Got a chip on your shoulder? Or a ‘works end thank you’ sign blocking your shoulder? Contractors doing road repairs follow the Code of Practice for Temporary Traffic Management. The Code sets out where to put signs, temporary speed limits, cones and guarding around road works. It does ask contractors to look after cyclists’ interests but, too often, cyclists using shoulders get pushed out into the live traffic lane to share with motor vehicles by those temporary signs.CAN recently got in touch with the NZTA, who are currently reviewing the Code, and have asked them to insert stronger wording to prevent this happening where people are biking in the shoulder. They’ve taken our feedback on, and hopefully a stronger Code will soon trickle down to contractors on the ground. Meanwhile, if your shoulder is blocked by a long-legged sign and road cone saying ’shoulder closed’...
News: August 2015
Aug
WHO BUYS ELECTRIC BIKES?That is a very good question....would you believe there is a very broad range of people that buy electric bikes these days. Commuters - People looking to use electric bikes to commute to and from work are quite a popular group of customers. These customers will generally live within 30 - 40 kms of their workplace and will commute on their electric bike 3-5 times per week. There are many advantages I have been told; you can get to work quicker as you avoid the traffic jams, you do not need a shower when you get to work as you generally do not raise a sweat, you can get exercise if you wish by reducing the amount of assistance applied by the motor, you dont need to pay for parking and you save money on fuel and help the environment. Some employers even offer financial incentives for this type of travel to and from the office.Regular Bike Riders looking for some...
Aug
Around the NetworkNews snippets & photos around who’s doing what, from Whangarei to Dunedin Bike!WhangareiBike!Whangarei centres round the passionate Paul Doherty. Paul runs a cycle touring business and is deeply involved in community and environmental projects. Recent actions include detailed consultation with Council to maximise the usefulness of Te Matau a Pohe coastal path and, through Whangarei Cycle Commuters group, running Frocks and Fashionable Fellows on Bikes rides. UCP project- Northbound 6.5km off-road Kamo route, connecting most Whangarei schools with the CBD. Waiheke Island Quoting Tanya Batt's recent post on Cycle Action Auckland's website, there's a Bike Sunday every week 10am on Waiheke– bike skills, fun and training for kids from five to fifty five, courtesy of Gary Wilton and the Waiheke Mountain Bike Club...
Aug
Meeting Minister for the EnvironmentCAN arranged a cordial meeting with the Minister for the Environment Dr. Nick Smith, last Saturday August 1st.John-Paul Pochin of Bicycle Nelson Bays came with CAN, and we expressed support for the Government’s Urban Cycleway programme and for the new direction of NZTA. Dr. Smith wondered about cyclists’ financial contribution to roading costs. CAN and BNB presented the case for the huge healthcare cost benefits of cycling.We also chatted about shared-use paths, with Dr. Smith agreeing that a good width of path was essential for comfortable use by both cyclists and pedestrians.Good to have the opportunity to put the case for cycling promotion to Cabinet members.Have you contacted local policy-makers recently? We posted a list of senior politicians, sorted by region, here.