News: August 2008

Paul Doherty has been appointed Executive Director of Cycling Support N.Z. Inc. He will take up the position on 22 April 2002. Mr Doherty is 37 and graduated from the University of Auckland with a first class honours degree in Civil Engineering. His professional experience has been in the design and construction of highways both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom where he lived and worked for six years. Mr Doherty says that his background in highways will stand him in good stead for his role as New Zealand's first full-time cycling advocate. In fact it was his experience with roading in the UK that allowed him to see the potential of the humble bicycle. "This is an exciting challenge for me. The Government has taken some very positive steps in recognising the benefits of cycling to our communities with the Minister of Sport Fitness and Leisure Hon. Trevor Mallard's recent Task Forse...

The Government's draft transport strategy is welcome because it is looking at a transport system where people have real choices about how they move around, said the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) today. "The strategy starts to redress the imbalance in funding that has seen people encouraged to drive and created conditions where biking, walking or taking public transport is too unattractive" said CAN chairperson Jane Dawson. Allowing the current growth in motor vehicle travel is economically and environmentally unsustainable. It also creates huge costs in the health system, with the population becoming less active. "The draft isn't perfect, but it is a good start," said Ms Dawson. ENDS For further comment contact: Jane Dawson, Cycling Advocates Network, 04-382 2738 or 04-972 2552 -- Jane Dawson Cycling Advocates' Network of NZ Inc. PO Box 6491, Auckland, NZ Tel/Fax: +64-4-972 2552 http...

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN), the national group representing cyclists as road users, today welcomed the Government's road safety package. CAN Campaigns Secretary Robert Ibell stated that "The proposals are a significant improvement over the status quo, and we offer our qualified support. We're disappointed, however, that the Government has not committed itself to working towards a vision of zero fatalities." "Given that around 20% of trips are undertaken on foot and by bike, we appreciate the increased focus on the safety of these modes", Mr Ibell said. "The commitment to undertake annual monitoring of travel will give valuable planning data for walking and cycling." CAN welcomes the increased focus on Safe Routes programmes that aim to improve access to the road network for pedestrians and cyclists, but regrets that these are linked to injuries. "There are places where people...

Toast for NZ's most efficient vehicle New Zealand's most fuel efficient and environmentally friendly vehicle will be toasted outside Parliament Buildings on Wednesday. And no, it won't have taken part in the EnergyWise Rally. Cyclists will assemble to celebrate the benefits of the bicycle, having been denied the opportunity to compete in the four day rally. Wellington cyclist Patrick Morgan, a member of the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN), tried to enter the rally and found that the rules excluded bicycles. "Cyclists are powered by toast and emit virtually no pollution. There's no way even the most modern motor vehicle can compete with the bike. We're cycling to Parliament to celebrate that." said Mr Morgan. "It's important to reduce the environmental impact of cars, but it's much better still to use them less", said Mr Morgan. "People get too obsessed with high-tech solutions to...

The Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) welcomes the New Zealand Transport Strategy and is pleased to see the emphasis on integrating the different transport modes. "Cycling has been left off the map for too long," said CAN chairperson Jane Dawson. "It is great to finally see an official document which recognises that motor vehicles are not the only users of roading space." "It is also pleasing to see a recognition that promoting cycling can improve safety for everyone and improve the health of the nation, and that cycle tourism has a role in regional development." The New Zealand Transport Strategy says that transport policy will ensure that the needs of cyclists are catered for, and that walking and cycling will be promoted for short trips. However, the Cycling Advocates' Network is disappointed that the Strategy does not contain obvious implementation mechanisms. "Many of the ideas in...

Finalists in the second annual Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) Cycle-Friendly Awards have just been announced. The thirteen nominations include bike parking facilities, a promotional video, staff "bicycle user groups" (BUGs), and traffic equipment hire for cycling events. Devised by CAN, the national organisation promoting everyday cycling, the Cycle Friendly Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate some of the most notable achievements in the country that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. The Awards are supported by sport and recreation agency SPARC. Nominations were called for in four categories: best cycle facility project, best cycling promotion, cycle-friendly commitment by a business and cycle-friendly commitment by a public organisation. Over twenty nominations were received this year. CAN chairperson Robert Ibell was pleased with...

With the price of oil hitting record highs cycling is becoming even more attractive as a way to get around. National cycling organisation Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) says that as driving becomes more expensive, New Zealanders of all ages are rediscovering their love for the humble push-bike. "The days of cheap oil are over. As the price goes up cycling becomes more and more attractive." said CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan. After decades of decline, cycling to work is on the increase in some parts of New Zealand. "We're noticing new recreational cycling events springing up everywhere now. And attendance at fun rides like Round Taupo is at an all time high." said Mr Morgan. "Our members are noticing lots more cyclists out and about". "Not having to pay for petrol is only one of the benefits of cycling. It's also non-polluting, healthy, and best of all, it's loads of fun." said Mr...

Finalists in the inaugural CAN Cycle-Friendly Awards have just been announced. The twelve projects include cycle racks for patrons at Sierra cafe in Takapuna, Christchurch City Council's Colombo St cycle lanes, National Bike Wise Week 2003, and a model cycling strategy developed by Environment Canterbury. Devised by national organisation the Cycling Advocates Network and supported by SPARC, the CAN Cycle Friendly Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate some of the most notable achievements in the country that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. Nominations were called for in four categories: best cycle facility project, best cycling promotion, cycle-friendly commitment by a business and cycle-friendly commitment by a public organisation. Sixteen nominations were received. One of the judges, CAN chairperson Jane Dawson, said they were...

National cycling organisation the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) today called on national and local government to invest much more heavily in creating a bicycle-friendly environment to help tackle the obesity epidemic. "It's vital to get New Zealanders to build physical activity back into their daily lives," said CAN chairperson Robert Ibell. "Government at both a local and national level have to invest much more money in developing environments that will encourage people to cycle or walk for everyday journeys." Welcoming the new report 'Tracking the Obesity Epidemic', launched yesterday by the Ministry of Health, Mr Ibell said "We have very clear evidence of the huge scale of the problem with obesity in New Zealand. Now we need to see government putting resources into tackling the problem, and encouraging active transport is an important part of the solution." CAN is calling on local...