News

Cyclists need proper bike lanes, not slogans

National's proposal to fine cyclists who don't use bike lanes is a misguided and unworkable plan, say cycling advocates. 

“This is a dumb idea,” said Patrick Morgan, from the Cycling Action Network

“It would needlessly stir conflict and hostility.”

It's a solution looking for a problem.

Why?

The best way to get people to use bike lanes is to build proper protected bike lanes. Too many bike lanes in New Zealand are low-quality.

“Paint is not protection.”

Pedestrians don't want...

The freedom, low environmental impact, and beautiful scenery along the waterfront are what drives Newtown resident Nicole Gaston to not drive everywhere. For years she has biked around Wellington and often commutes to work at the National Library. 

Nicole sees the growing need for mixed-use roadways.

“So many design elements of roads disadvantage cyclists and make it unnecessarily difficult to ride a bike for no reason other than lack of thought.”

By Matt Lorah

After 37 years of biking around Wellington, Charles Dawson of Crofton Downs has experienced first hand all of the benefits that come with his choice form of transportation. His favourite things include: hills for exercise, the lovely Skyline, Makara Peak and other trails, the slowly increasing number of bike lanes and a supportive biking culture. In New Zealand it's great we have a flourishing network of regional trails, which my family have specifically travelled to for holidays.”

Commuting to work as an educator...

Shredding for four years now, Tom Cappleman works for the nonprofit WORD, which is all about encouraging kids to mountain bike.

Tom has previously worked as a mechanic and bike shop manager. 

“I like achieving goals that are based around fun, and seeing the kids do the same.” 

I cycled 11,000km around Aotearoa and learned the following bonus safety tips

by Dunc Wilson

It's one of the most talked about issues of cycling: how safe is that bike person over there on the road? Almost universally, the conversation comes from the perspective of preventing the cyclist from being hit by the car. When, really, it...

Michael Petta was busy fixing his derailleur after buying a used bike off of Facebook when I caught up with him at the Mechanical Tempest community bike workshop.. 

He enjoys biking recreationally both on the trail and the road as long as there is great scenery, which “here in Wellington is...

“Cyclists just tend to be good people,” says Phoebe Balle.

In her work with Workshops For Accessible Cycle Care (WACC), Phoebe has led bike servicing and repair courses. Through the Pedal Ready programme she has instructed young people on how to bike safely and competently.

A recent newcomer to Wellington from the UK, Tamsin White rides from Newtown to Thorndon on her commute to work. 

“I like the lower number of cars and the dedication to improving biking infrastructure in the area,” she says.

Six paid bike-related jobs in the last five years? Sounds about right for Thorndon resident Christian Williams.

Christian loves bumping into people around town and casual chats at the lights.

Currently, as a cycle...