Hey all This has all come up quite last minute but I've hit the ground running with it and am getting it out to all the networks! Please pass this on to your contacts. Is there a way to send this out to everyone who's a member of CAW?? Saturday, 22 August Wellington cyclists are gathering for a photo op and a group cycle ride. The aim is to promote cycling as a low-carbon form of transportation and to raise further awareness about the need for safe cycle lanes in the city. We will start the day at 11.45am in front of St Johns by the waterfront (5 Cable St, near Mac's Brewery) where we will form a huge 350 human/cycle sculpture, take a great photo, tell the media what we're doing and why, and then go on a short cycle ride. Kashi Leuchs (3x Olympic Mtn Bike rider), Frocks on Bikes, Cycle Aware Wellington (CAW) and avid/recreational cyclists will all be there. So come out and...
News: August 2009
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PEDALING REVOLUTION: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities By Jeff Mapes. 228 pp. Oregon State University Press. Paper, $19.95 http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/31/books/review/Byrne-t.html Full disclosure: I’ve ridden a bike around New York as my principal means of transport for 30 years, so I’m inclined to sympathize with the idea that a cycling revolution is upon us, and that it’s a good thing. Like Jeff Mapes, the author of “Pedaling Revolution: How Cyclists Are Changing American Cities,” I’ve watched the streets fill over the years with more and varied bike riders. It’s no longer just me, some food delivery guys and a posse of reckless messengers. Far from it. more at the link above
Aug
New cyclists encouraged to get on their bikes13 August 2009New cyclists encouraged to get their ‘trainer wheels’ onBeginner cyclists are encourage to join the BNZ TrainerWheels Programme to assist them in their first attempt at the Wattyl Lake TaupoCycle Challenge, which will be held on November 28.The BNZ-sponsored programme is aimed at providing supportand encouragement to beginner cyclists who may be interested in participatingin one of the events which form the Cycle Challenge, New Zealand’s largestcycling eventGlenn Patrick, BNZ Chief Operating Officer – Retail says,“We are very excited to be a part of this event. The BNZ Trainer WheelsProgramme encourages people who wouldn’t normally ride to have a go and set agoal to participate in the Cycle Challenge.”BNZ Trainer Wheels is aimed at those wanting toparticipate in a first time attempt of the iconic Lake Taupo event either as...
Aug
Cycling New Zealand re-branding 13 August 2009 Cycling New Zealand re-branding signals closer relationship with BikeNZ. Cycling New Zealand, a member organisation of BikeNZ, announced their re-branding to be known as ‘BikeNZ- Road &Track’ from today. “It is vital to the ongoing success of road and trackcycling in New Zealand that we adopt a ‘one brand’ policy with anything relating to cycling, and use the BikeNZ brand,” says BikeNZ Road & Track President Garry Bell. BikeNZ Road & Track are the volunteer member organisation of BikeNZ, charged with guiding road and track cycling in New Zealand. “New Zealand’s National Road and Track Cycling Championships have been branded BikeNZ for a number of years, but it was a logical step in order to eliminate any confusion from our members or the wider public.” The re-branding also signifies a closer working...
Aug
More sport won’t stop the obesity epidemic A press release by FOE (Fight the Obesity Epidemic), 11 August 2009 “Increasing physical activity is an excellent way of improving health for all individuals and sport has a role,” says Dr Robyn Toomath. “The new Kiwisport initiative will be great for some kids, but we know that most won’t persist with organised sport once they leave school. We need to make it easier for everyone to be more physically active, including making the environment safer for walking and cycling instead of building cities around car users.” Dr Toomath, a diabetes specialist, is also spokesperson for FOE (Fight the Obesity Epidemic). She was commenting on the Prime Minister’s announcement today that $82million is to be spent on children’s sport. “We need to ask how the Government is going to measure the effectiveness of this investment as a means of increasing...
Aug
Image via Core77 It's hard to say no to a glowing bike, especially when it looks tight as hell and could save your life in a dark intersection. The folks at Bicycle Design pointed us to a Core77 post about the Pulse, a tasty single-speed concept generated by design firm Teague. Designer Dana Krieger calls the Pulse a "tribute to the triangle," and, at least on paper, it packs a healthy dose of tech-forward features like turn signals, brake lights, and of course the luminous frame. Images via Core77 But don't get too excited. The Pulse is a just a concept (like this glowing Puma bike), and as an observant commenter over at Bicycle Design noted, the glowing frame does conspicuously overlap the crank in the renderings. Teague's short vid on the bike doesn't flesh things out much, either. Nevertheless, an illuminated frame is a legitimate notion, especially...
Aug
Celia Wade-Brown and Paul Bruce are organising a meeting on transport issues for Owhiro Bay - any volunteers for a CAW rep? ===== After a number of comments from residents in Owhiro Bay, and discusions regarding car pooling, bus services etc, Paul Bruce and I've got a modest public meeting organised for the 20th August, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Owhiro Bay School. I have had some earlier correspondence regarding this with Jill Beck, Ping Sim and Jane Davis in GW. It is likely to be billed as "Transport issues in Owhiro Bay - buses, walking, cycling and cars - how to help each other get around safely!" We expect to publicise via flyers, also in the school newsletter and by e-mail. Suggested agenda is Introductions - Celia Issues - led by local resident Destinations people need to get to - produce list from participants Times people need to travel Current problems...
Aug
The August meeting of Squeaky Wheel took place at 5.30 on Tuesday 4th.Present were Ron Paulin, Liz Cutler, Max De Lacey, Simon Davenport and Jon Harris.Simon Davenport, transportation engineer with the Timaru District Council, spoke to us about his work in engineering speed environments on Timaru streets.The August meeting of Squeaky Wheel took place at 5.30 on Tuesday 4th.Present were Ron Paulin, Liz Cutler, Max De Lacey, Simon Davenport and Jon Harris.Simon Davenport, transportation engineer with the Timaru District Council, spoke to us about his work in engineering speed environments on Timaru streets.The presentation was first delivered by Simon at the most recent meeting of the CAT Forum (Canterbury Active Transport), and the slides, which show views of various Timaru streets demonstrating design elements can be downloaded and viewed in full from the ECAN website on the following...
Aug
From NZTA: Cycling and walking set to be safer at Petone. A new cycleway connection at Petone is set to improve access and safety for bikers and walkers this summer. Currently walkers and cyclists exiting or entering Petone from Ngauranga have to negotiate the large Petone roundabout. A new off road cycle/walkway will run from the Water Ski Club access road, under the Petone overbridges and along to Hutt Road next to the roundabout, where it will connect into the existing cycleway. This will separate walkers and cyclists from other traffic, allowing them to travel safely. A ramp will also be built from the Water Ski Club access road up to the southbound SH2 Petone on ramp to provide a link to the existing Petone to Ngauranga cycleway. Work, including the construction of a new bridge over the Korokoro stream, is expected to be complete in November. ...
Aug
Posted on behalf of Michelle Stevenson, Transport Safety Coordinator, WCC I'm currently running a 2 month trial for a free cycle bell, with the support of 3 retailers in Wellington City. Attached is a pdf of the voucher that can be emailed and printed off to be redeemed at any of the 3 shops listed. If you would like to circulate this around your networks I would be most grateful. Vouchers will also be available from all libraries, and will be handed out to cyclists during any checkpoints. If this trial is successful I would be very interested in extending this through summer also. We're hoping to encourage more cyclists to be seen and heard, particularly on shared pathways coming up behind pedestrians (ie the waterfront), through tunnels etc. There is also potential benefit if cyclists see drivers about to exit a car, being able to make some noise and alert...
Aug
There's an article in the Hutt News about Hutt City's reaction to the national cycle routes - supportive comments by Mayor David Ogden about GHW et al.
Aug
Antonio Bradley of Hutt News is writing an article on the changes to cycling infrastructure on SH2 between Petone and Ngauranga. If you cycle this route, and have views about the changes, contact Antonio on aghbradley@gmail.com
Aug
Photo: Dominic Hargreaves See it In Action in the Video Below The Contortionist is a folding bike created by 24-year-old Royal College of Art student Dominic Hargreaves. It's got quite a beautiful design, but what makes it extra special is that the whole thing folds into a package that fits inside the 26-inch wheels. It's the best of both worlds: It folds down to a small enough package that you can easily carry or store it, but it doesn't have the ride quality problems that make tiny-wheeled folding bikes unattractive to many. You really need to see the video of the Contortionist in action (below) to see how brilliant it is! Photo: Dominic Hargreaves Production Model Could be Coming Soon The Contortionist has been shortlisted for this year's James Dyson Award (and we wouldn't be surprised if it won). That could mean £10,000 for Dominic...
Aug
Articles downloaded from Manawatu Standard website Wed 5 Aug 2009. To access click on the links below or open the attachment below to which they have been copied into a single document. Cyclists Thrown A Lifeline Plan To Draw Cycle Tourists Editorial: Let's go cycling Opinion: My view -NZ as cyclists mecca
Aug
for those at NZTA who believe Auckland harbour bridge has no capacity for a cycle lane, they need to see this video. http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/04/video-bike-rush-hour-in-portland-oregon.php Sridhar
Aug
WCC is proposing to introduce 30km/hr speed limits for the Aro Valley and Tinakouri Rd shopping areas - submissions due 28 August - do we have a volunteer to put these submissions together?
Aug
Bicycle lifestyle blog Copenhagenize has shared some striking photos of a local Copenhagen beach at Amager Strand Park. In a wonderful illustration of how pervasive the usage of bikes are in the city, the images show off the beach’s 5000 bike racks, all of which are filled to overflowing on any given weekend day. As one commenter on Copenhagenize said “It’s the ideal life for a green planet”. Why not organise a 'beach ride' (or ride to an iconic feature) in your area and occupy the space for a day! See http://www.copenhagenize.com/2009/07/bicycles-and-copenhagen-beaches.htmlBikes at Beach, Copenhagen
Aug
Personal cycle lane New Scientist article describes a portable cycle "Light Lane" that straps to the back of a bike. A laser projects an image of a cycle lane onto the road directly behind the cyclist to remind approaching cars to leave room.