The annual cycle-friendly awards are upon us again! This year's nominations have yielded a bumper crop of exemplary projects and cycling champions. The judges were hard pressed to select the best from among so many strong nominations: Competition was so close that several categories produced more than the usual three finalists.
Media Releases
Allowing bicycles to be fitted with stop lamps and direction-indicator lamps is a good idea, say cyclists.
Cycling Advocates Network spokesman Patrick Morgan says updating the rules around bicycle lights makes sense.
"With bright LEDs and powerful batteries, modern bike lights are better than ever. Allowing stop lights and turn indicators on bikes is a sensible move, but these are no substitute for clear hand signals, using lots of eye contact with other road users, and safe riding habits."
Volunteers in New Zealand will fix bikes as part of the world's largest day of practical action to fight climate change.
On Sunday October 10, people across the planet will pick up spanners, hammers, and shovels and join the 10/10/10 Global Work Party.
Organizers of Bike Fix-up events in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin expect hundreds of people to haul disused bikes out of sheds and, with the help of volunteer mechanics, get them back on the road.
Give way rule change is good news for cycleways
Changes to the give way rules were welcomed by cyclists today.
Cycling Advocates Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan said cyclists have for many years advocated for a change of the rules, so that right turners give way to opposing left turners.
"This change will be beneficial for all road users, as it makes the decision making process easier when turning."
"In addition, we see the give way rule change as a necessary pre-cursor for a review of the right of way when travelling along a road corridor."
Early morning cyclists need to make sure they are well lit in the dim mornings following daylight saving, say cycling advocates.
"The start of daylight saving on Sunday means more cyclists about, but some may be caught out by morning twilight," said CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan.
"Lights, reflectors and high-visibility riding gear make you easier to see," said Mr Morgan.
With popular events such as the Taupo Cycle Challenge just two months away, many riders will be making the most of lighter evenings to pile on the miles.
Cycling advocates are calling for a ceasefire in the latest skirmish between some drivers and cyclists.
A public dispute has been sparked by news of an Auckland cyclist who uses video cameras and lasers to track aggressive drivers.
TVNZ story here.
Cycling is a great way to get around, and an activity enjoyed by more than a million New Zealanders says Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) spokesperson, Patrick Morgan.
Cycling advocates are calling for a ceasefire in the latest skirmish between some drivers and cyclists.
Two Dunedin men say they were attacked while riding near Outram on Saturday.
Cycling is a great way to get around, and an activity enjoyed by more than a million New Zealanders says Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN) spokesperson, Patrick Morgan.
Hastings and New Plymouth will benefit from a $7.28 million Model Communities project aimed at getting more people cycling and walking.
Cycling groups welcomed the news.
"Everyone wins when there's more people walking and biking," said Cycling Advocates' Network spokesperson Anne FitzSimon.
"There will be less traffic congestion, less pollution, people will be healthier, and businesses will benefit from more cycling tourism."
Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) says reverse-in parking is better for people in cars and pedestrians as well as cyclists.
CAN spokesperson, Anne FitzSimon, applauds New Zealand Transport Agency support for reverse-in parking.
"Reverse-in parking improves the driver's view when pulling out of parking spaces."
"It's safer for passengers as they face the footpath when getting out of a car. It's also easier to access a car boot from the footpath rather than standing in the road."
"And it greatly reduces conflict with cyclists."
The Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) congratulates the NZ Police for their successful campaign on lower speeds.
CAN spokesperson, Anne FitzSimon, says, "Well done New Zealand, our best road safety record for a holiday weekend in one hundred years!"
"CAN urges the Police to extend its successful campaign on lower speeds permanently."