News

The days are progressively getting shorter, and so more and more cyclists will be biking in light conditions that definitely aren't optimal. Most cyclists are good about trying to wear clothing and accessories that are highly reflective and easy to see in the dark, but according to a new peer-reviewed study (page 56), cyclists might not actually be as visible as they think they are, which can increase danger.

Here's the abstract of the paper:

"Visibility limitations make cycling at night particularly dangerous. We previously reported cyclists’ perceptions of their own...

The nation's transport ministers have acknowledged there's been a lack of investment when it comes to encouraging people to get out of their cars and onto their bicycles.

Federal and state transport ministers on Friday signed off on the third National Cycling Strategy, which aims to double the number of people cycling during the next five years.

The strategy acknowledges that while there have been many initiatives to get more people riding in the past 10 years cycling had not been supported by a high level of investment.

"To help counter this, (the 2011-16...

Education Advisor – Bike Wise

(Fixed term – Parental leave cover October 2010 to 5 April 2011)

Are you passionate about cycle safety?Do you have a can-do attitude? Are you calm under pressure?

NZTA is currently looking for a fixed term employee to cover a parental leave situation, to manage our national Bike Wise programme that promotes safe cycling as a fun and healthy transport option.

As a project manager for Bike Wise you will need to be highly organised, committed and able to think on the go.

The role requires that...

Volunteers in New Zealand will fix bikes as part of the world's largest day of practical action to fight climate change.

On Sunday October 10, people across the planet will pick up spanners, hammers, and shovels and join the 10/10/10 Global Work Party.

Organizers of Bike Fix-up events in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin expect hundreds of people to haul disused bikes out of sheds and, with the help of volunteer mechanics, get them back on the road.

"We're doing our bit to fix the climate, one bike at a time," said Cycling Advocates' Network spokesperson...

Give way rules at intersections are about to change, Transport Minister Steven Joyce announced today.

The changes for turning vehicles, to be in place by early 2012, were needed because the current system was confusing and out of step internationally, he said.

"Research shows changing the rules could reduce relevant intersection crashes by 7 per cent."

Currently a vehicle turning left must give way to right turning traffic coming towards it. That is to be changed so that left turning vehicles have right of way.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1...

Bike industry reacts to Daily Telegraph report on potential Government cuts

Over the weekend the national press has reported on an 'uncertain future' for Cycling England and the Bikeability project.

An article in the Daily Telegraph said that Government cuts affecting public bodies, added to the news that the Department for Transport will have its budget slashed by £683 million, have led to that unsure future.

The results of the coalition's study into which public bodies should be shelved will be available 'within weeks'.

The threat of cuts to cycling...

THE Dutch have long been known as a free-wheeling nation, open to foreigners, cool about sex and drugs and wedded to a relaxed and healthy lifestyle.

Now Amsterdam's citizens have managed the unthinkable for a major Western city: they do more two-wheeling than driving, abandoning their cars for bikes.

It may seem a pipedream for car-dominated Sydney, but statistics compiled by the Dutch capital's municipal authority show that in the city centre, 57 per cent of all movement is done by bicycle. Even in new suburbs and on ring roads, close to 40 per cent of all trips are...

Early morning cyclists need to make sure they are well lit in the dim mornings following daylight saving, say cycling advocates.

"The start of daylight saving on Sunday means more cyclists about, but some may be caught out by morning twilight," said CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan.

"Lights, reflectors and high-visibility riding gear make you easier to see," said Mr Morgan.

With popular events such as the Taupo Cycle Challenge just two months away, many riders will be making the most of lighter evenings to pile on the miles.

"As the days get longer we can expect to...

Hungarian bicycle designers have unveiled their new Stringbike in Padova, Italy. The design replaces the traditional chain with a symmetrical rope and pulley system, which they say is more efficient, makes for a more comfortable ride, and provides improved maneuverability around winding streets.

The new system is more complex than a chain and gears and consists of a rope and pulley on each side of the bike. The rotation of the pedals forces arms at each side to swing forward and backward on its shaft. When moving forward, the arm pulls the driving wire that is...