Cyclists urged to light up on dim mornings Early morning cyclists need to make sure they are well lit, say cycling advocates. "The start of daylight saving means more people on bikes, but some may be caught out by morning twilight," said Cycling Action Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan. "Lights, reflectors and high-visibility riding gear make you easier to see," said Mr Morgan. With popular events such as the Taupo Cycle Challenge just two months away, many people will be making the most of longer evenings to pile on the miles. "As the days get longer we will see many more people enjoying the pleasures and convenience of biking." "Cycling offers the ultimate trip: it's a fast and easy way to get around, while improving your health at the same time." "Our message to people on bikes is to get out there and enjoy the ride, and use your lights whenever visibility is poor...
News: September 2016
Sep
Brake, the road safety charity, is encouraging all drivers to leave their cars at home and use alternative forms of transport on World Car Free Day. Every year on 22 September, people from around the world choose to walk, cycle and use public transport for their journeys to show that there is a cleaner, greener alternative to getting into the car for every trip. 76% of trips less than 5km long are made by car, many of which could be made by foot, bike or public transport. Air pollution is a threat to health, with around 300 premature deaths each year attributed to it in Auckland alone. The social cost from air pollution in Auckland is estimated to be $1.07 billion per year [1]. By reducing the number of trips taken by car, and increasing numbers making use of more sustainable modes of transport, like walking and cycling, there is a real opportunity to improve the environment...
Sep
Share the road Blind Zone Workshops People who cycle and people who drive trucks get to know one another: It is only when the drivers go for a ride, and when the cyclists jump up into the cab of a truck that they can understand each others position. Share the Road blind zone workshops show cyclists what it's like to be in the truck driver's seat. We can tailor make a workshop format to suit your conference or seminar. These could include getting participants out on bikes, or may just involve exercises around a heavy vehicle. The length of the workshop can be set to fit in with your schedule (continued below). (Above) Using bikes to assess a truck's blind zone (Above) Discussing vehicle dynamics with cyclistsThe diagram below illustrates the ideal area required for a Share←the→road Blind Zone Demonstration. Contact Campaign Manager Richard Barter 021...
Sep
There's a lot of interest in e-bikes. Keen to find out more?For starters, try the guides from Wellington's Bicycle Junction Consumer has an e-bike report behind their paywall, or check your local library. Or sign up to Consumer. Simon Morton from RNZ looked into e-bikes in 2014 In Auckland, Mercury is offering deals and free have a go days In Wellington you can try one out at Switched On Bikes at Queens Wharf.
Sep
Cycling advocates say safe cycling routes are needed to head off the obesity epidemic.New research from Auckland University researchers shows that three quarters of obese children are at greater risk of long-term heart disease.CAN spokesman Patrick Morgan says that telling people what to eat or to exercise more won't solve the problem. "Education alone can not work. We also need to redesign our physical environment to make physical activity easy." He says the Government's $350 million investment in the Urban Cycleways Programme is a good start, but that we need to pick up the pace.Government figures show an estimated 85,000 children in New Zealand between two and 14 are obese. "We risk a generation of people suffering from avoidable poor health. The health system could be overwhelmed by obesity-related costs.""The good news is that we can fix the problem....