North Taranaki Cycle Advocates

5 September 2012

MINUTES

Chair: Alan

Notetaker: Stuart

Present: Alan, Rowan, Stuart, Nathaniel

Apologies: Graeme

1. Alan and Graeme will be attending the Let''s Go Working Party meetings to get regular updates on what LET's Go is doing. Next meeting Mon 17 Sept 4 pm in Plymouth Room in NPDC chambers.

2.Nathaniel reported on 2nd Sept event celebrating Velodrome opening. About 100 people started bike ride from New Plymouth, 25 joined at East and and 25 more further on. There were about 200 people altogether at the Velodrome.

3. Let's Go has prepared a cycle map for the Rododendron Festival and posted it on the website.

4. Nathaniel still trying to schedule a bike/bus workshop.

5. Bike/ped bridge over drainage pipe has been scrapped now that government has approved funding for 2nd Waiwhakaiho Bridge. Let's Go has yet to learn what provisions new bridge will have for bicycles and pedestrians.

6. Discussed doing possible audit for cyclists trying to leave New Plymouth eastbound. Preferred date would be Fri 5th Oct at 5 pm, as there'ss less traffic on Friday. Major issues at several points :

• Crossing Northgate at Plymouth Hotel - bike path doesn't start till Watson Street
• Bike lane ends altogether afterWaiwhaiho Bridge - alternative routes need to be chcked out, such as improving underpass under bridge, constructing pathway on private land between Smart and Katere Road, using Queen Street and Attawa to get to Smart Road

7. World Car Free Day - Fri 21st Sept

• Free buses
• Some schools have scheduled events and businesses are being encouraged to promote it

8. Oakura had Car Free Day 2 wks ago and there were hundreds of bikes and scooters at the schools. Kids are keener than parents are. Offroad pathway has improved safety.

9. Let's Go website for logging car-free trips will focus on seasonal challenges, encourage businesses to run competitions with other businesses.

10. Next meeting - ?Audit Fri 5th Oct 5 pm