News: February 2010

Education Advisor – Bike Wise(Fixed term – Parental leave cover April 2010 to April 2011)    Are you passionate about cycle safety?      Do you have a can-do attitude?      Are you calm under pressure?NZTA is currently looking for a fixed term employee to cover a parental leave situation, to manage our national Bike Wise programme that promotes safe cycling as a fun and healthy transport option.As a project manager for Bike Wise you will need to be highly organised, committed and able to think on the go.The role requires that you:      Have strong project or event management experience      Are able to develop and build strong effective relationships with    stakeholders and partners      Develop marketing collateral for this project      Can operationalise strategic directionsThe successful person will be required to hold an appropriate tertiary qualification and have experience in...

FITTEST CHILDREN CYCLE TO SCHOOL, SAYS NEW RESEARCH Walking also leads to significant cardiovascular improvements INDIANAPOLIS – Children who cycle to school are more physically active and fit than those who use other modes of transport, according to new research from the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine. The findings are based a study of 6,000 children, ages 10 to 16, from the eastern region of England. The children’s cardiorespiratory fitness and travel habits were assessed during 2007 and 2008. Students from 23 schools completed a school-travel questionnaire and completed a 20-meter shuttle-run test (a speed and agility exercise) to assess their fitness levels. Researchers found boys who walked to school were 20 percent more likely to be fit compared with those using motorized transport such as bus and automobiles, and girls...

Bikes@Work is a Melbourne-based business helping to promote workplace health and sustainability through active transport initiatives.Active transport (such as walking and cycling) has an important role to play in reducing transport costs, congestion, air pollution, promoting health and enhancing the safety and livability of our cities.The Benefits Investment in cycling has been shown to be good for the bottom line. The UK Traffic Advisory Unit found that organisations that implemented cycling strategies received a return of between $1.33 and $6.50 for each $1 spent in cycle promotion, due to increased productivity.1 Walking and cycling promotion at the workplace also means: A healthier, more productive workforce with lower levels of absenteeism Less space required for parking Less frustration and time wasted in traffic jams A smaller carbon footprint and a great start...

Thirteen cycle trails nationwide are a step closer to becoming part of the national cycleway. New Zealand cycle trail programme manager John Dunn said the 13 had been selected from 54 to proceed to feasibility study stage. All applications were outstanding but, with only $50 million to work with, only those that were "simply superior in every way" had been selected for the next stage," Mr Dunn said. "These applications promise trails of stunning beauty and, along with the previously announced Quick Start projects, will provide a network of about 2000km of iconic great rides," he said. They are: Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycle Trail (Tauranga); Old Motu Coach Road (Opotiki Gisborne); Thermal by Bike (Rotorua); Lake Track (Taupo); Mountains to Sea Cycleway - link (Ruapehu); Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways (Hawke's Bay); Dun Mountain and Tasman Cycle Loop (Nelson Tasman); Old...

Adult Cycle Skills Training Workshops Registrations are now open for the Adult Cycle Training Workshops for trainees. Want to gain confidence cycling around town, learn some new skills and find out how to deal with hazards on the road? Come along to one of our Adult Cycle Skills Workshops which is like a defensive driving course, but for cyclists! Qualified instructors will be running the workshops and afternoon tea is provided. Run by Cycle Aware Manawatu, these workshops are always popular and places are limited so make sure you book early. Dates: Saturday February 20, Saturday March 20, or Saturday April 24 (2010) Time: 10am—3pm Venue: Central Normal School, 201 Featherston Street, Palmerston North Fee: $20 per person, bookings are essential, phone Sport Manawatu 3575349 Project collaboration between Cycle...

C1 The Old Ghost Road West Coast (Mokihinui-Lyell Backcountry Trust) C2 Lake Track (Bike Taupo Cycle Advocacy Group Inc) C3 Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways (Hawke's Bay Regional Council) C4 Tongariro River Trail (The Advocates for Tongariro River) C5 The Kaimai Express (Matamata Piako District Council) C6 Albert Town to Clyde Great Ride (The Upper Clutha Tracks Trust) C7 Clutha Gold Trail (Clutha Gold Trail Trust) ...

NZ Transport Agency has $7 million over 2 years for the Model Communities programme. The funding starts 1 July 2010. Ask your council if they are applying.  NZ Transport Agency has $7 million over 2 years for the Model Communities programme. The funding starts 1 July 2010. "Model communities aim to reduce congestion by providing user-friendly environments for walking and cycling." (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/national-land-transport-programme/2009-2012/strategic-direction.html) NZTA has written to all councils to invite them to apply. Your council transport manager will have the criteria and application instructions. Funding is for infrastructure and is likely to be targeted to just one or two provincial towns or cities. The council and local partners e.g. DHB will be expected to provide funding. This is a significant lump of money. It offers the successful councils a...

A Kapiti Coast grandmother, whose drunk driving caused the death of a cyclist, showed no emotion when she was jailed for two years and two months today. Alison Mary Downer, 71, had earlier admitted causing the death of father-of-two Frank van Kampen on State Highway 1 north of Waikanae last September. In Palmerston North District Court today, Judge Les Atkins also disqualified her from driving for eight years and ordered her to pay reparation of $30,000 to Mr van Kampen's family. Mr van Kampen's partner, Jude Pauwels, had told the court she did not want to accept any money from Downer. But Judge Atkins said the reparatin could be put into an account for her two children. Mr van Kampen's daughter Alexandra was 10 weeks old when he was killed. Ms Pauwels also has a 13-year-old son Dante whose father had previously died. Dante was with Ms Pauwels and a group of...