainpower-fix-your-bike
- Bikejoring: in case you own two dogs and have run out of weird things to do with your bike:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bikejoring
- SmartBiking in Denmark: bikes that can tell each other where they are:
http://current.com/items/89395297_mit_research_bringing_smart_bikes_to_denmark
- Can you design the ultimate commuter bike?
http://bicycledesign.blogspot.com/2008/10/commuter-bike-for-masses-design.html
- Fietsberaad: the Dutch Fietsberaad (Bicycle Council), the expertise centre for cycling and all related subjects:
- 28 Reasons to Bike: useful material here of the benefits of cycling, particularly the economic benefits- handy for submission writing:
http://www.environment.ucf.edu/bikepath/27%20Reasons%20to%20Bike.htm
------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT CAN
Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) is New Zealand's voice for cyclists. We want to see cycling become an everyday activity in NZ. CAN's membership includes experienced cyclists, advocates, engineers, planners, local and regional councils, bike shops, and local advocacy groups throughout the country.
To find out more about CAN, go to our website, http://www.can.org.nz.
Sign up to CAN online via credit card at http://www.can.org.nz/join-can/. Join us!
ABOUT e.CAN
e.CAN is distributed approximately every 1-2 weeks to CAN members and other interested people. CAN members also get our bi-monthly magazine, ChainLinks.
To check back issues of e.CAN, go to http://www.can.org.nz/ecan .
To subscribe or unsubscribe from e.CAN, go to http://www.can.org.nz/joinfriend .
If you're getting e.CAN via a local 'Friends' Yahoo group (e.g. Friends of Cycle Aware Wellington, Bike Taupo), and you want to unsubscribe, use the 'unsubscribe' link at the bottom of this email.