NEWS

Finalists in the second annual Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) Cycle-Friendly Awards have just been announced. The thirteen nominations include bike parking facilities, a promotional video, staff "bicycle user groups" (BUGs), and traffic equipment hire for cycling events.

Devised by CAN, the national organisation promoting everyday cycling, 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 supported by sport and recreation agency SPARC.

Nominations were called for in four categories: best cycle facility project, best cycling promotion, cycle-friendly commitment by a business and cycle-friendly commitment by a public organisation.

Over twenty nominations were received this year. CAN chairperson Robert Ibell was pleased with the quality of the nominated projects. "In particular, we were so impressed with the nominated cycling promotions that we felt that five deserved to be finalists instead of the usual three", said Mr Ibell.

The prize winners in each category will be announced at a ceremony at Parliament on November 22nd. The Minister of Transport Pete Hodgson will present the awards to the finalists. Winners will receive a uniquely designed "bicycle-bell" trophy, a certificate, and a subscription to CAN.

Ends.

For further information, contact Robert Ibell, CAN, 04-972 2552.

The finalists for the CAN Cycle-Friendly Awards are (in no particular order) as follows:

Best cycle facility project:
- Auckland City Council (Waterview cycle/pedestrian overbridge)
- Dunedin City Council/ Fulton Hogan (Cycle Smart @ Marlow Park training facility)
- University of Canterbury (Covered secure bike parking facilities)

Best cycling promotion:
- Cycle Action Auckland (Commuter Challenge 2004)
- Crazy Cranks / Waipa District Council (Cambridge cycle lanes campaign)
- Ranfurly Lions (Otago Rail Trail Challenge)
- Jan Nisbet ('Wheels Beside The Water' event)
- Nelson City Council ('Cycling in Nelson' video)

Cycle-friendly commitment by business:
- Challenge Events Ltd (Canterbury Events Equipment Trust)
- MWH Christchurch (Bike User Group / staff travel plans)

Cycle-friendly commitment by public organisation:
- North Shore City Council (BUG / staff facilities / strategic cycle plan)
- Christchurch City Council (Staff Bike allowance)
- LTSA (Cycle Network & Route Planning Guide)

The Cycling Advocates' Network of NZ Inc. (CAN) is this country's national network of cycling advocate groups. It is a voice for all non-competitive cyclists - recreational, commuter and touring. We work with central government and local authorities, on behalf of cyclists, for a better cycling environment. We have affiliated groups and individual members throughout the country, and links with overseas cycling organisations. In addition, some national/regional/local government authorities, transportation consultancies, and cycle industry businesses are supporting organisations.

Robert Ibell
Campaigns & PR Secretary
Cycling Advocates' Network of NZ Inc.
PO Box 6491, Auckland, NZ
Tel/Fax: +64-4-972 2552
http://www.can.org.nz

Release Date: 
Thursday, 4 November, 2004