Regional cycling group Cycle Aware Wellington is unhappy that new rolling stock for the Wairarapa service stock unveiled yesterday does not provide proper facilities for carrying bicycles, despite earlier representations to Greater Wellington Regional Council. Cycle Aware member, Paul Bruce, said that he was one of a number of people to discover that storage space on the new Wairarapa train carriages arriving in the Capital yesterday did not contain any special facilities for bicycles, in spite of a special mention in a Greater Wellington Regional Council flier. A space is available for cycle storage, but there are no restraining straps, or ceiling hooks that would lead to more efficient and safe use of the space. Today's carriages will be followed by 14 more in the coming months, to make up a total of three new trains. According to the flier, each new train can can carry ten...
News: September 2008
Sep
Sep
A route on the seaward side of the rail line is the best way for cyclists and walkers to get between Petone and Wellington, say cyclists. Cycle Aware Wellington spokesperson Alastair Smith says, "We welcome initiatives from Transit NZ and local authorities to address the immediate problems but a long-term solution is needed." "As fuel prices rise, more cyclists want to commute between the Hutt and Wellington, but are discouraged by the lack of a safe route." A seaside route would be a vital link in the Great Harbour Way - a proposed cycling and walking route around Wellington harbour (www.greatharbourway.org.nz). Few opportunities exist in the world to safely walk or cycle the entire coastline of a major city harbour. "A continuous, safe, signposted walkway and cycleway around the whole coastline of Wellington Harbour would benefit not only cyclists and walkers, but also...
Sep
Finalists in the Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards 2008 have been announced today. Finalists in the Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards 2008 have been announced today, in no particular order, as follows: Avanti Award for Best Cycle Facility Project: North Shore City Council for Lake Road, Devonport - Takapuna Cyclelane New Plymouth District Council for Foreshore Coastal Pathway NZTA, Nelson for Atawhai Off-road shared cycleway/walkway NZ Transport Agency Award for Best Cycling Promotion: Tauranga City Council for Kids Can Ride – for life Manawatu TriAthlon Club for Manawatu TriA Club’s Summer Series for Adults & Kids Selwyn District Council & partners for Selwyn Mayoral Cycling Challenge NZ Transport Agency Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by Business: Cycle Tour Operators New Zealand for Group formation & “...
Sep
When: Tuesday 9 September 2008 Where: Bowen House, Wellington, Who: Peter Brown, Deputy Leader, NZ First; Jane Dawson & Robert Ibell, CAN NZ First has not yet finalised its transport policy. Peter Brown was clear that NZ First supports more investment in roads but said the party recognises that roads are also used by cyclists and saw the need for a mix of transport modes. He was open to the idea of making this clear in their transport policy. Peter said several times that they see their role as a support party, but one that has the ability to influence Government. They see one of their achievements was getting all petrol tax going into roading. NZ First are concerned that with more fuel efficient vehicles, and increased fuel prices, revenue from fuel taxes will go down. Therefore another way has to be found to fund roading. He expressed the view that cyclists don't pay...
Sep
a list of BUGs Bicycle User Groups "Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) by their nature, are diverse creatures. They have different habitats and thrive on different nutrients. Despite this, they have a common ground -- the love of the bicycle." Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) are formed by people who want to work together to improve facilities for cyclists and encourage cycling. Many BUGs are workplace based: we all have gripes about inadequate racks, lack of showers and how to get others out of their cars and into the saddle, but we may not know how to change things. One of the main reasons to form a BUG is to win friends and influence people. Forming a BUG can help you decide what you want at your place of work and begin to plan how to get it. BUGs can act as a central information resource and as a forum for other people to get inspired, involved, and informed. BUGs can also be...
Sep
Submission to Greater Wellington proposed 2008/09 Annual Plan Cycle Aware Wellington (CAW) Name: Illona Keenan Position: Submissions Co-ordinator Who is Cycle Aware Wellington? We are a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving conditions for existing cyclists and encouraging more people to bike more often. We are the local advocacy group for cyclists who use their bikes as a means of transport. Since our inception in 1994, we have worked constructively with Greater Wellington on a wide variety of projects. We have reviewed the Greater Wellington Proposed 2008/2009 Annual Plan We wish to be heard in relation to our submission. Submission A key outcome of the Wellington Regional Transport Strategy 2007-2016 is to increase mode share for pedestrians and cyclists. Our submission...
Sep
Windy Wheels 6th September 2008 Being the news and views letter of Cycle Aware Wellington. Important submissions to complete There are two very important policies concerning cycling in the Wellington area needing submissions over the next couple of weeks. These needn't be long - in fact they are more likely to make an impact if concise, perhaps two or three pages long at the most. There are sample submissions on our website, or you can always contact any of the committee, or our submissions co-ordinator, Andre (andrecymb@yahoo.com) if you'd like help. 1. Wellington City Council Cycling Policy Submissions are due for this by 4pm Monday 22nd September Please get you...
Sep
The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) has presented a 3,500-signature cycle safety petition to the Ministers of Transport, Police and Road Safety. The petition was started in response to the tragic deaths of Des Eyre and Steve Fitzgerald on Wellington's roads in July 2008. The petition calls for urgent cycling safety improvements through better planning, funding, roading project criteria, promotion, education and training, speed limits and driver licensing. The petition and other details of CAN's cycle safety campaign can be found at www.can.org.nz/9PointPlanCAN spokesperson Stephen McKernon says, ‘the petition gained nearly 3,500 signatures in just over a month, a significant response given the amount of time for its circulation. About a third of these people also made comments in support of the petition. They strongly supported a range of improvements for cyclist safety, including...
Sep
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is currently consulting on amendments to the Road User Rule. CAN is preparing a submission on this important legal document, as it affects cycling in many ways. You are welcome to contribute to the development of our submission. Please refer to our draft submissions page for more details.
Sep
This is the draft submission to the WCC Draft Cycling Policy.We are using Google Docs to write the document. To view the current version, click on the following link:http://docs.google.com/Doc?id=ddcptvd8_27grzmmwg7If you wish to make a contribution to this work in progress, you are welcome:1. If your contribution is limited to just one or a few aspects of the submission, please leave a comment here in this page, using the comments form.2. If you feel that you have lots to say, or if you would like to review the policy with your own hands, please join the team who is collaborating in the submission. Please send me a message, and I will send you an invitation to collaborate using Google Docs.In any ways, please make your individual submissions as well, and let the others know about it!To find out more about this consultation, please visit the WCC website, following this link:http://www....
Sep
Using Google Maps Below are some notes on how to create a google map of cycle hotspots in your area. It's an easy and effective way of gathering data from many cyclists, and can be a useful resource when talking to your council about what's needed for cycling in your town. Getting Started If you don't have one already, create a gmail account. Go to the link below and follow the instructions http://www.google.com/accounts/NewAccount Then, to get into google maps, go to this website address: http://maps.google.com/maps At very top right click on Sign In Enter email address, password and click Sign In Under the Google Maps logo are two tabs Get Directions and My Maps click on My Maps About halfway down are two boxes Create new map and Browse the directory Click on Create new map Enter a Title and Description...
Sep
Petition to: Hon Annette King, Minister of Transport & Minister of Police; and Hon Harry Duynhoven, Minister of Road Safety, Parliament Buildings, Wellington, New Zealand Recent cyclist fatalities in New Zealand have shown that we need better infrastructure and behaviour on our roads. I support the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) 9-Point Plan for Cycle Safety. I want to see New Zealand's national and local government do the following things in the next two years: 1. Run a national Share the Road promotional campaign telling motorists and cyclists how to co-exist safely on the roads. 2. Change transport planning and funding processes to make sure key problem areas or gaps for cyclists (e.g. Ngauranga to Petone cycleway, Auckland Harbour Bridge) get fixed - no more long delays or buck-passing between various organisations. 3. Spend less on road building and...
Sep
PROPOSED LAND TRANSPORT RULE: Road User Amendment [2009] I am writing to let you know that the yellow draft of Land Transport (Road User) Rule [2009] (Rule 61001/4) is available for public comment. This proposed amendment Rule will amend Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 which sets out requirements for the safe and efficient use of roads by road users (ie driver, riders, passengers, pedestrians and those leading or driving animals). The most significant change proposed in the amendment Rule addresses the risks to safety arising from the use of mobile phones while driving. Other changes proposed in the amendment Rule are intended to improve the safety of road users and to clarify existing requirements. You are welcome to call the NZ Transport Agency Help Desk on freephone 0800 699 000 to obtain a copy of the draft...
Sep
"Managing transport challenges when oil prices rise" is the title of a recent research report, published by the NZ Transport Agency. You'll find that some very bold statements are contained within the report that challenge the conventional thinking of many transport planners. Here are a few examples: Travel and land use have not historically been effectively managed or priced. This has led to structural imbalances that have subsidised private vehicle trips. Current legislative requirements for public consultation may reduce the ability of government agencies to respond swiftly and effectively in the event that fuel prices rose unexpectedly. A paradigm shift is required away from “predict and provide” transport planning to manage and price” type measures. The following summary is provided: This research found that high oil prices are likely to be sustained...
Sep
Subject: Developing Transport Solutions for Regional Economic Development Gil Penalosa is coming to New Zealand. Gil is an internationally renowned expert on alternative transport who has achieved tremendous results overseas, changing the way cities are planned and communities interact. He will be sharing his experiences and revealing how a simple change in behaviour, resulted in incredible changes in attitude, happiness and health for citizens of Bogota, Ottawa and Paris. He is both inspiring and educational. The New Zealand Transport Agency and the New Zealand Recreation Association have partnered to arrange for Gil to host three workshop events. Christchurch - Wednesday 17 September 1:45pm (being held as part of the NZRA National Conference/IFPRA Asia Pacific Congress) Wellington - Thursday 18 September - 1:15pm Auckland - Friday 19 September - 1:15pm Entry...
Sep
Below is a suggested draft list of Cycling Projects to put to ECan based on the SW Annual Plan Submission to ECan. I might be able to set up a meeting later this year (October?) in Timaru to meet with the Transport Planning section in ECan. Alternatively, SW might like to write to ECan, instead or as well? 1. ECan require all buses in Timaru to carry bike racks if the NZ Transport Agency grants exemptions to buses to enable them to legally do this (still waiting for this). What do people think of this? Would bus patronage/cyclist use warrant this, or would it be better to ask selected routes? 2. ECan allocates money to scope if extending bus services to Pleasant Point, Pareora, and St Andrews would be viable. 2. ECan allocates sufficient budget for implementing the Cycling in Canterbury: Strategy for the developement of a regional network of cycle routes...
Sep
Cycle Action Auckland Inc, 52 Hepburn St, Freemans Bay Post Office Box 91-301, AUCKLAND Ph 09 378 0953 www.caa.org.nz Safe and pleasant cycling with the three P's... Provision, Promotion and Policy According to the ARC's Community Perception's Survey only 1% of Aucklanders find cycling "always safe". The key reasons for this are: too many vehicles, speed limits that are too high, aggressive driving, and lack of provision for cycling. This document outlines Cycle Action's recommended approach for improving cycling conditions to enable more Aucklanders to get out on their bikes. The following initiatives have multiple benefits; including improved conditions for walking, reduced emissions from transport, less traffic congestion, and a more vibrant and liveable...
Sep
Gil Penalosa is coming to New Zealand. Gil (http://walkandbikeforlife.org/) is an internationally renowned expert on alternative transport who has achieved tremendous results overseas, changing the way cities are planned and communities interact. He will be sharing his experiences and revealing how a simple change in behaviour, resulted in incredible changes in attitude, happiness and health for citizens of Bogota, Ottawa and Paris. He is both inspiring and educational. The New Zealand Transport Agency and the New Zealand Recreation Association have partnered to arrange for Gil to host three workshop events. • Christchurch - Wednesday 17 September 1:45pm (being held as part of the NZRA National Conference/IFPRA Asia Pacific Congress) • Wellington - Thursday 18 September – 1:15pm • Auckland - Friday 19 September – 1:15pm Entry is free to all participants - but you must...