News

To increase cyclist safety, reduce motor vehicle speeds

19
Dec

The UK Department for Transport recently commissioned the Transport Research Laboratory to conduct a literature review to consider the role of infrastructure in relation to the safety of cyclists and their interaction with other road users.

"Overall, it proved problematic to draw firm conclusions from the literature," admitted TRL, but it concluded "Of all interventions to increase cycle safety, the greatest benefits come from reducing motor vehicle speeds."

Read more here: http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/to-increase-cyclist-safety-reduce-motor...

 

December 19, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

New research: what kinds of infrastructure do new cyclists want?

19
Dec

This research, which was conducted from July 2008 to January 2010, investigated what type of cycling infrastructure would encourage 'new cyclists' (i.e. people who either do not currently cycle at all, or people who do not currently cycle for utilitarian trips) to use cycling as their mode of transport for daily activities in New Zealand.

The research involved undertaking an international literature review followed by national surveys and Christchurch-based focus groups, to gain an understanding of some of the motivations and barriers associated with utilitarian cycling, and to...

December 19, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

Cycling and its socioeconomic benefits

18
Dec

Advantages and disadvantages

A cost-benefit analysis often forms the basis for political decision making prior to traffic investments. Cost-benefit analyses involve assigning a monetary value to the advantages and disadvantages of a construction project. This makes it possible to weigh the benefits (e.g. reduced travel times and reduced pollution) against the disadvantages (e.g. construction costs and noise).

Cycle projects

The Danish Ministry of Transport has a manual for calculating cost-benefit. However, the manual does not...

December 18, 2011 Alex admin READ MORE

Bicycle - symbol for a new age.

14
Dec

Some of the most powerful things that have effected change throughout history appear to have been symbols.

Symbols hint at something bigger, deeper, beyond.....

Our household was blessed recently to have hosted Hutch - a wonderful kind man in his seventies, cycling the world, meeting people...and planting seeds of hope.  www.cyclingpeace.org 

(We have met some wonderful folk through the "Warm Showers List" - where people from all over the world offer hospitality to cycle tourists.  "Sign up!" is my advice!)

So bicycle as symbol resonates as we explore new territory...

December 14, 2011 Paul Doherty READ MORE

Helmets OFF to legislation

12
Dec

Cycling levels in Sydney could more than double if laws forcing cyclists to wear helmets were repealed, according to a new research published today in the Health Promotion Journal of Australia.

One in five adults surveyed in Sydney said they would ride a bicycle more if they did not have to wear a helmet, according co-author Professor Chris Rissel from the School of Public Health, at the University of Sydney.

Researchers involved in 'The possible effect on frequency of cycling if mandatory bicycle helmet legislation was repealed in Sydney, Australia: a cross sectional survey'...

December 12, 2011 Alex admin READ MORE

The politics of cycling

12
Dec

Cyclists. They’re nothing but a bunch of Green-voting, latte-sipping, inner-city trendoids with an over-developed sense of entitlement.

That’s what you’d think if you believed much of the media coverage given to cycling in the past few years. From shock jocks to tabloid TV shows to newspaper columnists, there's always someone ready to have a go at cyclists.

Especially media organisations that favour the conservative side of politics.

This vilification is curious, given that Australia is a nation of bicycle buyers. Last year, we bought more cycles than cars – something...

December 12, 2011 Alex admin READ MORE

Roll On Wellington Awards reward the best (and worst) of cycling

7
Dec

Volunteer trail builders are the heroes of the Wellington cycling community, winning the award for the best piece of cycling infrastructure.

Cycle Aware Wellington presented the first Roll On Wellington Awards on 6 December.

Spokesperson Claire Pascoe says the awards showcase the best and brightest of cycling in Wellington.

"They're a great opportunity for the cycling community to show their support for the things they love in Wellington. There were lots of winners on the night... as well as a few who lost out."

Volunteer trail builders' hard work pays off not just...

December 7, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

Call for submissions for Rimutaka Railway proposal

5
Dec

Greater Wellington Regional Council is now calling for submissions on the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust's proposal to rebuild the railway from Maymorn to Summit, replacing the Rimutaka Rail Trail. Submissions are due by 31 January 2012.

The proposal is substantially as presented to GWRC in November.

The specification for the "walking track" has been widened to 4m, and the gradient to a maximum of 5%, but the cost does not appear to have changed!

There are some suggested precautions to be taken against fire hazard, including replanting vegetation along the track...

December 5, 2011 AlastairS READ MORE

Cyclist trapped under car

5
Dec

A cyclist broke her leg when she was trapped under a car after a collision in Hamilton this morning.

The 27-year-old's leg was stuck under the car which was lifted, then freed by firefighters.

Hamilton police Senior Sergeant Gill Meadows said the woman was travelling west on Boundary Rd when the crash happened at the intersection of Oakley Ave about 8.45am.

The woman was in a moderate condition and suffered a broken leg.

Boundary Rd was briefly closed as the scene was cleared.

Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/...

December 5, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

Free cycle training for adults – does it make a difference?

5
Dec

Yes, it does, says Sam Margolis from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets

If you live in London, or in any other major centre in the UK, you may well have seen the adverts promoting free cycling training offered by local authorities. In the absence of high-quality cycling infrastructure, many councils have pushed cycle training schemes as a relatively low-budget method of boosting safer and more cycling.

In 2009/10, the total funding for cycle training in London alone was over £3m. It is seen as a useful tool not only to build skills and techniques for riding a bike, but to...

December 5, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

It's as easy as riding a bike

1
Dec

It's as easy as riding a bike
A report to the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust

Patrick Morgan
Cycling Advocates Network, can.org.nz
December 2011

caption: Children riding home from school, Assen, the Netherlands
Photo gallery on Flickr

Summary
With assistance from the WCMT I studied cycle training programmes in the UK, Denmark, Netherlands and USA in September and October 2011. I met cycle skills trainers, planners, media and advocates.

Objective
My goal is to lift the standard of...

December 1, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

Give Way Rule Change

24
Nov

Planning is underway for an intensive public information campaign for changes to two give way rules that will come in on the 25 March 2012.

The campaign will be run in the month leading up to the date of the actual change on 25 March 2012, with national advertising starting ten days before the change. This late February start date is necessary to avoid public confusion and minimise the risk of people starting to use the new rules too early. This thinking is based on best practice when Victoria, Australia changed a similar rule in 1993.

The NZTA is developing the public...

November 24, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

CAN supports new Smart Transport Network

23
Nov

Transport dominates every aspect of our lives, our health, the form of our communities, our environment, economy and our personal financial well-being.

Smart Transport means providing a full spectrum of appropriate, sustainable and integrated transport choices.

The Smart Transport Network has been formed following the Smart Transport Conference, held in parliament buildings in August 2010, to present a new collective national voice, with an international perspective on transport solutions.

The Smart Transport Network will advocate for smart, modern solutions and...

November 23, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

Exercise your vote: election day bike gang

22
Nov

Come join us lovers of bicycles AND democracy this coming Saturday.
We are just gonna be riding around the central city neighborhoods dressed in neutral ORANGE, ringing our bells and reminding people to vote. Frequent café stops. Fun guaranteed!

Auckland: 2pm, 1 Porters Place, Eden Terrace, Newton.
It doesn't matter which way you vote, on Saturday it is all about making sure people are exercising their democracy. All you need is to be wearing orange. You don't even need to own a bike, as we have 15 that are being lent to us for free! Thanks NextBike...

November 22, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

US photojournalists seek great NZ cycling stories

18
Nov

The Path Less Pedaled
In March 2009, we sold all of our belongings to explore the United States by bicycle, and started
PathLessPedaled.com. In traveling and sharing our journey, we have inspired thousands of other people to
follow their own travel dreams.

PathLessPedaled.com is an adventure travel blog that is recognized as one of the leading bike touring
websites, with compelling photography, videos and writing. The website averages 40,000 visitors per
month and is constantly growing. In addition to the website, we have over...

November 18, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

Link to November bikewalk.org (USA) newsletter

17
Nov

http://www.bikewalk.org/cl/2011/nov/1116bconf.html

Posted by David Hawke (Committee)

November 17, 2011 DavidHawke READ MORE

Rimutaka Rail Trail threatened

15
Nov

Protecting the Rimutaka Trail

Greater Wellington has recently received an application from the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust for permission to reinstate the railway line.

We need to front up on 23 Nov and 15 Dec at GW. Who can come?
Please email fran.wilde@gw.govt.nz and murray.kennedy@gw.govt.nz with your views.

Points you might want to make:
- with 80,000 visitors a year, the Rimutaka Trail is the most popular in the region.
- it's considered the best ride in the region for beginners and families
- it's a convenient and...

November 15, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

Advice for drivers and cyclists follows Dunedin crash

14
Nov

Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) and BikeNZ have issued advice for drivers and cyclists following a fatal crash in Dunedin this morning.

Although the details of the crash have not yet been released, CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan has reiterated advice to all road users about proven ways to reduce the chances of a crash.

Advice for drivers:
* Look twice for cyclists, especially those coming from the left hand side.
* Give cyclists plenty of space. Allow 1.5 metres between you and the cyclist.
* For truck and bus drivers: get the best mirror system you can to...

November 14, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

Could you forget fossil fueled transport for one day? Car free Sundays

8
Nov

Two Car Free Days Planned in Response to the Tauranga Oil Spill, Over the Next Three Months

Could you forget fossil fueled transport for one day?

Sunday 27 November marks a Car Free Day being launched this year in what's being labelled a ‘positive, proactive response' to the Tauranga oil spill currently happening off the east coast of New Zealand.

Organiser Charlotte Squire, Editor of the good news website Happyzine says Car Free Days are a great way to quickly reduce oil consumption, and can be an "ode to the people of Tauranga" during a challenging time for their...

November 8, 2011 Patrick READ MORE

Safety is a two-way street

7
Nov

Safety is a two-way street
Emma Davis and Senior Constable Pat Kauri are interviewed for Greater Wellington's new safety campaign.

November 7, 2011 Patrick READ MORE