New Zealand's first awards for achievement in promoting cycling have been launched.
National cycling organisation the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) today announced the creation of the CAN Cycle-Friendly Awards.
The awards aim to recognise individuals or organisations who have helped to create a bicycle-friendly environment at a national or local level.
CAN is calling for nominations for awards in four categories:
-best cycle facility project
-best cycling promotion
-cycle-friendly commitment by a business
-cycle-friendly commitment by a public organisation
Media Releases
National organisation the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) welcomed today's launch of the Green Light campaign in support of the Land Transport Management Bill.
CAN has joined forces with other organisations to ensure that the Bill is passed.
"The Green Light campaign is about having a transport system that takes account of the needs of all users," said CAN chairperson, Jane Dawson.
"CAN supports the Government's moves to integrate transport planning with environmental, health, economic, social, safety and other concerns," said Ms Dawson.
Transfund's proposed funding for cycling and walking projects over the next decade was described as inadequate by national cycling organisation the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN).
"With promoting walking and cycling as one of the new priorities for the National Land Transport Fund, we would have expected to see a sizeable boost in funding for walking and cycling projects", said CAN chairperson Jane Dawson.
CAN, the national Cycling Advocates' Network, has strongly criticised motoring lobbyists and business interests who are campaigning against road funding for cycling despite indications that motorists are happy to pay for cycle facilities.
A recent Automobile Association (AA) survey of its members, reported in the AA's policy newsletter "Advocate", found 71% support by members (including 23% "strong support") for using road taxes and charges to build cycle paths.
CAN, the national Cycling Advocates Network, has welcomed Air New Zealand's recent move to reduce the costs of carrying bicycles for domestic travellers. The previous Express Class charge of $50 (one-way) to transport items like bikes and surfboards has been reduced to $20.
CAN spokesperson Robert Ibell said that the previous charge appeared to be quite arbitrary compared with the true cost of transporting these items, and CAN (amongst others) had called for a review.
"Cyclists are good for the NZ economy. We should value their contribution to society instead of discouraging them", says the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) chairperson, Jane Dawson. "Increasing the number of journeys done by bike should be one of the Government's priorities. It would have benefits for the health budget, overseas debt, rates, and the cost of providing goods and services."
This week the Minister of Transport, Annette King announced that the NZ Transport Strategy’s (NZTS) combined target for walking and cycling is 30% of all trips in urban areas by 2040, almost double the present figure. To help meet this target, the budget for walking and cycling will more than double over the next ten years.
Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) are petitioning the Ministers of Transport, Police and Road Safety to urgently implement proposed plans to make cyclingsafer. The petition includes a 9-point plan for improving cycle safety. The petition is prompted by the recent deaths in Wellington of Des Eyre and Steve Fitzgerald. After two cyclists were killed on 19 June, the national organisation for everyday cyclists is calling for urgent improvements in roading design and motorist behaviour.
Wellington cyclists are calling for increased investment in cycling facilities, education and promotion to provide a viable alternative to driving, meet the City Council's climate change goals, and help solve traffic congestion.
As petrol crosses the $2 mark people are looking for alternatives to driving.
Advocacy group Cycle Aware Wellington (CAW) made the call in their submission to the Draft Annual Plan this week.