From CAN Chair, Alex DyerIt is amazing to me that we have a situation in politics where some parties - who like to promote values of individual responsibility, personal freedom, local decision making, market-based economics, trading schemes, and other hands-off, government-lite strategies - are also suggesting the nation needs to defend against an ‘anti-car ideology’. This frames cars as some kind of universally desired, intrinsically essential component of every New Zealander’s life. An item that needs to be heavily subsidised by our collective behaviour, investments, and policies. As if cars for all is some sort of public good that everyone has already fully embraced and *must* aspire to.You can choose any way to get around, as long as it has four wheels, enclosed multiple seats, air conditioning, is over 1 tonne heavy, has a powerful engine, and travels as fast as possible....
News: September 2023
Sep
On Car-free Day, 22 September, cycling advocates call for an end to car dependencyNews release from Cycling Action Network, September 2023As record fuel prices put pressure on household budgets, cycling advocates are calling for better solutions. We must end car dependency, said Cycling Action Network spokesperson, Patrick Morgan. “Decades of poor transport and city planning have trapped New Zealanders into car dependence.”High fuel bills are unaffordable, but there are better options, he said. “The truth is that most people drive not because they like it, but because it's their only option. To break the cycle of car dependence, cities must offer better choices that don't drain the household budget. They must run frequent and affordable public transport, and build networks of protected bike lanes.”Ending suburban sprawl is also needed, he said. “Building up, and not out...