How to prevent your bike from being stolenEven a basic bicycle for travelling between work and home can be expensive, so it's no surprise that bikes are a popular target for thieves. According to Cyclist UK, there were around 327,000 bike theft incidents reported in England and Wales between April 2015 and March 2016. Make no mistake; bike theft is a big business. So what are the best ways to help prevent yours from being stolen? Whether it's at home or away, this guide should help you keep your bike more secure. Registering and marking your bikeRecording details of your bikeThe best locks to use for your bikeSecuring your bike while you're out and aboutSecuring your bike at homeWhat to do if your bike is stolenSource Credit: Keith HigginsAdvice from Wellington City Council on bike security...
News: June 2017
Jun
New Zealand was represented by advocacy body Cycling Action Network at a recent global meeting aimed at promoting cycling to advance the UN's Global Development GoalsShipra Narang Suri of the UN told the Conference that the world is at an inflection point in development of cities. A majority of the world’s population now lives in built-up areas, so the UN sees that many cities are learning key lessons: Liveability and choice in transport are critical so that cities can function properly and give their citizens a better quality of life. Only carefully, meaningfully planned urbanisation can provide those qualities. Planning good cycle networks and infrastructure is a crucial part of that. The UN's Global Development Goals are a set of eight goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. Increases in cycling for transport have been shown by...
Jun
Each year there's a global get-together for those interested in the promotion of cyclingTransportation experts, mayors, town councillors, advocates for liveable cities, roading engineers, documentary film-makers and of course cycling enthusiasts are among the delegates. The European Cycling Federation, the peak body for cycling advocacy in Europe, organises the event, VéloCity, and this year it was held in Nijmegen, Holland, a town heralded as ‘the home of cycling’.This year was the biggest ever, with more than 1,500 delegates, over 260 speakers, 107 sessions in two conference halls, with an added 60 outdoor sessions or excursions. Kiwis from academia, from private consultancies, and from NGOs like CAN were at hand to bring lessons back to New Zealand. These are some personal notes from a CAN Exec volunteer which may be of use by CAN local group members round the country. One: Bikes...
Jun
Ambitious road safety goal welcomed by cycling advocates Cycling advocates have welcomed a decision by Hamilton City Council to set an ambitious goal for road safety. "We congratulate Hamilton City Council on adopting a goal of zero deaths from traffic crashes within 10 years,” said Claire Sherrington, Deputy Chair of Cycling Action Network.The Council has said it is no longer acceptable to have deaths on city streets.” We think this is a first for New Zealand.” Until 20 June, the Council's goal was to reduce road deaths over the next decade to below 38, the number for the last decade. But after hearing a submission by Cycle Action Waikato Chair, Peter Bos, the Council revised the figure to zero. This is the right thing to do, and is consistent with a global shift towards Vision Zero,” said Claire Sherrington. The Vision Zero traffic safety system prioritises safety...
Jun
Time for traffic speeds that put New Zealanders’ safety firstNZTA is updating the country’s speed-limit setting rule but is unwilling to put New Zealanders' safety first. Instead NZTA continues to require that speed limits be a compromise between safety and efficiency1This has resulted in New Zealand having the highest traffic speeds and worst rates of road deaths amongst OECD nations.2Patrick Morgan of Cycling Action Network says ‘We have been very impressed by the Government’s recent investment in cycle trails and pathways which is getting more Kiwis active. However traffic speeds are a major concern for us. ’In the last 12 months, 37 pedestrians and 10 cyclists have been killed on NZ roads2, that’s a 60% increase over the previous 12 months which demands our urgent attention. ’Countries such as Germany, Sweden, Netherlands, Norway and Denmark have urban and rural...
Jun
Nominations are now open for the 2017 Bike to the Future Awards. The awards, organised by Cycling Action Network (CAN) and the NZ Transport Agency, celebrate the people and projects working tirelessly and innovatively to create a more cycle-friendly New Zealand so that more Kiwis can choose to get about by bike. CAN spokesperson, Patrick Morgan, says there's no doubt that cycling is on the up.“Bike sales are increasing, e-bikes are attracting new riders, and cycleways are being built at an unprecedented rate.“The Bike to the Future Awards recognise the best new urban routes, off-road trails, projects and people that are working to make our communities safer and more bike-friendly,” says Mr Morgan.Transport Agency National Cycling Manager Dougal List says cycling is becoming an increasingly popular as Kiwis begin to look to more personalised and efficient ways to get about...
Jun
Now there’s a mayoral challenge!Whanganui Mayor Hamish McDouall unveiled his city’s Active Transport Plan today with a challenge to his Palmie counterpart.'I know my friend Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith champions his city as having aspirations to be the best place to ride a bike in New Zealand', says McDouall. 'I think every city in New Zealand should rise to this aspiration and push to have the best infrastructure, education and community culture that supports people to get about. However, being a competitive person, I would love to see Whanganui District get there first. I want us to be held up as a role model for active transport in New Zealand and in the world'An overwhelming 73% of Whanganui residents want to increase their physical activity levels.'I enjoyed cycling as a commuter' the mayor continues in his introduction to the Plan, remembering time living...