Expert cycling panel welcomedGetting more people on bikes will deliver huge benefits to all New Zealanders, say cycling advocates.An expert panel on cycling safety was announced today by Associate Transport Minister Michael Woodhouse, following a recommendation from Coroner Gordon Matenga.However, a focus on cycling safety alone is unlikely to produce the best result, says Cycling Advocates' Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan."Cycling is not a problem to be solved, but a significant opportunity to deliver a range of benefits: economic, health, transport, clean air, better cities, safer streets, and fun."The Get Britain Cycling report from the UK's All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group offers a useful model, says Mr Morgan."Making cycling safer, convenient and attractive should be a top priority for New Zealand, if we want a healthy and prosperous future.""With one and...
News: February 2014
Feb
Central City Safer Speed Limit - Cycle Aware Wellington submissionFeb 2014We would like to present our submission verbally. Cycle Aware Wellington is a voluntary, not-for-profit organisation aimed at improving conditions for existing cyclists and encouraging more people to bike more often. We advocate for cyclists who use their bikes for recreation and transport. Since 1994, we have worked constructively with local and central government, NZTA, businesses, and the community on a wide variety of cycle projects. We represent 600 members and supporters.Key points of our submission1 We strongly support lowering the speed limit in central Wellington to 30km per hour. 2 We want the 30km zone extended to more of Taranaki Street and Willis Street.Improved safety for all central Wellington road users, especially the most vulnerableLower...
Feb
CAN Submission to WCCFeb 2014Cycling Advocates Network supports the Council's proposal to improve pedestrian, cyclist and motorist safety in the CBD by lowering the speed limit to 30km/h.SafetyThe Safer Journeys strategy (Ministry of Transport 2010) states that: "Pedestrians currently account for 10 percent of all road deaths and cyclists 3 percent. However, in urban areas, pedestrians and cyclists account for 30 percent of all road deaths. The majority of crashes involving a cyclist or pedestrian and a motor vehicle occur on urban roads, particularly busy urban arterials where vehicle speeds tend to be higher.The evidence shows that the most obvious way to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in urban areas, is to reduce vehicle speeds. The faster a driver is going the harder it is for them to avoid hitting someone in their...
Feb
caption: Hagley Park, ChristchurchWellington City Council is proposing to build a safer cycling route from island Bay to the Wellington CBD. No one thinks making people cycle up busy Island Bay Parade and Adelaide Rd is a good idea. What are the best ways forward?A DomPost story quotes Ray from the golf club and Paul from the Council but no cyclists.Here's our 2 cents.Good on Ray for defending his turf. The golfers have worked hard to revive the Mornington club, and it's no surprise they are cautious about proposals for a walking / cycling path.It's often said, people are entitled to their opinions, but not their own facts.So what are the facts?1. No decisions have been made, with WCC consultation starting next month.2. Cycle Aware Wellington has made three offers to meet with Ray and discuss. He declined.3. CAW held a well-attended public meeting in August 2013 to let people...
Feb
You may have seen our volunteers at Go By Bike Day sporting these great Love Cycling Wellington t-shirts. Now you can order your own!Until Feb 28, you can place an order for one of these beauties and spread the cycling love around the city. Email info@caw.org.nz to place your order (be sure to let us know if you want Male/Female and what size XS,S,M,L,XL).Then simply transfer $35 to Cycle Aware Wellington's account, with your name and 't-shirt' as the reference. Cycle Aware Wellington38-9012-0895543-00Once the order period has closed off on Feb 28, we'll get them printed and you can pick them up from the Sustainability Trust on Forresters Lane (off Tory St).
Feb
Cycle Aware Wellington is hiring a part-time campaign manager. We need a person to run an effective campaign for quality cycle lanes.This will be a significant year for cycling in Wellington. In 2013 we voted for a bike-friendly council and have upped the cycling budget to $4.3 million. The next major project is the Island Bay - CBD route. Making sure this is a high-quality cycling route is our key task, as it will set the tone for the future. There are significant stakeholder issues to resolve. Without strong community support we risk getting a poor quality cycling route. TasksRecruit supporters, build a database, build relationships with stakeholder groups, fundraise, create publicity materials, and advocate through social media, news media, and meetings. Manage CAW volunteers for this campaign.The campaign manager will be supported by the CAW Committee and CAN...
Feb
Message from Sport Wellington - nice idea to bike the course before the event!"The annual AMI Round the Bays run/walk is on. This is a Police / NZTA / Council enforced total road closure to cyclists. Avoid Evans Bay road.Beat the system: Head east on Oriental Bay BEFORE 7.30am so you are well ahead of the closure. Or in the afternoon enter Shelly Bay from 1pm. Yes Roseneath is open all day so bypass Evans Bay road.Previous issues involve cyclists going up the back of the event and walkers / joggers have been hit – not good! Last year photos were taken of cyclists on the course and later identified.Also note a large amount of vehicles will be detouring between CBD, Newtown and Kilbirnie / Airport.See attached and the highlighted bits in yellow will help.http://www.wellingtonroundthebays.co.nz/ "