News: July 2021

27
Jul

Cycling advocates welcome plans to improve safety, and upgrade Wairarapa roads. “Everyone in our community deserves safe roads,” said Patrick Morgan, spokesman for Cycling Action Network. “That's why we welcome plans to upgrade SH2 between Masterton and Featherston.” Waka Kotahi NZTA is planning to add median barriers, set safe speed limits, build new roundabouts and pedestrian crossings. “Let's face it – with more than 300 traffic deaths each year, we urgently need to cut risk. There's no excuse for doing nothing.” Mr Morgan says it's smart to invest in making cycling easier and more convenient. “As the Wairarapa population increases, e-bike sales and cycling are booming, it makes sense to invest in bike-friendly streets. That means safer speeds in town and on the highway, and more bike lanes.” He said the planned SH2 roundabouts could be improved by adding separated bike paths...

July 27, 2021
Patrick
13
Jul

A discount scheme for bikes is needed to help more people get around more cheaply, be active, and reduce our emissions.Sign the petition In December 2019 the government introduced a discount for public sector workers to buy E bikes. *1That leaves out a lot of people. So we now want the government to be fair to everyone and implement a discount scheme that is open to ALL Kiwis AND includes both e-bikes and non e-bikes, and necessary equipment.   The Climate Commission report said ‘Meeting a zero-carbon target by 2050 requires a major transformation of the transport system’ and recommended’ investing in public, active and rapid transit’.*2Two thirds of urban trips are less than 6 km, an easy 20-25 minute bike ride. With more people on bikes, more often, is great for everyone.  Cutting emissions, reducing congestion, improved health...

July 13, 2021
Patrick
12
Jul

Cycling advocates are saddened to hear of the death of Andy Smith, who was a staunch, articulate and effective campaigner for pedestrians. As long-time Chair of Living Streets Aotearoa, he worked constructively with CAN and other transport bodies to help make streets more accessible, safe and attractive. Alongside cycling advocates, he was a key person behind the 2WALKandCYCLE conference series and an enthusiastic supporter of the SkyPath crossing of Auckland Harbour. We will miss Andy's colourful personality, his vision of a better transport system and his hard work as an advocate. July 2021

July 12, 2021
Patrick