The national organisation for bicycle tourists and commuters, the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN), today lent its support to Nelson MP Nick Smith's call for a mountain-bike track through the Kahurangi National Park.
Media Releases
Two wheels rule on Go By Bike
21 February 2008
The government's new transport target to increase cycling and walking to 30% of all trips by 2040 is welcome, but needs to happen much sooner, says Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) spokesperson Stephen McKernon.
The Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN) is saddened by the death of Christchurch City Councillor and former paralympian Graham Condon in a cycling accident in suburban Christchurch last Saturday.
Recent media headlines suggest one in three cyclists had accidents last year. This is misleading, as about 1 in one thousand cyclists is seriously injured or killed per year, and cycling’s overall safety is comparable to other modes of transport.
New Zealand’s motoring and cycling organisations have joined forces to
urge young cyclists to brighten up and to urge motorists to make space for cyclists.
"With the return of students to schools and universities, plus the onset
of winter, cyclists should brighten up for morning, afternoon, evening, and
bad weather riding. High-visibility riding gear and brighter lights are cheap
and popular, and every cyclist should use them," says Cycling Advocates'
Network (CAN) spokesperson Stephen McKernon.
With daylight saving heralding changes in riding conditions, cyclists are being
urged to light up and brighten up. Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) spokesman
Stephen McKernon says, “Cyclists should light up for morning, evening,
and bad weather riding. Most of the 12 cycling fatalities that occurred in 2005
happened at night. Cycling fatalities have declined over recent years, at the
same time as high-visibility riding gear and brighter lights have become more
popular.”
"We would like to express our deepest sympathy and support for the families of the three cyclists who were struck by cars this weekend, two of them fatally,” says Cycling Advocates´ Network (CAN) spokesperson Stephen McKernon. “Cyclists nationwide will be shocked to learn of these deaths.” “Two of these cyclists were struck from behind in Taupo, during the week of a local campaign to educate motorists about sharing the road safely with cyclists. Another was struck from behind in Matamata,” says Mr. McKernon.
Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN) announces the launch of a new guide helping cyclists with every day cycling. The guide recognises that cycling is enjoyable, makes a difference, and needs to be done responsibly. The launch supports the National Go By Bike Day on Wednesday 28 February 2007.
National organisation the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) today supported a review of blanket open road speed limits, but said the upper speed limit should not be raised from 100 km/h.
CAN also called for speeds in many urban areas to be reduced to 30km/h, reinforced by traffic calming measures.
CAN spokesperson Robert Ibell said there are good safety and environmental reasons for lower speeds.