News: March 2012

Draft Long-Term Plan 2012-2022 is out for consultationThe Draft Long-Term Plan outlines the proposed services for New Plymouth District over the next 10 years, with the first three years in detail. It seeks to reflect what type of community you would like to live in and the things you would like to see made available for your community.The Council would like your feedback on the Draft Long-Term Plan 2012-2022.Submissions can be made by: Completing the online submission form here.Completing the submission form at the back of the summary booklet or full draft plan, or use a blank piece of paper, and post it to NPDC Draft Long-Term Plan Submissions, Reply Paid DX, DX Box NX10026, New Plymouth.Delivering it to the Civic Centre, Liardet Street, New Plymouth; or to the library and service centres in Bell Block, Inglewood or Waitara.Emailing us at enquiries@npdc.govt.nz.Calling us on 06-759...

Cycle Aware Manawatu Update 2012RESOPONSE REQUESTEDHello Cyclists!Its been an active time in the Manawatu for things cycling with the 30 days of cycling bookended by the international cycle races! I'm writing to update you on recent cycling advocacy activities, to find out what you'd like Cycle Aware Manawatu to achieve this year, and how you'd like to be involved.The Cycle Working Group (including Councillors, staff, and cycling enthusiasts/advocates including myself as a community group rep) worked last year and named key areas of importance for cycling in the Manawatu, with the aspiration of making it the best place to cycle in NZ. Much of our work was adopted by Council and appears in the 10 year plan, including everyday cycling initiatives. This is very exciting! It is unprecedented in the Manawatu to have such support for cycling in such a cohesive manner. The links among the...

This April, the first annual Tour of New Zealand cycle ride takes to the road. Whether by relay or pedalling every km, teams will tackle a 7-day road ride, either of the North or South Island, Cape Reinga to the Wairarapa or Bluff to Picton.HIKURANGI AND THE TOUROur favourite part? While we’re looking forward to the hot pools at Hamner, we’re even more excited that the Hikurangi Foundation has been chosen as one of three official recipient charities of funds raised by the Tour. That means teams can choose to turn their ride into a fundraiser with lasting impacts. We’re committing 100% of all funds raised to community–led cycling and innovative transport projects, to help lower our carbon footprint while also keeping us fit, saving money and making our communities better places to live. We’re so excited, that we’re entering two teams ourselves! Fancy joining us? By joining Team Hikurangi...

The Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) and BikeNZ say it is common sense for government and business to fight high fuel prices by investing in cycling.As petrol hits $2.20 a litre, people are looking for alternatives to driving.CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan says local councils and the government need to shift up a gear to soften the impact of high fuel prices."New Zealanders love to bike, but many are put off by our busy roads and a lack of decent cycleways.""The good news is that cycling is a cheap date."Relatively small investments can unleash cycling's potential to cut fuel bills, he said."We urge councils to meet the demand for safe and convenient cycling by investing in cycleways, bike parking, integration with public transport, cyclist training and driver education through the 2012 updates to their Long-Term Plans."Mr Morgan says business can play a part too."Many workplaces...

RR 468 - Living in intensified urban environments: residential self-selection and travel behaviourAuthorsCarolyn O’Fallon, Pinnacle Research & Policy Ltd, WellingtonIan Wallis, Ian Wallis Associates Ltd, Wellington AbstractIn this research project we used a combination of a literature review; an analysis of secondary data and accessibility indices; and an online survey of inner city and non-inner city residents in Auckland and Wellington to examine the impact of urban intensification on people’s travel behaviour, mode choice and household vehicle ownership. A core finding was that inner city residents were more likely to walk and less likely to drive, for any trip purpose, than residents living elsewhere in Auckland/Wellington cities and metropolitan areas. Inner city residents also had demonstrably fewer vehicles...

.Group's next meeting, 5.30 pm, Weds 7th September 2011. Meet at the STOS cafeteria, Devon Street West at 5.30pm.Agenda:Anything from last meeting to be discussed not covered below?NPDC goings on/Lets Go.  Anything to support?NPDC LTCCP coming up.  Timing etc for submissions.2012 2Walk&Cycle conference debrief - best bits to report. Can we find a cool business for New Plymouth's first bike corral60 second raves on what's been good and not so good.Plan a ride?Local content article for next Chainlinks.   

AbstractA  basic  premise  in  this  report  is  that  cycling  should  be  encouraged  because  as  the  number  of  cyclists  increases,  the  attention of  motorists  and  safety  improves;;  however,  an  important  caveat  is  that  the  number  of  cyclists  has  to  be  commensurate  with  the infrastructure  built  for  cycling  to  enhance  their  safety.We  present  an  overview  of  the  risks  associated  with  cycling  to  emphasize  the  need  for  safety.  We  focus  on  the  application  of and  evaluation.  We  use  the  structure  of  the  5  Es  to  organize  information  with  particular  attention  to  engineering  and  education  in the  literature  review.  Engineering  is  essential  because  the  infrastructure  is  vital  to  protecting  cyclists.  Education  is  emphasized  because  safety  is  the  central  focus  of  the  report. Education  in  relation  to...