News

Co-benefits of Walking and Cycling
(Thursday 10 February)

Register now for this course!

Presented by the New Zealand Centre for Sustainable Cities

Overview
This course is designed to bring together key local and international researchers, with policy analysts in local and central government, NGOs and members of the public, to consider the evidence for co-benefits of active journeys -- particularly benefits for population health, climate change, and quality of life -- and how this evidence can be strengthened and acted upon effectively.

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The environmental and health benefits of cycling are undeniable and while it might be good for you, taking to pedal power in the capital is a risky business.

Last year 136 cyclists were injured around the Wellington region.

A report by the Greater Wellington Regional Council found cyclists in Wellington are 12 times more likely to be injured than someone travelling in a car. Cyclists in the rest of country are just three and a half times more likely to become a casualty.

“I think I put that down to the boom in cycling in Wellington and the fact that the novice riders...

Supporting Cycling in New Zealand

You will recall the Petition Nine-Point Plan for Cycle Safety you supported, which Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) presented to the Ministers of Transport, Police and Road Safety in 2008 with over 3,000 signatures. Since that time, New Zealand has had a change in Government and is operating in a more difficult economic environment, where greater emphasis has been placed on the economic benefits of ‘building roads', rather than developing sustainable, safe ,and integrated transport systems.

TVNZ's Close Up does cycling
http://tvnz.co.nz/close-up/aggressive-new-zealand-drivers-3949050/video

My mother is a feisty 88-year-old who is still working to change the world. She often reminds me that Kate Sheppard was her great-aunt, so she has a proud tradition to maintain.

For the past fortnight she has regaled me with her friends' reports about the hazards of fast-travelling lycra-clad cyclists. I suspect she's hoping Cycle Action Auckland (CAN) can change their behaviour.

My mother's generation grew up in a different world. They are now confronted with lycra, traffic congestion, impatient drivers and endless talk about unhealthy lifestyles and obesity.

Like many...

Hello cycling friends,

In May 2011 I am organising a Dutch Bicycle Study Tour for at least 30 Australians (or NZers) who will be learning about best bicycle infrastructure practice and sharing that information with their contacts on return to Australia. The journey will be filmed by 2 documentary film makers and they are looking for sponsors for the trip.

There will be a website set up that will be used as a resource for local planners, cyclists and media and I believe will be a very popular website into the future since I receive many emails about this trip.
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Cycle Action Auckland announces Bikes for Life: a public rally for action to improve cycling safety in Auckland - 11am this Sunday, 5 December, on Queens Wharf, Auckland.  

“Cycle riding benefits health, air quality, carbon emissions, the economy, traffic congestion and happiness. It is an important transport choice that enhances our cities and lives. Despite this, the recent spate of deaths and rising levels of cycling injuries in Auckland shows how hostile our roads can be to people on bicycles.” says Barbara Cuthbert, Spokesperson for Cycle...

Five cyclists killed in six days - including British tourist Jane Mary Bishop, run over by a truck after she swerved to avoid a car door a motorist opened on Tamaki Drive, Auckland - has fuelled debate over road safety in New Zealand and the rights of cyclists versus motorists.

I find myself in two worlds about this matter: in both camps.

I drive the V8. I am the man who honks. I love the car; the car rules the road.

But I am also the cyclist. I ride the Avanti about 100km a week. I have cycled for about five years, done thousands of kilometres and never once have...

New Zealand's cyclist crash statistics are among the worst in the developed world.

Chief Coroner Judge Neil MacLean's response - to consider if driving laws need to be changed - is a step in the right direction. Sadly, it has taken the lives of five cyclists to get to this point, despite more than 10 years of petitions and submissions.

Some motorists say cyclists deserve what they get, because they behave badly and take risks. However, Transport Ministry statistics show that carelessness and irresponsibility on the part of motorists cause 75 per cent of...