News: June 2008

More than 500,000 journeys per day are undertaken by bicycle in London. There has been a 91 per cent increase in the number of people cycling on London's major roads since Transport for London (TfL) was created in 2000. To continue to support the huge rise in the popularity of cycling in the Capital, the Mayor Boris Johnson and TfL are investing a further £55m in cycling this year - up from £36m last year, and a ten-fold increase on the £5.5m spent on cycling in 2000. The London Travel Report shows that two per cent of all journeys made in the Capital are now made by bicycle. The above information is from a TfL press release. Can we put this into perspective for NZ? With a population of some 7.4m, Greater London has nearly twice the population of NZ (4.268m), and five times the population of Auckland (1.4m). TfL fully funds the local boroughs for cycle infrastructure, whereas in NZ...

NASA has discovered tracks on the moon. (test content)

After two cyclists were killed today, the national organisation for everyday cyclists is calling for urgent improvements in roading design and motorist behaviour.Cyclist fatalities show need for better infrastructure and motorist behaviour After two cyclists were killed today, the national organisation for everyday cyclists is calling for urgent improvements in roading design and motorist behaviour. Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) chairperson Robert Ibell said tonight that the deaths of two cyclists in the Wellington region show that central and local government are not moving fast enough to make roads safer for cycling. A car door carelessly opened into the path of a 61 year old cyclist in Upper Hutt caused his death this morning when he was thrown into the path of a car. And a cyclist riding northbound from Wellington was killed tonight on the Petone off-ramp. "Neither of these...

9:55AM Thursday June 19, 2008 A person is dead after a fatal traffic accident outside St Patrick's College in Upper Hutt. Sergeant Bruce Mackay said details of what happened are not clear at this stage and emergency services are at the scene. Mr Mackay said both lanes on Fergusson Drive have been closed and drivers can expect delays. He said diversions have been put in place. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/1/story.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10517229&r...

Target 1 The Annual Land Transport Road Safety Report and Residential Satisfaction Survey show a reduction in the number of reported cycle crashes and an improvement is shown in the perception of safety [end of targets] What is the Council's position on cycle safety in the city? Policy 1.1 Every opportunity to make the city as safe as possible for cyclists must be explored Policy 1.2 Cycle friendly traffic-calming measures will be implemented as required to moderate motorists speeds How will council do this? Proposed Actions 1.1 Adopt best practice guidelines for cycle network and route planning 1.2 Regulate for lower speed limits in local streets to provide alternatives to busy main roads where appropriate 1.3 Deliver road safety campaigns targeting both motorists and cyclists with a focus on reducing cycle injuries 1.4 Deliver awareness campaigns on the...

The Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) welcomes the release of a discussion document proposing compulsory third party insurance for all motorists. The document was released today by Minister of Transport Safety Harry Duynhoven. CAN policy includes support for the introduction of compulsory third party insurance. CAN spokesperson Axel Wilke says, 'CAN believes we should have compulsory third party insurance to provide for property damage. We also believe the ACC motor vehicle account funding should be restructured so the flat levy is replaced by a levy based on driver characteristics (e.g. age and driving record). This means a much clearer relationship between higher risk motorists and the costs of motoring.'

A sustainability theme runs through many of the submissions to the Timaru District Council's annual plan. The council will consider submissions on the plan on Tuesday, and among the 48 received are a number raising the issues of rising fuel prices, alternatives to electricity, and energy efficiency. Submitters have asked the council to reduce or eliminate the building consent cost of installing a solar water heating unit, encourage wise use of water resources, and consider alternative means of transport such as rail and cycling. Smart Energy Ltd suggests the council follows the lead of other progressive councils and waives the fee for solar hot water installations. "Energy demand/supply/reliability/cost issues are having a big impact on New Zealanders and the council should be looking at encouraging, not impeding, energy efficient initiatives and solutions. "Zero fees for solar hot...

Inaugural post at the Test Group Site - body

This Kim Hill National Radio interview (from Saturday morning - 7 June 08) is excellent. Alan Hart is a Nelson-based geologist who has worked on the front line of the oil industry for over 30 years... It's very informative and an absolute "must listen to" for 27 minutes if you want to know which way the oil price will be going.