The WCC strategy and policy committee (effectively the whole council) will be debating Thorndon Quay – Proposed Cycle Improvements at the meeting 3 December. The report presents options and recommends consultation be carried out on the preferred option of a morning peak clearway using the southbound lanes of Thorndon Quay. We should get a slot in the public particpation at the start of the meeting to support the recommendation.
News: November 2009
30
Nov
Nov
This summer plan a trip using the Journey Planner to one of our top destinations, tell us what makes that trip special, and win! Prizes include vouchers, free entry to the participating destinations and more. How do you enter? Go to www.journeyplanner.org.nz, design a trip and send it to us using the feedback form. In your entry, write a couple of sentences about the highlights of your trip. Make sure you include your name, postal address or email contact details so we can let you know if you have won. The competition starts on Wednesday 25 November and runs through until 30 March. Entry is limited to one per person per week. Staff and family of Greater Wellington regional council are not eligible to enter. How does the winner get picked? A random draw of each week’s entries will be made every Wednesday while the competition is on. Winners will be notified by Friday of...
November 30, 2009
Alex admin
26
Nov
Nov
Italian montage of bicicletta-love!
November 26, 2009
Alex admin
26
Nov
Nov
Improving road safety for pedestrians and cyclists in Great Britain Summary Great Britain is one of the safest countries in the world in terms of road deaths and the Department for Transport (the Department) is on track to achieve its overall road safety targets for 2010. It is unacceptable though that, when compared internationally, Great Britain’s record on pedestrian and, particularly, child pedestrian deaths per head of population is some way behind the best. There is nothing worse than a child’s death and we welcome the Department’s commitment to making it a priority to improve performance, but its approach must be one of zero tolerance for child deaths. More generally, pedestrians and pedal cyclists (cyclists) are among the most vulnerable road users. They have little or no physical protection and have a higher rate of fatality per distance travelled than for any other mode...
November 26, 2009
Alex admin
26
Nov
Nov
An analysis of UK urban transport This paper reviews the challenges and opportunities for transport in urban areas. It finds that the impact of transport on the people that live and work in cities goes beyond the benefits of mobility and the economic consequences of congestion. Poor air quality, ill health and road accidents from transport in urban areas all impose significant additional costs on society. Transport also significantly contributes to the negative experiences of urban streets and public spaces. The evidence presented in this paper suggests a growing need for government to define a long-term vision for urban transport which rebalances its competing demands. Such a potential vision could be cities that enable mobility by promoting a wider choice of journey aim to reduce congestion and increase reliability, whilst promoting greater levels of walking and cycling; and...
November 26, 2009
Alex admin
26
Nov
Nov
Cyclists from Kapiti and the surrounding area joined together in a ride of commemoration for Frank van Kampen, a fellow cyclist who was killed by a drunk motorist in September 2009. We had a good turnout of between 100 - 200 riders despite the drizzly morning. Julie & her crew from Manawatu were there and we got excellent TV coverage especially from TV3. Through donations from the riders taking part we raised a thousand dollars for Frank's family. Associate Minister of Transport Hon Nathan Guy and shadow Minister Darren Hughes addressed the riders in person before the ride, and Minister of Transport Hon Steven Joyce sent a letter which was read aloud to the group (attached). The main thing is that Frank got a fitting tribute from fellow riders today and one he would have been so proud of if he was watching.
November 26, 2009
Alex admin
26
Nov
Nov
Kia ora Bike Wise friends February is Bike Wise Month, a NZ Transport Agency initiative that encourages Kiwis of all ages to give cycling a go at one of hundreds of events taking place across the country throughout February. I thought you might be interested in including some of these events on your site. The key events are: • Go By Bike Day: On Wednesday 17 February New Zealanders are being encouraged to bike to work or school instead of going in the car. Breakfast events, including free food and entertainment, are being held in more than 50 locations. For your nearest Go By Bike Day see www.bikewise.co.nz/Site/events. • Mayoral Challenge: Held on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month: New Zealand towns and cities will compete for the honour of the most ‘Cycle Mad City’ by getting as many people as possible to follow their Mayor on a gentle bike ride. The title of...
November 26, 2009
Alex admin
25
Nov
Nov
Just discovered Nelson City Council's Fix-a-gram Just stumbled across this page on the Nelson City Council's website called Fix-a-gram.... http://www.nelsoncitycouncil.co.nz/fix-a-gram/ They're missing 'glass on roads/pathways' but it's a good start. If you haven't used this facility already, please try and submit and give us some feedback on it. If your local or regional authority has a similar link, let us know.
November 25, 2009
Anne F
25
Nov
Nov
As part of the Wellington City Council's cycling strategy, the council is keen to follow up on sump gratings (sometimes called drain gratings) that are a problem for cyclists. Sump gratings are often a problem for cyclists, particularly those with skinny tyres. In 2006 CAW did a report for the council on problem sump gratings. Have all these been fixed? Are there other gratings that are a problem on your favourite route? Add a comment if you know of a grating that should be fixed - give the location (e.g on north side of Brown St, 20m west of intersection with Green St) and why you think it's a problem. We'll collate this and take it back to WCC
November 25, 2009
AlastairS
24
Nov
Nov
District Plan Change 72; Submission from Cycle Aware Wellington 24.11.2009 Car parking should not be enforced off-street for new, or additions to, dwellings in residential areas; Decisions on transport & planning are usually not based on proper surveys. They are too often based on surveys designed to produce the desired result, and the gut reactions of politicians. Off-street car parking rules are one result of this attitude. It was thought to be a good idea but we now have evidence it's not; Safety. Off-street parking was initially introduced because children can run out onto the road between parked cars. We now know at least as much child trauma is created by off-street parking, ie from cars down drives or across footpaths The first 2 bullet points of the Regional Transport Strategy is the promotion of the three active modes of...
November 24, 2009
Patrick
23
Nov
Nov
Frank Fernandez and Tony Brennand of NZTA would like to meet with some CAW people about traffic improvements at Basin Reserve some time after 30 Nov - anyone keen to take this on?
November 23, 2009
AlastairS
23
Nov
Nov
Overall the 2009 CAN Do was a big success, based on feedback from evaluations. Roughly a quarter of the registered attendees filled in an evaluation form and the following information can be gathered from studying the responses. There were a number of items which stood out as being particularly entertaining and informative. From Phillip Darnton's reassuring presentation from Cycling UK, Frocks on Bikes with their chic enthusiasm for the simple pleasures in life, to the local groups' insightful and individual reports, there was much to talk about in the breaks between items. Other speakers that were regularly applauded in the feedback were Fiona Whero on local government submissions, Bevan Woodward's wisdom on how to avoid advocacy “burn-out” and Paul McArdle, keen to get the wheels turning on numerous pro-bicycle campaigns. The screening of Veer, the social evening at the...
November 23, 2009
Patrick
23
Nov
Nov
Antisocial cycling is annoying - but not harmful Instead of getting worked up about the perceived dangers of bad cycling, let's focus on changing the bad driving that killed 2,538 people on UK roads last year A cyclist riding on the pavement in central London - not as dangerous as you might think. Photograph: Bernadette Lou/Rex Features Why do those of us who venture out on two wheels run the risk of being called lycra louts or being compared to the evil overlord of a galactic empire? Take MP David Curry, who once said "the only time I have been knocked down in my life was by a cyclist going like a bat out of hell ... dressed like Darth Vader, as they all do!" Sadly, however, the idea that cyclists are a threat to civilisation seems to show no sign of abating. Much of the concern with antisocial cycling focuses on jumping red lights and riding on the pavement. Both are...
November 23, 2009
Alex admin
20
Nov
Nov
From Leanne Parsons, WCC It would be wonderful if you could add this information to your next news letter. There are activities for kids, families and adults and they are all FREE! Kick-start your summer by discovering the fun and freedom of cycling! We have lots of workshops, events and courses to get you and your friends and family on bikes and having a blast. Even if you don't have a bike you can borrow one for some of our events. Sharpen your skills in mountain biking (adults and children) or road riding or learn the art of commuting to work. Learn to keep your ride in top shape at our maintenance courses or bring the family down to Bike the Bays and enjoy a picnic in Waitangi Park. REGISTRATIONS OPEN NOW For more information go to www.feelinggreat.co.nz Many thanks Leanne
November 20, 2009
AlastairS
19
Nov
Nov
Google Bike Directions Could Be Useful Tool For Cities by Zoe Baldwin Bicycle directions haven't been added to Google Maps yet, but they may be coming soon. Soon to be added to the Google empire are “Bike There” directions on Google Maps, offering cyclists information about nearby bike paths, lanes and trails. The announcement garnered no more than a sentence and a half in a larger company update, but has many in the cycling community waiting on bated breath. Since adding the ‘Take Public Transit” option to Google Maps, Google has regularly shown site visitors that their trip can be accomplished outside of a car. With 22% of the online map market share, Google’s endorsement of public transit and its efforts to make it more accessible are a resounding boon for sustainable transportation. “Bike There” would take that multi-modal approach a step further, by offering non-...
November 19, 2009
Alex admin
19
Nov
Nov
I've put some photos of CANDO and the cycling conference on Flickr
November 19, 2009
AlastairS
18
Nov
Nov
Kia ora Kapiti Cycling, Hutt Cycle Action and CAW, My name is Megan, I'm part of a group of NGOs and community orgs, including Greenpeace, WWF, Oxfam, Unicef, the Anglican church, the CTU, and many others. We have all been involved in organising an event in Wellington on December the 5th, the eve of the Copenhagen climate negotiations, to demonstrate the diversity of the climate movement in New Zealand in calling for ambitious and fair carbon targets. We would like to ask Wellington's branches of Cycle Action Network to be part of the walk from Civic Square to Parliament. I am asking community groups and organisations to attend and show their support for ambitious, fair and binding international carbon targets, and to be visibly identifiable, perhaps with a banner, on bicycles or identifying clothing. The event is thematically tied to a simultaneous event in Auckland...
November 18, 2009
AlastairS
17
Nov
Nov
“Bobbies on Bikes” a winner for Nelson A joint pilot project between Nelson City Council and Police, Bobbies on Bikes won the Commitment by a Public Organisation Award. Marg Parfitt, Nelson’s Road Safety Coordinator, accepted the award and also acknowledged the original seed of the concept coming from local cycle advocacy group, Bicycle Nelson Bays.
November 17, 2009
Anne F
17
Nov
Nov
the 17 Nov meeting of the WCC strategy and policy committee discussed Walking and Cycling Improvements Linked to the Proposed Johnsonville Shopping Centre Redevelopment- Report 5 proposes advance stop boxes, cycle trail, etc.
November 17, 2009
AlastairS
17
Nov
Nov
Hamilton Fleet Bike Why? With congestion and other traffic and parking issues increasing, these bikes will enable your staff to reduce their vehicle usage for short work trips. They are great for getting to and from inner city meetings and, the bikes are fitted with large saddle bags for carrying all the goodies you may need. Download the Application Form (below) and email to the address specified on the form (no need to print it out).
November 17, 2009
Robbie.Price