Finalists in the Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards 2008 have been announced today.
Finalists in the Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards 2008 have been announced today, in no particular order, as follows:
Avanti Award for Best Cycle Facility Project:
- North Shore City Council for Lake Road, Devonport - Takapuna Cyclelane
- New Plymouth District Council for Foreshore Coastal Pathway
- NZTA, Nelson for Atawhai Off-road shared cycleway/walkway
NZ Transport Agency Award for Best Cycling Promotion:
- Tauranga City Council for Kids Can Ride – for life
- Manawatu TriAthlon Club for Manawatu TriA Club’s Summer Series for Adults & Kids
- Selwyn District Council & partners for Selwyn Mayoral Cycling Challenge
NZ Transport Agency Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by Business:
- Cycle Tour Operators New Zealand for Group formation & “Sharing the Road” protocols
- Bike Central for Cyclist Services/Facilities at Britomart Transport Centre
- Nextbike for Nextbike – Public bikes
ViaStrada Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by a Public Organisation:
- NZTA, Dunedin for Share the Road in Central Otago and Queenstown
- NZTA for Bike Wise Week
- NIWA for cycle friendly culture and support
Boulter Consulting Award for Cycling Champion of the Year:
- Bevan Woodward - Chair of Cycle Action Auckland - Getacross
- Robert Ibell - Chair of Cycling Advocates Network
- Graeme Lindup - Chairman of the North Taranaki Cycle Advocates
“Gemini is keen to see an increase in everyday cycling and supports these Awards recognising initiatives that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. We congratulate the finalists, and CAN for working to improve the cycling environment for everyone”, said Noel McFarlane of Gemini Bicycles.
CAN chairperson Robert Ibell was pleased with the quality of the nominated projects. "As with lastyear, we had lots of great projects nominated in the cycling promotions and cycle facilities categories. However with a total of 29 entries this year compared with the record 47 entries last year, this could be a signal that not enough is actually happening on the ground. Even so the Cycle-Friendly Awards are helping to showcase some imaginative and effective people and projects that are making a difference for cyclists," said Mr Ibell.”
The prize winners in each category will be announced at a ceremony held in the Canterbury Provincial Buildings Stone Chamber, Durham Street, Christchurch on Friday 3rd October at 5 p.m. The Minister of Commerce, the Hon Lianne Dalziel, will present the awards to the finalists. Winners will receive a uniquely designed “bicycle-bell” trophy, and a certificate.
Now in their sixth 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 Awards are devised by the Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN), the national organisation promoting everyday cycling.
The lead sponsor is Gemini Bicycles. The Awards are supported by the Ministry of Transport. The Award ceremony is supported by Environment Canterbury and category sponsors are Avanti, NZ Transport Agency, ViaStrada and Boulter Consulting. Early nominators were entered into a draw to win a $150 voucher from cycle clothing company Ground Effect.