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New Zealand's first awards for achievement in promoting cycling have been launched. National cycling organisation the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) today announced the creation of the CAN Cycle-Friendly Awards. The awards aim to recognise individuals or organisations who have helped to create a bicycle-friendly environment at a national or local level. CAN is calling for nominations for awards in four categories: -best cycle facility project -best cycling promotion -cycle-friendly commitment by a business -cycle-friendly commitment by a public organisation CAN chairperson Jane Dawson...

The winners of the CAN Cycle-Friendly Awards 2003-4 will be revealed at a function at Parliament on Monday 22 November.

The Awards are being presented by the Hon Pete Hodgson, Minister of Transport, at a ceremony starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Executive Wing Foyer of the Beehive, Parliament Buildings.

Many of the finalists from around New Zealand will be represented at the function. Winners will receive a uniquely designed "bicycle-bell" trophy, a certificate, and a subscription to CAN.

The thirteen finalists include bike parking facilities, a promotional video, staff "...

Cyclists are upset that proposed changes to New Zealand's unique 'Give Way' rules have been dropped by the Government.

The Government has made decisions on the incoming 'Road User Rule'. Controversially, the proposed changes to New Zealand's unique 'Give Way' rules have been excluded.

Jane Dawson, spokesperson for the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN), said that CAN was disappointed about the Governments' decision.

"Decision making processes at intersections are far too complex. Many motorists don't cope with the multitude of things that they have to look out for when...

The Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) is welcoming the draft National Walking and Cycling Strategy 'Getting There', and wants New Zealanders to get in behind it.
"This is about giving people more choice about how they travel. For many journeys, the bicycle is an ideal way to get around, and we hope that the Strategy will create the conditions that enable people to use their bikes more", said CAN Chairperson Jane Dawson.

The release of the Strategy comes on the eve of the 4th National Cycling Conference, held in North Shore City on Friday and Saturday (10 - 11 October). The...

The national cyclist organisation, the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN), today called on the Government to increase funding for cycling projects to $91 million over the next ten years.

Welcoming today's release of "Getting There - On Foot, By Cycle", the national walking and cycling strategy, CAN chairperson Robert Ibell said, "We congratulate the Government for taking this important step." "The strategy will help to return cycling to its rightful place in the transport system. But it's just the beginning: a strategy needs to be implemented. To achieve the vision that the strategy...

National organisation the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) today supported a review of blanket open road speed limits, but said the upper speed limit should not be raised from 100 km/h.

CAN also called for speeds in many urban areas to be reduced to 30km/h, reinforced by traffic calming measures.

CAN spokesperson Robert Ibell said there are good safety and environmental reasons for lower speeds.

"Raising the open road speed limit would increase fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. That's the wrong way to go, with climate change already having an impact on New...

Everyday cycling is under threat of extinction. That's the warning from New Zealand cycling advocates.

“The 2006 Census shows a further decrease in the numbers of people cycling to work, to nearly 2% of commuters,” says Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN) chair Robert Ibell.

"Kiwis should have the choice of biking to work," says Mr. Ibell. "But right now that choice doesn't exist for many people because they think our roads are too unsafe."

“People who cycle to work help reduce pollution and congestion. They also improve their own health, which means fewer days off work,...

Cyclists have welcomed some aspects of the Government's Road Safety Policy Statement released today but called for stronger action to make New Zealand's roads safer.

Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) chairperson Robert Ibell said "We're pleased to see a strong focus on education, including changes to driver training, and a continued emphasis on speed reduction. However, the Government has backed away from important safety measures like banning cellphone use while driving, lowering the blood alcohol limit, and reducing motor vehicle numbers."

"Cyclists are particularly...

Finalists in the SPARC Cycle-Friendly Awards 2006 have been announced today. The thirty-one nominations include a nationwide mayoral challenge event, a shared cycle/pedestrian path in Palmerston North, a workplace mileage policy that includes walking and cycling, a staff fitness programme in Mt Maunganui, and free adult cycle skills courses in Tasman and Nelson. Now in their fourth year, the Cycle-Friendly Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate some of the most notable achievements in the country that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. The...