News: February 2016

26
Feb

Shifting gears, embracing changeWhy Wellingtonians will embrace cyclewaysOpinion for the DomPost29 February 2016by Patrick Morgan, Cycling Action NetworkCycling is a hot topic.It generates strong feelings, plenty of letters to newspapers and social media posts.But this discussion is as much about change as it is about cycling.Smoke-free bars. Marriage equality. The metric system. All had their detractors, but somehow the sky didn't fall in. The lesson is that we get used to change. Eventually, most people embrace it.Cycling is no different. Improving cycling is just another way that world-class cities grow and develop. More people cycling improves our quality of life, which is why right now 15 cities from Whangarei to Dunedin are investing.Last week I spent a morning at a Karori school, teaching 10-year-old children bike skills. One girl had...

February 26, 2016
Patrick
17
Feb

A CAN Do cycling renaissance celebrated in Waikato News release from Cycling Action NetworkWith cycling on the up, advocates from around New Zealand will gather in Hamilton next month to celebrate, to push for more progress and learn from each other.The CAN Do is a national gathering for Cycling Action Network (CAN) . CAN Do is an annual summit to plan the future direction of cycling advocacy across New Zealand. This is a special CAN Do celebration, as it's been 20 years since CAN was founded.Cycling Action Network spokesman Patrick Morgan says with the help of the Government's new investment in cycling, it's a great time to get on your bike. "2016 will be a big year for making New Zealand a better place to ride a bike."Under the theme Cycling Renaissance, expert speakers will bring people up to date with the rapidly-changing scene, share current projects and...

February 17, 2016
Patrick
11
Feb

Artists, creatives, clothing obsessives and designers- get out your software ok soft crayons, get freaky, and get your T-shirt design into our competition by March 16th!Artists, creatives, clothing obsessives and designers- get out your software ok soft crayons, get freaky, and get your T-shirt design into our competition by March 16th! Awesome prize package includes $250 bike voucher. Details on this JPG.  Artists, creatives, clothing obsessives and designers- get out your software ok soft crayons, get freaky, and get your T-shirt design into our competition by March 16th!  Awesome prize package includes $250 bike voucher.  Details here - can.org.nz/news/2016/artists-designers-creatives-enter-cans-t-shirt-design-competition. Using CAN logo and colours not strictly necessary but designs should clearly promote CAN and our vision. See here for our other designs.  Email competition@can.org...

February 11, 2016
Will Andrews
10
Feb

Urban cycleways a core priority for safety and health, says GovtThe thousands of Kiwis taking part in Go by Bike Day today demonstrates the importance of the Government's Urban Cycleways Programme, says Transport Minister Simon Bridges.Speaking at the annual event in Wellington this morning, Mr Bridges said making urban cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice was a core priority."Through the Urban Cycleways Programme central and local government are working together to deliver $333 million of new cycleway projects throughout the country over the next three years - the single biggest investment in cycling in New Zealand's history," Mr Bridges says."We're investing to give more New Zealanders more opportunities to choose cycling - whether to commute to and from work and school, to run errands, or get some exercise."Over the next three years 54 projects are...

February 10, 2016
Patrick
9
Feb

Go By Bike Day 10 Feb 2016Get on your bike and celebrate the awesomeness.Find your local events here.Wellington Go By Bike Day 7-9am Queens Wharf

February 9, 2016
Patrick
1
Feb

Kids cycling to school - what you need to knowWith more children on bikes this week, cycling advocates are offering advice to parents and drivers."People can expect to see more children on bikes as schools reopen this week," says Patrick Morgan from Cycling Action Network."Drivers need to pay extra attention, and slow down around schools."He says some schools have a 40 km/h speed limit in place, to reduce traffic danger."The Government and Councils are investing $350 million in cycling, so we will see more bike lanes with children on them."Mr Morgan has tips for parents to prepare children for cycling to school.Do a skills checkGo for a ride with your child and make sure their cycling skills are ready for their ride to school. Practise pedalling, braking, turning, making eye contact, and signaling until you're confident they are ready.Plan a low...

February 1, 2016
Patrick