Expert cycling panel welcomed
Getting more people on bikes will deliver huge benefits to all New Zealanders, say cycling advocates.
An expert panel on cycling safety was announced today by Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse, following a recommendation from Coroner Gordon Matenga.
However, a focus on cycling safety alone is unlikely to produce the best result, says Cycling Advocates' Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan.
News release from Cycle Aware Wellington, 3 December 2013
Roll On Wellington Awards reward the best of cycling
Mountain bike instructor Ashley Burgess has been named as Wellington's favourite cyclist, for her efforts in encouraging women and girls onto bikes.
Cycle Aware Wellington presented the Roll On Wellington Awards today, showcasing the best and brightest of cycling in Wellington.
Spokesperson James Burgess says Ashley's enthusiasm, energy and passion made her a clear winner.
News release from Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and Bike NZ
14 November 2013
An inquiry into cycling, recommended by Coroner Gordon Matenga, should go much wider than a safety panel led by the NZ Transport Agency, say cycling advocates.
Getting more people on bikes will deliver huge benefits to all New Zealanders, so we need a high-level Public Inquiry to make the most of the opportunity, say the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN).
A focus solely on cycling safety is unlikely to produce the best result, says CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan.
Cyclists need to make sure they are well lit as daylight saving ends, say the Cycling Advocates Network.
But those using super-bright LED lights should avoid dazzling other road users.
"Flashing super-bright bike lights can be a distraction, so keep them aimed low," says CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan.
The end of daylight saving on Sunday 7 April means it's time for cyclists to check their lights and batteries, says Mr Morgan.
"Some may be caught out by earlier evening twilight, so we all need to be extra careful."
Better by bike
Life is better by bike, is the message at this year's annual celebration of cycling, Go By Bike Day, 13 February.
"Biking is booming in Wellington," says Cycle Aware Wellington spokesperson Patrick Morgan. "Since 2006 the number of people commuting by bikes has doubled."
He says people are rediscovering the simplicity and convenience of getting about by bike.
"There's a new wave of people riding chic European-styled bikes, fixies, cargo bikes and electric-assist bikes."
Bicycles and summer go together, and kids of all ages will be heading out on new bikes this week.
Cycling Advocates Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan says a bicycle is always near the top of the Christmas wish list.
"This year is no different with TradeMe reporting bikes in the top searches."
"With new cycle trails now open all over New Zealand, it's going to be a biking hot summer."
For those lucky enough to find a bicycle at the foot of the Christmas tree, Cycling Advocates Network has some tips:
New Zealand cycle safety received a significant financial boost this week through a $1.2million investment by the Road Safety Trust.
This monetary commitment is recognition of the quality of BikeNZ's and the Cycling Advocates' Network's (CAN) road safety programmes and will assist with the delivery of BikeNZ's Introduction to Road programme around New Zealand, over a three year period.
News release from Cycle Aware Wellington,
4 December 2012
Roll On Wellington Awards reward the best of cycling
Cycle-friendly workplaces are winning awards from the Wellington cycling community, with Transpower, Inland Revenue and Statistics NZ among the best.
Cycle Aware Wellington presented the Roll On Wellington Awards on 4 December.
Spokesperson James Burgess says the awards showcase the best and brightest of cycling in Wellington.
Cyclists need to make sure they are well lit as daylight saving ends, say the Cycling Advocates Network and Bike NZ.
"The end of daylight saving on Sunday means it's time for cyclists to check their lights and batteries," says CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan.
"Some may be caught out by earlier evening twilight, so we all need to be extra careful."
"Lights, reflectors and high-visibility riding gear make you easier to see," says Mr Morgan.
"Cycling offers the ultimate trip: it's a fast and flexible way to get around, while improving your health at the same time."