Cycling action is essential to our climate goalsRobert McLachlanThe heart of Aotearoa’s climate action is the system of carbon budgets and emission reduction plans. We are now halfway through the first budget period, which runs from 2022 to 2025. Planning is well underway for the second (2026-2030) and third (2031-2035) budgets. Decisions about the kinds of infrastructure to build can have effects lasting for generations, making long-range planning essential. This is particularly the case for transport, which makes up 40 percent of CO2 emissions, and has to be reduced essentially to zero by 2050.The first budget may not seem particularly ambitious. Even with the effects of Covid and faster EV uptake than expected, we are only just on track to achieve it. Any deficit has to be carried over into the next budget period. Transport was called on to make cuts of 1.8 Mt CO2...
News: December 2023
Dec
Trans rights are human rights, say cycling advocatesCycling Action Network (CAN) has issued a statement in support of trans women."Everyone has the right to participate in cycling and to be treated with respect and empathy," says CAN project manager Patrick Morgan. "Transgender people can take part in sports in the gender they identify with."In New Zealand it is unlawful to discriminate against someone because of their sexual orientation or sex, including their gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.(https://tikatangata.org.nz/human-rights-in-aotearoa/rights-of-sexual-and-gender-minorities)
Dec
Let's organise and mobiliseThe change of Government means we will likely face some extra challenging headwinds. The coalition agreement signed by National and New Zealand First includes "reduce expenditure on cycleways."That's unacceptable. As we all face serious public health, safety, climate, and transport problems, we know that cycling offers compelling benefits in these areas.If there is in fact less going to be spent on cycleways, I am curious how else this Government intends to deliver a truly safe and inclusive active travel environment on New Zealand roads and streets. After all - greater expenditure on cycleways is needed due to the wildly unsustainable number of cars and trucks making public space so much more dangerous for everyone. I am committed to fighting for CAN's goals:Promote the benefits of cyclingImprove safety for cyclistsEncourage the creation of a...