Media Releases

Get on your bike to beat high fuel prices, say cyclists

The Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) and BikeNZ say it is common sense for government and business to fight high fuel prices by investing in cycling.

As petrol hits $2.20 a litre, people are looking for alternatives to driving.

CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan says local councils and the government need to shift up a gear to soften the impact of high fuel prices.

"New Zealanders love to bike, but many are put off by our busy roads and a lack of decent cycleways."

"The good news is that cycling is a cheap date."

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Best cycling projects and champions announced

New Zealand's best cycling projects, campaigns and champions were announced at the 2 Walk and Cycle Conference in Hastings today.

The finalists were applauded for their contributions to making cycling a fun, safe everyday activity for all New Zealanders.

The Department of Conservation and NZTA banded together to provide world class cycling and walking paths between Fox and Franz Josef glaciers. The success of this effort along with the techniques learned hold promise for better access to all of New Zealand's Parks.

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Cycle Friendly Awards Finalists and Winners

Congratulations to the 2012 Cycle-Friendly Awards Winners

 

MWH award for Best Cycle Facility Project

Te Ara a Waiau Walkway / Cycleway & Te Weheka Walkway / Cycleway (Fox and Franz Glaciers Access Project) - Dept. of Conservation, NZTA


NZTA award for Best Cycling Promotion Project

i-Way Share the Road Campaign - Hastings District Council


Dunedin City Council award for Cycle Friendly Commitment by a Business

Auckland Harbour Bridge - Copeland/Airey


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Merry Cycling Christmas

Bicycles and summer go together, and kids of all ages will be heading out on new bikes this Christmas.

Cycling Advocates' Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan says a bicycle is often near the top of the Christmas wish list.

In 2005 a BBC poll ranked the bicycle as the favourite invention, ahead of electricty and the internet.

For those lucky enough to find a bicycle at the foot of the Christmas tree, Cycling Advocates' Network has some tips:

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Roll On Wellington Awards reward the best (and worst) of cycling

Volunteer trail builders are the heroes of the Wellington cycling community, winning the award for the best piece of cycling infrastructure.

Cycle Aware Wellington presented the first Roll On Wellington Awards on 6 December.

Spokesperson Claire Pascoe says the awards showcase the best and brightest of cycling in Wellington.

"They're a great opportunity for the cycling community to show their support for the things they love in Wellington. There were lots of winners on the night... as well as a few who lost out."

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Advice for drivers and cyclists follows Dunedin crash

Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and BikeNZ have issued advice for drivers and cyclists following a fatal crash in Dunedin this morning.

Although the details of the crash have not yet been released, CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan has reiterated advice to all road users about proven ways to reduce the chances of a crash.

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Advice for cyclists and drivers follows truck, bus crashes

Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and BikeNZ have issued advice for drivers and cyclists following two crashes involving cyclists in Hamilton this afternoon, one of which was fatal.

Although the details of the crashes have not yet been released, CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan has reiterated advice to all road users about proven ways to reduce the chances of a crash.

"We know that reducing speeds is an effective road safety measure. Safer speed limits save lives."

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Cyclists welcome inquest into cycling deaths

Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and BikeNZ welcome the Coroner's inquest into eight recent cycling deaths.

CAN spokesperson, Patrick Morgan said cycling is a wonderful sport and way to get from A to B,
but we need to do much more to make it safer.

"The Coroner's inquest is an opportunity for a major re-think on road safety."

"We expect the 1.5 million New Zealanders who ride bikes to take a close interest."

The inquest will examine whether there were any patterns in relation to the deaths and if possible law changes were needed.

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Churchill Fellowship for cycle skills trainer

Cycling Advocates Network manager Patrick Morgan will travel to Europe in September to study best-practice cycle training programmes. The study trip is partly funded by a Winston Churchill Fellowship.

Report: It's as easy as riding a bike

Mr Morgan says cycling skills can be acquired informally or taught in training programmes.

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BikeNZ/CAN/NZTA Cyclist Skills Instructor training course dates

It has been announced that BikeNZ and CAN have been appointed by the NZ Transport Agency to train cyclist skills instructors in order to fulfil a new NZQA qualification. This new national standard is to ensure cycle skills instructors, whether they are delivering the BikeNZ Learn to Ride programme or any other certified programme, have the knowledge and skills needed to teach both adults and children to ride safely.

Three Grade One courses will be held in June, with a further 12 courses being run over the next year to cover grades one to three of the NZTA guidelines.

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