Model Communities Promoting environments so cycle-friendly that they will seduce people to ride bikes up and running. With LTNZ and Transit NZ due to amal- Editorial gamate next year, this will be a real challenge, as restructur- As we go into the year-end frenzy, we can take ing absorbs a lot of time and energy, but a challenge with a well-rounded profile and pay-off (p6). A model community with us a sense of satisfaction; take time to look will be a good community for cyclists and walkers. It will be back and realise that we have, as cycling advo- sustainable. Using a car will be possible but not necessary. cates, achieved a lot. Children will be free range, not imprisoned behind fences and railings. How on earth? you ask: read on to find out. We spend so much time acutely aware of People will cycle CAN is also edging rapidly into the online world: all there is still to do and the challenge when it is simple, building membership through online communities is that remains, and only occasionally do an initiative we can all contribute to from the comfort we take time to celebrate our successes. it is safe and the of our seats. The Cycling Conference in November system is set up If you have never been to CAN’s annual CAN Do, read was such a time. It is not a CAN func- to facilitate it tion, but a biennial New Zealand Cycling about it from a novice perspective in this issue (p3). If Conference, and most of the delegates were you couldn’t make workers from government or local government, who were it, read the overview Intrigue uncertainty and humour: joined by two men from overseas who were able to put an on p19. What do we the 3 key factors to change motor- ist behavior. Continuing with high- international perspective on our NZ scene, as well as con- have to celebrate? lights from “Mental Speed Bumps: the Read pages 5, 7 and tributing ideas and experience from that wider community. smarter way to tame traffic”, written 12. One of the big shifts from the last conference two years ago by David Engwicht, which tells us was the number of ‘hearts and mind’ people present; time We still have plenty how to tame traffic without speed bumps or traffic signs. You can buy was, it was mostly designers and engineers. Infrastructure to do: hearts and your copy: speedbumps.com. ÿ is crucial, and having it well designed for cyclists can be the minds are not easy difference in it being safe and being used or not, but beyond to win, and our Cover photo: Miriam Richardson and that is the need communicate the benefits of cycling for infrastructure still Illona Keenan riding at the CAN Do in individuals, for us as a community and as a nation and it is needs to become as Napier. Photo John Baldwin. the marketing, promotion, and communications, profession- ubiquitous as that of als and amateurs alike, who are working for the hearts and the motorcars’ but Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) minds of next year’s cyclists. Funding for promotion has be- there is money out come a crucial part of every new project, if it is to succeed. there to help us do it PO Box 6491, Wellesley St, (p4). n Auckland, New Zealand. CAN’s new strategic direction, evolved in the annual CAN Tel / fax 04 972 2552 Do, is to get the ‘Model Communities’ initiative of LTNZ [email protected] www.can.org.nz

Chainlinks Letters to the editor ISSN 1175-9364 [email protected] Touring the South Island tandem is a bigger target for them to Editor: Miriam Richardson aim at, we’ve decided! Just a momen- The Editor, Chainlinks tary throttle-back is all we ask. Next Quarterly Issue: March In response to Bronwyn Newton’s Contributions by February 27 We are relieved to hear about the pro- letter in the latest Chainlinks — we Email content to: posed upgrade of the Arahura bridge- are a mature couple from Northland, [email protected] in our experience the Taramakau is and have circumnavigated the South Pictures: 1024 x 768 pixels preferred even worse. We came to grief there Island several times on our tandem, Advertising: [email protected] at rush hour on a cold wet morning and as Bronwyn says, seldom seen a couple of summers ago, and had to Webpage another NZer. It is understandable be carted off to Grey hospital by some can.org.nz/chainlinks/links that most tourers are ‘foreigners’, but kindly and concerned commuters. there are heaps of recreational cyclists The views expressed in Chainlinks about and the touring scene is bound A footnote, now, for Ground Effect — are not necessarily those of CAN. to change as people wake up to the leave the Heaphy alone! We do not great pleasure of seeing and feeling our endear ourselves at all by antagonising CAN is supported by: country at leisure, on two wheels! the tramping fraternity, and we have heaps of alternative mountain bike Bronwyn’s favourite stretches are tracks anyway. And surely you guys exactly ours— likewise, her horror sometimes use your feet? of those monstrous logging jugger- nauts on the narrow pinches above Charles and Jo Le Heron ISSN 1175-9364 the Buller, heading into Murchison! A Kerikeri

2 Chainlinks 4 2007 Observations of a Novice: CAN Do 07 Highlights this issue • Touring in Africa p10 John Baldwin From the cycling conference Kapiti Cycling’s newest member John Baldwin recounts his impres- • Bob Chauncey, keynote sions of this Year’s AGM and CAN Do in Napier. speaker p5

Meetings and me are like cheese •5 views of the conference p5 and chalk. So when our tireless •SPARC Cycle Friendly Awards secretary invited me to this year’s p12 CAN Do in Napier, Liz was sur- •Transit’s position on cycling prised at how hard it was to con- p4 vince me to attend. Well wouldn’t you be?— Personally About the CAN Do I can’t think of anything worse: two enough AGM’s to realize that once a •A novice view, this page whole days in sunny Art Deco Napier year yours truly has the power to actu- An overview p19 in the company of like-minded cy- • ally knock an office holder or two off cling folks coupled with the prospect their perch. Of course I always try to of a bike ride home to Kapiti?? CAN’s direction for the next exercise that power responsibly, but year Yeah right!!! occasionally I have been known to put New strategic direction: my hand up belatedly — just to re- • I’ll bus it there I thought, that way I’ll model communities p6 mind the office holders who is wearing be sure to get there on time! Arrived the pants! The digital strategy p11 early afternoon greeted by a warm • sunny Napier day (do they ever have One unkind lady actually voted against •Building membership with on- bad weather here?) strapped the pan- nice Rob the chairman person being line social networks p14 niers and GPS on my trusty bike and voted back in!! I thought this was a bit •Becoming a charity p17 Miss Navman guided me straight on the nose. I learned later that Jane •Many hands make light work: to Kennedy Holiday park where I was Rob’s partner!! quite a laugh aye? CAN’s new action groups p16 planned to stay. In plenty of time for Some of these CAN people have a the AGM — which was not at the sense of humour — the next two days Crown Hotel after all, but could be fun!!! at the War Memorial, a …the programme was I wasn’t wrong. We brisk 15 min ride away— packed more tightly certainly had some fun and 12 minutes before Contents and laughs, but I can AGM start time!! I worked than a pair of bicycle also report that the pro- 2 Editorial up a right sweat making it panniers! gramme was packed more 3 Observations of a novice just in time though, whew!!! all tightly than a pair of bicycle pan- 4 Government news hot and bothered and as red as a beet- niers! 5 Making cycling normal root (I bet everyone will notice!!!). Did you know what the “A” means in 5 Conference: 5 views What ensued during the next hour CAN? 6 Model communities and a half was absolutely riveting stuff 7 New Zealand roundup and completely over my head! Come I didn’t. Not only can I now spell the 9 International snippets to think of it I was never much good word ‘advocacy’ I actually have a vague 10 African Queen: touring at meetings. But everything seemed to idea of what it means! We talked Ad- run like clockwork mostly thanks to vocacy, Strategy, Digital Strategy, P&P 11 Bike culture the expertise of Rob the nice efficient (no not People & Performance like I 11 Digital Strategy chairman person. thought) it’s all about Priorities & Par- 12 SPARC Cycle Friendly Awards ticipation, advised presenter Stephen 13 Marketplace Intelligent questions were asked and McKernon. Fascinating stuff; if only I to my astonishment sometimes even 14 Social networks could remember half of it!! more intelligently answered … often 15 Auckland Harbour Bridge before I could even unravel the rel- Happily I do distinctly recollect all of 16 CAN news evance of the question! the delightful details of our bike tour 17 CAN registering as a charity round Napier, the Good, the Bad and I did like the voting bit though. I 19 You CAN Do too! the Ugly, including lunch in a tranquil am quite good at voting … for some 20 Regional groups informal park-like setting on a glori- strange reason I find it empowering 22 Backpedalling ous Napier day!! And then we were stretching and putting a hand up in 23 2008 Dates back into ‘it’ again. the air like that — and I have been to 23 On the web continues p19 Chainlinks 4 2007 3 In late October CAN, with help from comments before May ‘08) Government news independent judges from LTNZ, LSA • Environmental policy and Bennion Law, awarded $19,800 • Travel demand management policy. LTNZ promoting in grants to 15 cycling projects and 9 Transit failed to spend the $3 mil- community-focused joint cycling & walking projects. They spread from Northland to Central lion allocated to walking and cycling sustainable transport Otago and across to the Chatham last year. They don’t know why but projects Islands. The projects included cycle are investigating. They did, however, skills training, BikeWise spend $30 million (2% LTNZ is encouraging councils week events, promotion Working with TRANSIT of their overall budget) throughout New Zealand to develop of new cycle routes and a on improvements and local sustainability-related activities n Contact the regional study into reducing bar- capital maintenance to and projects in their communities. office cycling champion for riers to riding to school. facilitate cycling and There are many different approaches For a list of all the suc- help with Transit. They all walking. that councils could take, and these are cessful applications see attended the conference. Transit has a lack of discussed in a new LTNZ resource: www.can.org.nz. “Promoting community focused sus- n Comment on ‘The data and/or quality data on walkers and tainable transport projects”. We’re hopeful that LTNZ walking and cycling policy will approve funding for cyclists on the State This resource is available online at: 2007’ before May 2008. another round of the Highway, and they are http://tinyurl.com/367c2r CPP in the near future. n Apply for $$ working out how to Guidelines are available at: The programme is an achieve this. http://tinyurl.com/2k7y5m excellent way of turning Transit’s challenges: micro-funding into something really • High speed plus low speed users Community Partnership significant through the magnifying create safety issues. effect of community enthusiasm, cre- • Different types of cyclists have dif- Programme Under New ativity and volunteer input. Management ferent needs. • A lack of data and poor quality of Simon Kennett Transit NZ: notes from available data. their cycle conference • Retrofitting solutions on existing With BikeWise no longer a presentation networks has problems. part of the Health Sponsorship The Minister has directed the agen- • Funding allocation process needs Council, CAN recently inherited cy to consider walkers and cyclists improvement. the management of the Getting intrinsic to State Highway planning. There Community Partnership Including the needs of walkers and Obesity Action Coalition cyclists is now automatic for all State Programme (CPP). seminar Highway projects, be they investigat- Funded by Land Transport New Zea- ing an issue, designing improvements, Marilyn Northcotte land, the CPP awards grants of up to managing the network, or influenc- Sue Kedgley, Green MP and Chair of $1000 to projects which aim to pro- ing local growth and land-use plan- the Health Committee opened the mote cycling as a mode of transport. ning processes. Transit is particularly Obesity Action Coalition seminar in This year CAN had $20,000 to award, concerned with safety issues and will September and spoke on the recently and Living Streets Aotearoa (LSA) had alter the State Highway to make it safe released ‘Inquiry into Obesity and the same amount to dish out for walk- when it is the ‘most appropriate route’ Type 2 Diabetes Health Committee ing projects. for walkers and cyclists, if this can be done ‘cost-effectively’. Report — The Way Forward’ CAN and LSA decided to pool re- http://tinyurl.com/23o278. sources and co-administer the walk- Transit has divided State Highways Would Ms Kedgley then launched the ing and cycling CPP’s together. This into 9 categories, and considered Coalition’s new resource booklet lead to a surprising number of appli- how walkers and cyclists can be you like ‘Would you like lies with that?— cations for joint walking and cycling catered for in each category. It is lies with Food, Kids and TV Advertising’. projects. In total there were 22 cycling looking at the alignment between applications, 14 walking applications local strategies and what Transit that? The other presentations are out- and 15 walking/cycling applications. is planning. lined below, and can be download- Nearly all were of a high standard, al- There are 4 relevant Transit policy ed from the web. though a few were regretfully declined documents: Project Energize as they applied for funds to cover capi- • National State Highway Strategy seeks to inspire the health and well- tal expenditure (which the CPP does ness of children and is based on a not cover). • Planning Policy Manual (which in- cludes a walking and cycling policy; health promotion philosophy which promotes continues p11 4 Chainlinks 4 2007 Making cycling normal Bob Chauncey speaking at the Conference Miriam Richardson People will ride when riding a bike is as safe, easy and as well catered for as the current family car: when cycling is ‘normal’. Not a sport, not requiring new form-fi tting clothes, not for the very fi t, the good- looking, the well-muscled heroes, but simply an ordi- Bob Chauncey at the 2007 nary way for ordinary people to get about. Cycling Conference

Bob’s key points: n Let’s all try to look normal. Conference highlights: 5 views n Be humble: forget the sanctimony. In the closing session, fi ve people were asked to give their highlights n Practice what we preach: how many from the conference cycled to the conference? n Find partners: developers, religious 2: Glen Koorey leaders, insurance companies, health profession- • More lower-speed als. Th ese Let’s get outraged zones. partners all about traffi c • More integration of have good rea- bike/bus, park/ride. deaths — they • More paths off -road. son to support 1: Robert Ibell: 5 themes cycling, and are crashes not • Reduce crashes: lower speed limits the message is accidents 1 Progress since the last and fl uoro clothing. delivered and conference, mostly good • Key action for kids: get parents in- received diff er- • sophistication volved in riding too, and get facili- ently from a non-political source. • breadth and depth of knowledge ties. n Stay on message: it’s not about • coherence and direction Technical sessions health or safety, it’s about economic • cycle trends: things are not healthy • Lack of consistency in standards. benefi t. even with what we have achieved • Implement lower speed zones — in- What is NZ’s projected population 2 Collaboration: working with clude in design planning. increase over the next 25 years? Do we businesses • NZ Standard is still a supplement, want to increase the roads, parking, • a change happening in NZ not Th e Standard. traffi c police at the same rate? • importance of cooperation be- • Need an advanced cycle design training course. We already have non-polluting vehi- tween diff erent transport profes- cles in people’s garages: we don’t need sionals • Rule review: be aware of existing to invent something new and fabulous 3 Need for robust data and evi- rules. to solve the problem. dence • Need more NZ case studies. • Investment split between promo/ Do we want free-range kids, or kids • need more rigour infrastructure: 20% / 80%. imprisoned to keep them safe? • Transit, and cycles on SH1 4 Importance of the messages • Advocacy: cycle skills training: Focus on the big picture: e.g. if the big that get out to the public more on-road. picture is ‘more cyclists on the road, • Working with partners: maybe a fewer injuries’: does the current proj- • language used (eg., they are not joint walking/cycling conference. ect/initiative further this? ‘accidents’ they are ‘crashes’) Recreational cyclists: Bob Chauncey is n Have a big answer • the stories (not just deaths and the Director for injuries) • how do we work with them? ready when you have Policy Analysis • how do we engage with them? convinced them it’s a • misrepresentations about cycling with the National • are they an untapped reserve? good idea. Center for Bicy- 5 Need to think about reorienting cling & Walking, where we put the resources • do we want them to commute? Save the little ideas if so, then why? n USA for later. • promoting cycling continues p6 • reducing motor speed Chainlinks 4 2007 5 Conference 5 views Starting up the model communities continues 3: Peter Strang initiative (Bicycle Federation, Australia) NZ and Australia share many of the CAN’s strategy for the coming year same problems. NZ is better in some areas: Stephen McKernon • Cycling training. • Level of service (LOS), a tool for Developing ‘model communities’ where walking and cycling are measuring outcomes for cyclists. provided for in the best possible way is a key part of New Zealand’s • Government support for cycling. national ‘Getting There’ walking and cycling strategy. Unfortunately, • Government department support for cycling. the pedals aren’t turning on the initiative yet — it needs someone • Bike Now project. to push it • Co-operation between advocates, forward. councils, government. Usually a neigh- 4: Bob Chauncey bourhood, town (USA, Keynote speaker) or city nominates Lots of good news itself as a would- be ‘model com- • Great level of involvement: 142 munity’, then puts Since the initiative isn’t yet in motion, people present from a population a plan in place to achieve this, with our smart people suggested starting of 4m. Three weeks ago in Florida, support from key government agen- it would be an ideal project for the a state of 8m, they had 150 at their cies and funders. year — we could put our feet on the conference. The Pro Walk/Pro Bike pedals first, as it were — and so aim to During the CAN Do, some very smart Lobby had 750 people from a popu- achieve something really significant. CANners pointed out this initiative lation of 300m. It would also give us an exciting focus is probably the key to all the others. • Impressive breadth and brain power for our various activities, such as cycle of those involved here. training, national election lobbying, • Bike sports and sales are up. the Networking Project, our commu- nications, and so on. • Leisure cycling is up or trending in the right direction. 5:Roger Boulter As a result CAN’s strategic project for The chief concern is that the commut- Integrating cycling and walking 2007–2008 is starting up the model er cycling/mode share is going down. theme. Cycles are the main alterna- communities initiative. The beauty of this project is that the tasks we already Why not more commuter cycling? tive to the car, and Transit now sees catering for both an integral part of had for the year now have a really tan- Genetics? A mutant gene in the last maintenance. gible, worthwhile focus. For example, 30 yrs? No. Psychology? We value the CAN exec was in the process of Model communities, where land looking/being fit less? No. We don’t organising itself into sub-committees and transport planning is integrated. value sexy, tight clothing? No. Alter- to manage its workload better, and the This is the next step, but it is tough, native entertainments? Time? No: it model communities project is helping and slow to start. takes longer in a car. streamline these sub-committees and It’s as much about promotion as the work they do. Work smarter, not What has changed is the infrastruc- it is about engineering now: the harder! Change into an easier gear! ture. Focus on simple rise and rise of things: infrastructure to The project needs an exec member to Why do so many go by car? marketing. There help people commute. liaise between the model communities It is simple. It is safe. are many com- initiative and CAN’s own project — Look at the best routes munications and exec member Axel Wilke is taking on in our communities, The system is set up to marketing people this role. He will also ‘project manage’ then figure the promo- facilitate it. at the conference CAN to make sure everything stays tion and infrastructure Make biking that simple. (it used to be on target for the year. Rumour has needed to make them mainly engineers it (after the Cycle-Friendly Awards) work. and planners). he will do this wearing a Blackadder Why do so many go by car? It is sim- NZ has not seen the big increase costume… ple. It is safe. The system is set up to in cycle numbers that Europe has ex- You’ll be hearing about this in more facilitate it. Make biking that simple. n perienced. detail as the year progresses! n 6 Chainlinks 4 2007 NZ Roundup Bike Taupo wins Community Award

Bike Taupo recently won the Supreme Award at the TrustPower Taupo District Community Awards. For winning the Supreme Award, Bike Taupo received a framed certificate, a trophy and $1,500 prize money.

Bike Taupo now has the opportunity to represent the Taupo District at the TrustPower National Community Awards, which will be held in March 2008 in Wanaka. A proud group: Mike Langley, Richard Balm, Lisa Rowland, Thomas Schwarz of Bike Taupo TrustPower Community Relations Manager Graeme Purches says, “the they link neighbourhoods and are Million-dollar cycleway overall winners from each regional used by both bikers and walkers. proposed to link TrustPower Award, plus the overall Bike Taupo completed the construc- Ngongotaha with central winners of associated Community tion of the Bungy Track alongside the Awards in Wellington and Waitakere Rotorua Waikato River. This track forms a vital decide a National Award winner and link between the Taupo lakefront, Spa The 5.7 km sealed cycleway will run runner up. Each region gives a 10 min- Park and Wairakei Forest. It enables from the central city to central Ngon- ute presentation about what they have bikers and walkers to gotaha running along Parawai Rd, fol- done for their commu- avoid the very busy Spa lowing existing railway tracks. nity and the winner is “It was a complete Road. chosen by all the other surprise and its The cycleway had been identified as a main project in the council’s “Bike regional teams, and an great to have the For the third year Bike independent panel.” Taupo ran a road safety Rotorua” strategy. efforts of all of campaign called “1.5 me- Bike Taupo’s Richard Balm It would be six years before the project tres”. This campaign com- said winning the supreme those involved was completed with Rotorua ratepay- prising of road signs, signs award was an honour, “it ers expected to contribute almost recognised.” on buses and newspaper ad- was a complete surprise and $400,000. The council will apply to vertisements, was designed it’s great to have the efforts of Land Transport New Zealand for the to get motorists to give cyclists a mini- all of those involved recognised.” He rest. mum of 1.5 metres clearance says Bike Taupo have worked consis- “Trucks cut the when passing. The campaign Rotorua District Coun- tently over the last four to five years to corner to get is available free to any other cil works manager Peter provide walking and cycle tracks and around: I have to organisation or Council. Dine said the council was improve safety and access for cyclists. jump the curb to negotiating with Ontrack, Bike Taupo now manages get out of the way, Bike Taupo was formed in 2002 with which owns the railway 75 km of biking tracks around the aims of being a one stop shop for otherwise I’d be tracks, about sharing Taupo and Wairakei Forest. It biking in Taupo. Its intent is to work under the wheels. the corridor. If negotia- has started construction on a alongside the Taupo District Council A cycleway will tions with Ontrack were 22 km shared pathway around in promoting education, awareness be a Godsend for unsuccessful, the council the edge of Lake Taupo. and improving cycling infrastructure. Rotorua’s cycling would consider another Taupo is known for its recre- community.” Local route, possibly along In the last year Bike Taupo has been ational cycling. The aim now commuter Koutu Rd, he said. involved in a number of projects is make Taupo known for and events, all to promote cycling in Read the full story by its transport cycling. Presently Bike Taupo. Abigail Caspari and Mathew Martin Taupo is discussing with the Taupo in the Daily Post http://tinyurl.com/ Bike Taupo completed the construc- District Council the development of 3ad4m5. tion of a series of tracks through gul- an integrated transport plan for the lies in Taupo. Using existing drainage next 25 years to help achieve this. continues p8 gullies and totaling 10 km in length, Chainlinks 4 2007 7 NZ Roundup continues driven into by a motorist on a country ing up on a bike. road. It appears the driver of the truck Auckland City Council organises this Working towards a failed to give way at a t-intersection. popular event each summer to pro- Southland idyll And many people who commute by mote cycling as a fun, healthy way to bike find it hard to negotiate traffic in The green paddocks of Southland and get around the city, and to reward cy- the wide streets of Invercargill. the blue waters of Foveaux Straight clists with a free breakfast and a great bring to mind idyllic biking condi- Presently a core of interested cyclists morning of entertainment. It is for all tions, but Invercargill and the sur- is coming together to discuss concerns levels — first-time and infrequent bik- rounding area have challenges for for cyclists and what can be done to ers through to seasoned commuters cycling advocacy. help improve cycling conditions in and recreational cyclists. Invercargill and Southland. If you are The rural and state highway road net- The popular “cycling buses” will again interested in finding out more call Ken work of the region has a significant be arranged so that people can ride at (03) 217 2571. amount of large trucks rumbling down Ken Wuschke to Aotea Square along with others for it. The situation is also discouraging company. Leading up to the breakfast, for cyclists as some of the heavier traf- Auckland City Council’s the Council will be offering “have a fic corridors have little or no shoulder go” sessions where new cyclists and to bike on. Go by bike breakfast people wanting a refresher can come along and try riding a bike, get riding Invercargill Council has been proac- Wednesday 27 February 2008, 6.30am and safety tips, and see how to mend a tive in recent years by installing a net- to 9am, Aotea Square: Diarise this! puncture. work of bike lanes in the city. Howev- A fun morning with a free breakfast er, many of the routes have significant for cyclists, free bike checks, great Auckland City Council’s Go by bike gaps, there is a lack of bike parking in prizes, entertainment, bike tricks and breakfast organiser is Bronwen Jones the CBD, and some of the older bike displays, goodie bags for cyclists, and 027 480 7823, [email protected] much more! facilities are now considered to be of Traffic signs kill intrigue. Standardised substandard construction. Team up and dress up! There’ll be signs do not require the storyteller in Like elsewhere in New Zealand, prizes for the best fancy dress, special our head to be engaged. driver education focusing on cycling is recognition for the biggest team in Speedbumps for the Mind ÿ paramount. Recently five cyclists were uniform, and spot prizes for just turn- Small Group Biking Adventures in Africa, New Zealand, South Africa & Asia Fully guided, catered & supported

www.escapeadv.com Email us at: [email protected] Phone: 03 443 1126 8 Chainlinks 4 2007 ter plan with $2 million for trail devel- International snippets opment and bike lanes. 3 bicycles built every second magnificent in that dress, your long Liberty Lake, Wash. built bicycle infra- hair shining in the light … I drew structure from the ground up. The ‘world clock’ from the paradoxi- breath again watching you disappear New York City, N.Y., has completed cally-named chippynews.com is a ma- in the bustle of the boulevards.” the most thorough crash analysis of cabre but mesmerising digital counter http://tinyurl.com/2loew4 any city in the country which they are that logs in real time the global num- already using to improve cyclist safety. ber of births, marriages, divorces and deaths etc. But nestling in the midst Cardiff’s paramedics on cycles Santa Clarita, Calif. has installed of the sombre statistics is the number to respond to 999 calls extremely sensitive bicycle-detection technology to cater for cyclists at in- of bicycles produced — over 80 in the Paramedics on mountain bikes are be- tersections. time it’s taken you to read this story. ing tested in the shopping streets and www.chippynews.com/worldclock.htm malls of Cardiff city centre — and so Spartanburg, S.C. recently completed far they’ve proved a major success. a two-mile rail-trail through down- The richer people become the town. further they cycle On average, the cycling paramedics are reaching patients within a couple Encouraging people to drive less The richest fifth of the (UK) popula- of minutes — much faster than the is neither painful nor expensive tion cycle on average 2.5 times as normal response times of a frontline far in a year as the poorest fifth. The ambulance. http://tinyurl.com/2txfkf A new UK government report found Department for Transport’s National that personal travel planning can cut Travel Survey indicates that the poor- Toledo bike police on a roll car use by 10%. “Encouraging people est fifth, despite being five times less to drive less is neither painful nor Since its inception 5 years ago, officers likely to have access to a car, are very expensive. The best results don’t come on the mountain bike unit have ar- unlikely to consider cycling as a solu- from throwing money at building rested 7,441 people, taken 75 guns off tion to their transport needs. projects, but from small change spent the street, and confiscated http://tinyurl.com/25eacm The best results on ‘hearts and minds’. Cycle training $365,501 in cocaine, mari- is a particularly effective way to help come from small juana, and cash. Elgar gained inspi- people kick the driving habit,” CTC change spent on ration for many of “They’re able to do things Campaigns Manager Roger Geffen his greatest music ‘hearts and minds’ that no other unit in the said. http://tinyurl.com/ from his rides around police department can do Worcestershire, Gloucestershire because of the fact that they are on Edinburgh affirms that bikes win and Herefordshire. bicycles,” the chief said. “It offers a tre- the commuter challenge mendous tactical advantage.” http://tinyurl.com/29ewfp Elgar was a keen cyclist and bought his http://tinyurl.com/3xrvzz first bike, a Royal Sunbeam, in August Melbourne cycling on slow rise 1900. London’s first freewheel: roads in Central London closed off for Six thousand more people are riding 9% of Barcelona adults sign up 40,000 cyclists to work in Melbourne than five years ago, the 2006 census shows. for pool bikes Youtube video: http://tinyurl.com/38j94q However Melbourne University Barcelona is to increase its number transport planner Paul Mees said the of pool bikes from 1,500 to 6,000 by Seven US communities earn increase — from just 1% of all trips to March 2008. More than 90,000 sub- bicycle friendly community work to 1.3% last year — was a blip scribers — 9% of the adult popula- status from the League of compared with 1951, when 10% of tion — have signed up, and more than American Bicyclists trips to work were made on a bike. 2 million trips have been made across http://tinyurl.com/3d2epc www.bikeleague.org the city. Santa Cruz, Calif., strongly enforced Motion for free bikes for prima- Parisians are using their city’s guidelines to protect the safety of cy- ry school kids presented by the new ‘Vélib’ bikes to flirt clists during road construction. Dutch Socialist Party The 14,000-strong fleet of bikes has Steamboat Springs, Colo. has a strongly integrated off- and on-road According to the party, half of primary spawned a typically-French sub cul- school pupils in the Netherlands can- www.blogvelib.fr bicycling system. ture. On , riders can not participate in school bicycle tests leave messages on a forum called Lexington-Fayette County, Ky. just because they have no access to bicy- ‘Coup de foudre à Vélib’ Hill (Love passed a new bicycle-pedestrian mas- cles or do not know how to ride one. at first sight on Bike Hill). “You were http://quickrelease.tv/?p=207 n

Chainlinks 4 2007 9 We head for the mountains, and eventually roll across the border into African Queen Tanzania. Greenbacks validate our Dave Mitchell visas. Before dawn we’re off to the Ngorongoro crater, climbing through lush green rain forest into the mist Some smart-arse once muttered, “it’s not the things you do in life shrouded tops. Descending the crater that you come to regret but the things you don’t”. So I quickly say we emerge from the mist to discover “Yes” to John Etherington when he invites me on one of his Escape a lost world. A soda lake of pink fla- mingos lies to the west. Zebra and Adventure trips through East Africa. wildebeest cruise the crater. A herd of hyena eye some hippos moving from Now, I’m genetically reticent about evaporates as we approach. At the one mud hole to the next. Time slows commercial gigs, but am easily se- edge of the lake, giraffes glide towards as a cheetah stalks a gazelle. She ac- duced by the promo blurb; and the the mountains — their bodies shim- celerates and turns it before tripping it reality that I will probably never cycle mering and heads bobbing above the up. Her three cubs assist with the final Africa under my own steam. John’s heat haze. That evening we clamber kill. To complete the show, we spot a route follows the back roads and up a craggy ridge behind our campsite. couple of rhino in the dis- trails over sixteen Behind us the tance as we prepare to leave. days, from Nairobi sunset plays on As we make in Kenya through Kilimanjaro’s camp for the Continuing south we hit the Maasai Steppe. Baobab Tanzania to Dar es snow capped night, Kili’ Salaam. Apart from summit, below trees with their oversize the Economist’s the villagers shakes off its trunks and leafless branch- ramblings and the herd their cloud layer and es dominate the savan- occasional wildlife cattle and nah. They look like they skit, I am blissfully goats into the moon rises have been uprooted and ignorant of Africa thorn bush over its snowy planted upside down. We and eager to make corrals for the travel beside a railway that amends. evening. Later, slopes. Magic. services the sisal industry. Disused water tanks and From Nairobi we we visit the filler nozzles remain, not used since ride to Amboseli village and are treated steam trains plied the route. The sisal National Park. to a demonstration of industry almost folded with the advent Giraffe, zebra and the Maasai matchbox of synthetics but is now thriving with gazelle cruise across — a stick of soft- the renaissance of natural fibres. Our our path. A support wood spun against A few wealthy Masai men have black camp on the Pangani River offers a vehicle named Turtle some hardwood with Chinese or Indian-made bikes hot shower and stunning sunset while carries our camping dried goat dung as the monkeys jump between treetops. kit. It’s like a Swiss Army knife with a primer. Be nervous Crocs lurk unseen in the river. foldout kitchen, slide-out pantry, pop- Monsieur Bic. up roof tent and hidden attachments With land and property a Maasai Leaving the plains, we climb to the too numerous to name. John was a man can have up to four wives. A few Usambara Mountains and the town of motor mechanic in a past life — a wealthy men have black Chinese or In- Lushoto. Grand old German colonial handy skill on these remote trips. His dian-made bikes. They look hilarious homes look somewhat out of place sidekick Mandy is in charge of food, as they pedal the dusty tracks between amidst the humble local dwellings. We while a Maasai dude named Nash villages, with spears strapped to the huddle around the campfire that night drives the Turtle. Lucy from London, top tube and their mates perched on as the temperature plummets. The Lynda and Glenn from Canada and the carrier. John told us that he had next morning we walk the surround- myself complete the rogues’ gallery. previously sold Mandy ing hills, finishing continues p23 At the edge of the Amboseli we swap for thirty cows, but the our bikes for the security of the Turtle. deal was annulled when It’s safari time. Herds of zebra, wil- they discovered she was debeest and elephant trundle around no longer a teenager. We beneath the omni-present Mount Kili- managed to sell Lucy for manjaro. Hippos wallow in the muddy fifteen cows but had to lie water. As we make camp for the night, about her age. Kili’ shakes off its cloud layer and the moon rises over its snowy slopes. Magic. Leaving the park we ride along Local kids cheer us on — I the cracked surface of the dry Lake imagine that it’s a World Amboseli. Far ahead, a mirage of water Cup race. 10 Chainlinks 4 2007 Bike Culture Digital Strategy Project Update Simon Kennett André Cymbalista

Wow! Utility cycling is The project has now entered the implementation phase with the really starting to feature in contracting of Egressive — a company from Christchurch whose di- New Zealand’s mainstream rectors are members of Spokes. media. And in a good way. Upcoming Digital I was gobsmacked to see three cy- Egressive has excellent experience Strategy Events cling items in the main body of TV3’s with this kind of digital initiative and prime-time news on the 23rd of Sep- with cycle advocacy from the col- Email to [email protected] to register tember. One on World Car-Free Day, laboration and building of the Spokes or enquire. another on solutions to magpie attacks website. 8 March 2008 on cyclists in the Port Hills, and a The Digital Strategy project started Webmaster training third on the new bike hire scheme in with a planning workshop in Welling- Paris. Outstanding! ton in September with 14 participants, The Digital Strategy initiative will Two of New Zealand’s most popular and the convening of the Digital Strat- pay for travel expenses of one per- magazines have also decided cycling is egy Steering Committee. The project son from each participating local a hot topic. plan was reviewed with input from group to the webmaster training. In the Listener (Nov 3–9) the main fea- CAN and the user groups. ture was an article about 20 things that At the CAN Do, in Napier, 27 other other countries do better than us. And people had an opportunity to learn Obesity Action Coalition seminar top of their list was a piece about every- more about the project, to find out continues from p4 day cycling in the Netherlands. “Busi- what is involved and how local groups key health messages using social mar- nessmen and children do it. Politicians can participate and benefit. There was keting techniques. do it with alarming frequency. Even a strong indication that local groups Stephanie McLennan members of the royal family have been will be making the most of this op- http://tinyurl.com/33bp87, caught in the act”. “Twenty years ago, portunity. Dutch politicians made pedal power a powerpoint, 443kb. priority…” Here’s hoping our politicians 8 March 2008 the webmaster How to get our media read the Listener. Or North & South. training begins messages heard The December issue of North & South Liz Price, Communications Manager, devoted eight pages to a major feature The Digital Strategy initiative will pay Public Health Association. on cycling by Jim Robinson. “Cycling for travel expenses of one person from http://tinyurl.com/2ohgo6, is the new golf,” Jim noted. Under- each participating local group to the powerpoint, 2.6mb. standably, much of it was about sports webmaster training. Food Security in New Zea- cycling, but commuting was covered Get ready for the training: work land —The Politics of Food and they even gave CAN a mention. out what your group needs on Leonie Matoe And then there are the pages of cycle http://tinyurl.com/ynsu43, advocacy news from CAN in the latest and from the website powerpoint, 2.3mb. Endurance magazine, which goes out In order to participate in this train- Food Security Among Māori in to tens of thousands of sporty Kiwis. ing, each group must create a content Aotearoa Adding to the raft of recent cycling inventory — a list of all the things This educational toolkit by Te Hotu stories, this evening Radio New Zea- you would like to have or do on your Manawa Māori is aimed at improving land National’s Bryan Crump was website. If you’re not sure, André can the food security status of Māori. interviewing the Cycling Conference help. n http://tinyurl.com/24j5p2, pdf, 2.2mb. keynote speaker, Dr Bob Chauncey Links to the presentations here: www. from America’s National Centre for About the Digital Strategy obesityaction.org.nz , and at www.can. Walking and Cycling. This innovative project for the commu- org.nz/Chainlinks/links. Utility Cycling is getting closer to being nity of cycling advocates is funded by a mainstream in the minds of the New government fund to enable communities Marilyn Northcotte, Cycle Aware Wel- to identify and address their ICT needs in Zealand media than it has been for lington, represented CAN at the semi- partnership with business and government. decades. One of CAN’s big challenges nar. CAN is a member of the coalition now is to support that trend until the Find out more: Digital Strategy Blog, (Active transport). minds of mainstream New Zealand- www.can.org.nz/dsblog A copy of ‘Would you like lies with that?’ André Cymbalista ers, politicians and road controlling will be housed in the CAN Library, Wel- Digital Strategy Project Manager: authorities see bicycles as the vehicle lington.n [email protected] 04 384 7048 of choice for the 21st century. n . Chainlinks 4 2007 11 Multisport_Mag_ad 12/8/06 3:32 PM Page 1

enthusiastic eyewear™ SPARC Cycle Friendly The prize winners in each category were announced at a ceremony at the Cycling Conference 2007 dinner in Napier on the 1st November. The Minister of Transport, the Hon Annette King, presented the awards to the finalists and winners. The winners received a uniquely designed “bicycle-bell” trophy, a cer- tificate, and a subscription to CAN.

Kilo™ / Matte Black Backcountry Orange™ “One of the most important aspects of meeting New Zealand’s goals in terms of reducing green- house gas emissions is to initiate behaviour chang- es and cement the message that leaving the car at home and instead cycling, walking or taking public transport is usually a better and realistic alterna- tive.” Hon Annette King, Minister of Transport

Q3™ / Matte Gunmetal High Speed Red™ Avanti Award for Best Cycle Facility Project: Transit NZ for Basin Reserve Cycle/Pedestrian Crossings This project, by providing light-controlled crossings for cyclists and pedestrians at key parts of the Basin, has made it easy and safe for cy- clists to use the Reserve itself as a pleasant, off-road section Forza FC™ / Iron Light Night™ of their journey. The introduc- tion of more light-controlled intersections around the Basin has also improved safety for cyclists using the roadway.

Devised by the Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN), the nation- ™ Tifosi Optics Fototec lenses al organisation promoting everyday cycling, and sponsored with Variable Tint Technology by Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC), the Cycle Friendly Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate some of the most notable achievements in the country that Tifosi Optics’ Fototec lens change tint when are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. exposed to UV rays while still providing Motorists queued patiently because the storyteller in the 100% UVA/UVB protection. head of each had to know if the story they had con- structed was remotely right. Intrigue only works if we allow the mystery to remain. Mental speed bumps switch For more information, visit www.cycletech.co.nz the driver persona off and the storytelling persona on.” Speedbumps for the Mind ÿ

12 Chainlinks 4 2007 Awards 2007 Market place Land Transport NZ Award for Best Cycling Promotion: Massey University PR Team for Quad, Quike, On Ya Bike pedals and four wheels. Stable, comfortable, New Creative tactics and a comprehensive Zealand made media strategy were carried out by www.veryeco.com Massey University Public Relations students over a two-week campaign aimed at making cycling a more at- tractive alternative to driving in Palm- erston North.

Land Transport NZ Award for Advertise Cycle-Friendly Commitment by your product or service here: Business: secretary@can. MWH New Zealand Ltd for org.nz Green Kilometres on “pool” bikes During the BikeWise Business Battle MWH ran an internal company pro- motion called “throw your leg over” which proved a huge success. Th e process has raised the profi le of cy- The Spacemaker cling within the company as a fun way $15 / $25 to achieve sustainability. 30cm plastic safety fl ag with refl ectors. ViaStrada Award for Cycle- Hinged to fold Friendly Commitment by a when parked. Public Organisation: Claim your space! Nelson City Council for Backpack cover “Biking for a better Pedalling Along $25 / $35 world” t-shirt Incredibly loud $25 / $35 From the high-level Cycle Strategy yellow waterproof With Andy Singer car- pack cover with adopted in December 2006 down to toon and refl ective strip and CAN logo. 100% cot- the “tin tacks” of providing puncture rear light loop. ton, NZ made. Sizes repair courses, NCC has worked hard NZ made. S, M, L. to make cycling a safe, convenient and commonplace way of getting around Nelson.

Roger Boulter Consulting Award for Cycling Champion of the Year: Tama Easton, VORB Owner/ Director, Editor of Spokes Prices for CAN products Magazine Member / Non member Three ways to order Tama Easton has been a champion of 1 :: Deposit money in Kiwibank 38-9005- all forms of cycling in New Zealand 0922435-01 via the vorb.org.nz website which he :: Email order, contact and delivery details to [email protected]. started in 2000. It now attracts close 2 :: Send cheque to CAN, PO Box 6491, to 50,000 unique visitors and over 1.5 Auckland million page views per month, and :: Include order, contact and delivery de- was the recipient in 2007 of a Net- tails. guide Award for Best Sports Site. n 2 :: Credit card: can.org.nz/shop

Chainlinks 4 2007 13 Using online social networks to

At the CAN Do, I talked about the expand CAN’s membership use of online social networks to amplify cycling advocacy and to André Cymbalista increase CAN membership. With this article, I clarify why online so- How can we fi nd and talk to the 1,274,000 cyclists in New Zealand? How cial networks are a good place to expand our membership, and how can we inspire them? How can we create opportunities for them to make we can accomplish this. a difference for cycling?

Cyclists are consistently ignored in People who join these communities People who cycle are better off . the planning process of local councils. • create personal profi les. In these pro- In the UK, the Department for Councils bail out of their responsibil- fi les, they include information about Transport’s National Travel Survey ity to support sustain- things they are interested in — such indicates that the able transport through Online communities as ‘cycling’. We can easily fi nd cyclists richest fi fth of the cycling initiatives, if they have declared themselves to be are THE place to make population cycle on presuming that cyclists cyclists in their profi les. average 2.5 times as represent a minority of requests for people to far in a year as the Online communities are THE place to road users. support a good cause poorest fi fth. network with people and invite them Th e sad truth is that Where could we meet people to take action in issues that matter to sometimes we even fool ourselves with them. who are younger, richer, and this notion. It is about time for us to give up this inferiority complex. communicative? Online commu- Using Facebook is very success- nities! ful for promotion and fundrais- The larger our membeship the So, let’s put these data in an equation. ing more advocacy clout we have Where could we possibly meet people Online communities are THE place to who are younger, richer, and commu- Th e facts are clear: cyclists are there make requests for people to support a nicative? Yes, you nailed it: it is on the in huge numbers. Leisure cycling ex- good cause. perienced a hyperbolic growth, from internet, in online communities! A growing number of NGOs and ad- less than 5% of the population in the Some example of popular online com- vocacy groups are using Facebook for 70’s to more than 30% of the popula- munities: tion now. According to the Ministry promotion and fundraising: VORB has more than 50,000 unique of Transport, there are 1.274 million • Th e Alliance for Climate Protec- visitors monthly (all cyclists). • cyclists in New Zealand. Virtually all tion has gathered support from of them are leisure cyclists, and most • Facebook has 250,000 users in 1,278,228 people (when last are road users as well. New Zealand, 60% in the age group checked) and raised over US$ 18–24. 15,000. We know some facts about • UNICEF has 382,513 supporters, these cyclists and raised over US$11,823 • Cyclists are younger. • Th e Campaign for Breast Cancer A SPARC survey shows that Research, 2,536,587 people donated 26% of people aged 18–24 cycle US$49,268. regularly. Th e percentage de- • Fair Trade, 89,358 people in less creases in older age groups (19% than four months. in the group 25–34, and 17% for Th eesese oorganizationsrganizations ccreatereate ttheirheir oownwn 35–39). profiprofi le,le, statingstating theirtheir missionmission andand theirtheir • Cycling is a social activity. cause,cause, ggatheringathering ssupportupport aandnd ddonationsonations Th e same research shows cycling throughthrough oonlinenline ssocialocial nnetworking.etworking. is the second most popular ac- In the past they did not have to put tive leisure that people do with up warning signs when kids played in family and friends — therefore, the streets. The reason? Uncertainty there are lots of conversations forced motorists to slow down without about cycling happening in the them even being aware of it. peedbumps for the Mind ÿ background. S 14 Chainlinks 4 2007 Campaign for cycle/walkway over the Auckland harbour bridge gathers strength Bevan Woodward

Cycle Action Auckland is increasing its efforts to lobby for pedes- trian and cyclist access over Auckland Harbour Bridge. The regional PlayPlay yyourour ppartart cycle advocacy group is currently putting together a campaign team Join Facebook, take part in whose goal is to achieve a go-ahead on the project within the next CAN’s online membership few months. campaign: you can build our Th ey are seeking to win the membership. support of both the general public and of the various Join Facebook meet people, fi nd public sector organisations your friends, and invite them to that have a stake in the pro- support Everyday Cycling in New cess, by widening the debate Zealand and CAN. from a solely transport issue Th ere are already 17 CAN mem- to one of making Auckland bers in Facebook. Imagine what will a more liveable city. happen if each one of these people Cycle Action Auckland’s invite one person every month decision to ramp up its (piece of cake!), and these people do campaign results from the the same, and the coinciding of two Tran- people they invite $50 every sit announcements — the Cycle Action member John Gregory on the service do the same. In month to the need for urgent maintenance walkway under the Auckland Harbour Bridge one year we can work on the clip-on lanes of have more than person who the bridge, and the release turned into a path for cyclists and pe- 35,000 members. recruits the of a Feasibility Study, and design and destrians. $$ each month most new costings report, that conclude that a More recently, keen cyclist and Cycle cycleway and walkway over the bridge for the best re- members Action Auckland member Graeme are do-able. Cycle Action believes that Knowles initiated a 6,000 signature cruiter the need to do the maintenance work petition which led to Cycle Action be- presents Auckland with the ideal time CAN members who make an out- ing called to Parliament in July 2004 to to also do the work to standing contribution to this cam- Making Auckland present their case for a feasibil- add access for cyclists paign will receive a $50 reward. Th is ity study into a cycle/ walkway and pedestrians. a more liveable reward will be given every month to over the Bridge. Transit were the person who recruits more new Ever since its concep- city subsequently directed by Par- members than anyone else. All you tion in the 1950s, Aucklanders liament to carry out the study. After have to do is open a Facebook ac- have pushed for pedestrian and cyclist substantial delays Transit completed count today, and start inviting your access over the Auckland Harbour its feasibility report in early 2007, and friends to support CAN. n Bridge. Original plans for the Bridge this was followed by a design and cost- ings report that showed that a cycle/ Online social net- did include a cycle- Traffi c devices tell motorists they walkway could be done. works: links can be certain of their space. They way and walkway but cost cutting Cycling Advocates’ are a covert promise of predictabil- Th e Transit design involves adding an Network page in Face- ity and certainty. The engineer who led to these being additional clip-on section to each side book: http://tinyurl. insisted we put 274 traffi c cones up removed from the of the bridge which would provide com/38z89b the centre of the street was doing fi nal design. In a walkway on the eastern side of the what planning professionals do: re- the 1970s, protest “Non-Profi ts on Facebook bridge and a cycleway on the western ducing uncertainty. By creating an group PATH lob- and MySpace” (article by illusion of certainty the engineer side. For more information about the Richard McManus): seduces the motorists into driving bied to have the design see Cycle Action’s information http://tinyurl.com/ service walkway http://tinyurl. faster. Speedbumps for the Mind ÿ page on the proposal at 39cjwe under the Bridge com/2salcs, pdf, 100kb. n

Chainlinks 4 2007 15 CAN leaves BikeNZ CAN wants you! CAN resigned from membership of In the tradition of many hands BikeNZ at the end of October. make light work, a new sub- CAN has been involved with BikeNZ committee structure was set since its establishment some four years ago, and has tried to advocate up at the CAN Do to spread the for everyday cycling within BikeNZ. In expertise and encourage greater communicating the decision to local participation in CAN’s goal to groups, CAN chairperson Robert Ibell get more people cycling more said, “We regret that neither organisa- tion has achieved significant successes often. for everyday cycling through this In which of these do you have a pas- relationship and think that we can use sion, keenness, enthusiasm, desire or our energy and achieve our aims more inkling to participate? Anne Gummer effectively as an independent organi- Auckland Project Officer: sation. We will continue, however, to • Marketing & media work collaboratively with BikeNZ • Membership profile where appropriate.” • Technical many hands Since the day in my early twenties “This is not a decision that CAN has • Submissions make light when I missed the bus, and a friend taken lightly. However, we are con- • Policy work lent me his bike so I could still get to vinced that it will enable us to focus • Cycle training work on time, I have loved the free- more resources on pursuing important dom and general sense of well-being advocacy opportunities. • Digital Strategy • Funding. and happiness that bike riding brings. “We know BikeNZ will continue to Although Auckland drivers don’t have advance the goals of its remaining Is there something else you have inter- the best reputation when it comes to member organisations, and we look est and energy for? Anyone for Legal, watching out for bikes, in general I forward to pursuing common interests or Urban design? have happily biked my way around this with them.” n Do a little or a lot city, aided perhaps by the ‘bikers wob- ble’. The wobble is particularly handy It might be brainstorming, providing on narrow roads where cars tend to advice, connecting the right people, pass too close. In this situation the CAN’s new executive arranging an activity or workshop, usual tendency to ride as confidently There have been a few changes on the co-ordinating a project, meeting new as possible is abandoned in favour of a Executive following our recent AGM. people. (controlled) wobble that gives drivers Sridhar Ekambaram has resigned in or- Both small and large contributions the impression that I am an unpre- der to do postgrad study, Andre Cym- are welcome and valuable — don’t be dictable rider who needs to be given balista has taken up the role of Digital put off by having only a little time, you a wide berth! I have recently started Strategy Project Manager, and Thomas can still contribute. exploring tricky back ways for getting Schwarz is concentrating his efforts on places — paths that cut through re- our website development as part of the Flexible meeting/contacts serves and around mangrove swamps, Digital Strategy sub-committee. Many and pop you out in the most unex- thanks from all There is a Each group will have a dedicated CAN pected places. email address, and will work in ways CANners to For the last year I have been working new ‘Model to suit its members. them for all their as the coordinator for a community/ work as Exec Communities’ environmental organisation that works members. working group Get involved: contact Illona at a grassroots level to encourage peo- New on the Exec To join a group contact Illona at ple to use sustainable transport. I have is Gaz Sanvicens — Gaz is applying his [email protected] with your name, also been involved with Cycle Action experience with Sustrans in the UK to email address, phone number and Auckland, looking into how to get bike help CAN develop links with the busi- area of interest and she will put you in racks onto buses within the Auckland ness community. He is also coordinating touch with the group. region. Most recently I have spent the the Cycle Friendly Awards. last couple of months on holiday with The group you want isn’t there? Con- my family in Spain and France, having CAN also has a new Model Communi- tact Illona, so she can put you in touch a fantastic break and looking envi- ties working group, chaired by Paul de with other interested people. ously at European cities that are cycle Spa. See page 6 for this new strategic n n Please get involved! friendly both by nature (no hills) and initiative for 2008. by design. n 16 Chainlinks 4 2007 Contact CAN CAN to apply for Registration :: Chair, Robert Ibell, [email protected] :: Deputy Chair, Illona Keenan, as a Charity all charitable purposes. Th e Charities [email protected] Commission goes on to say “if politi- :: Secretary, Adrian Croucher, John Gregory cal advocacy is not a primary purpose [email protected] and is not independent of a primary :: Treasurer, Liz Mikkelsen, There are good benefi ts for CAN: [email protected] purpose that is charitable then it won’t • Supporters and potential funders stop you from qualifying for registra- :: Membership secretary, Adrian Croucher, [email protected] can fi nd detailed information about tion.” :: Submissions co-ordinator, CAN on the Charities Register. [email protected] The application process is slow John Gregory, • Eligibility for tax exemption for :: Policy co-ordinator, Graeme Lindup, [email protected] CAN and donors of gifts. We apply, for free, with various forms :: Technical advisors: • Improved public confi dence. and they review our documents and Andrew MacBeth, [email protected], decide if our primary pur- Axel Wilke, [email protected] But are we charitable? Watch out for a pose is charitable. :: Urban design champion, Todd Simmiss, Is advocacy charitable or Special General [email protected] It will take at least 14 non-charitable? :: Cycle Training co-ordinator, Patrick Morgan, Meeting weeks for them to consider [email protected] Th e Charities Commis- to implement our application, as they :: Media & marketing co-ordinator, sion distinguishes between have 2,487 applications Stephen McKernon, [email protected] these changes ‘personal and representa- queued for review. It is im- :: Webmaster, Th omas Schwarz, [email protected] tional advocacy’ and advocacy that is portant to be ready, to avoid having to :: Merchandise co-ordinator, political, such as lobbying for a law go to the back of the queue. :: Advertising coordinator, change. Th e courts tend to regard po- :: We need 2 minor rule changes e.CAN editor, litical advocacy as non-charitable, as Adrian Croucher, [email protected] to our constitution before we :: Chainlinks editor, they don’t believe that it is the Court’s Miriam Richardson, [email protected] role to decide what counts a a ‘public apply :: Chainlinks contributions manager, benefi t’, which is an essential part of • To make it very clear, these words [email protected] [Vacant], neneeded ttoo bbee addeaddedd ttoo cclauselause 10.5: :: Mailouts co-ordinator, Ritsuko Ogawa, [email protected] WANTED “any income, benefi t or advan- :: Fundraising coordinator, ttageage iiss ttoo bbee uusedsed ttoo advadvanceance tthehe Andre Cymbalista, [email protected] CAN merchandise coordinator charitable purposes of CAN.” :: Meetings co-ordinator, • We also need to add words to Jane Dawson, [email protected] We’re looking for a keen volunteer to take over tthehe wwindinginding up cclause,lause, ssoo tthathat :: Awards co-ordinator, the role of CAN merchandise coordinator. CAN Gaz Sanvicens, [email protected] operates a small online shop (www.can.org.nz/ “funds shall be transferred to shop any other society” is extended Staff , project offi cers ) off ering the famous ‘One Less Car’ back- ttoo add ““thatthat iiss ccharitableharitable under :: Fiona Whero, fi [email protected], pack covers, CAN t-shirts and spacemaker fl ags Christchurch: 03 366 2645 / 027 449 1845 (and hopefully a few other things in future). NeNeww ZZealandealand llaw”.aw”. [email protected] :: Simon Kennett, , Maintaining registration re- Wellington: 04 385 4967 / 027 449 1844 Th is is a voluntary position with a time com- :: Anne Gummer, [email protected] mitment of about 1–2 hours per week, basically quires timely and accurate Auckland: 09 378 0953 / 027 449 1848 involving fi lling orders and ordering new stock form fi ling :: Andre Cymbalista, [email protected] when necessary. It could be done from any- 021 773 839 (Digital Strategy manager) where in the country, and no particular experi- • Pay an annual fee of $50 Working groups and conveners ence is needed, though if you are a methodical (if income over $10,000). :: : Paul de Spa Model Communities type that will help. • Submit an Annual Return. :: Research: Andrew MacBeth [email protected] Th is is on a standard form which :: Media/Communications/Marketing: Interested? Adrian: Stephen McKernon asks questions such as how :: Information Centre: Th omas Schwarz Chainlinks contribution manager manymany ppaidaid and ununpaidpaid hours araree :: Digital Strategy: Andre Cymbalista Stephen White has been lured to Perth, so worked.worked. Representing CAN Chainlinks is seeking a new contributions man- • Submit annual accounts (au- :: Cycling/Walking Steering Committee (HSC): ager. Th is role involves ensuring there is good diting optional) on a standard Robert Ibell content for each quarterly magazine. Th ere’s a fform.orm. :: LTNZ Research Reference Group: bit of phoning around and following up, some Andrew Macbeth • Keep any changes to offi ce research, some writing and some editing in- :: Getting Th ere: Jane Dawson, Andrew Mac- holdersholders,, addraddressess eetctc up ttoo ddate.ate. beth, Stephen McKernon, Th omas Schwarz volved. More detail on the Chainlinks webpage, • Submit all the above within can.org.nz. :: Cycle Skills Training Advisory Group: tthreehree monmonthsths of tthehe AAGMGM or of Illona Keenan and Jane Dawson. Interested? Miriam: [email protected] any change.n For phone numbers: can.org.nz/contact Chainlinks 4 2007 17 18 Chainlinks 4 2007 Next up it was time for Glen Koorey to You CAN Do Too present ‘Submissions 101’. For some this was all new stuff , for others it was Simon Kennett a refresher. For most of us, it was a bit of both. Needless to say this was a crit- This year’s annual get-together of cycling advocates was another ical session, for if we fail to contribute opportunity to share bright ideas and get excited about the year well to decision-making processes ahead. through winning submissions, we become little more than social clubs of As well as a collection of New Zea- discontented cyclists. land’s leading cycle campaigners, the Th e fi nal slot of the day was devoted 2007 CAN Do was also fortunate to to CAN. Stephen summed up the push include advocacy leaders from Aus- to promote CAN better through its tralia (Peter Strang of the Bicycle Fed- new logo and merchandise. He’s eration) and America (Bob Chauncey, led the development of a fresh image the Cycling Conference keynote Dinner that will help attract members and im- speaker). Sunny Napier played host; press the people we need to infl uence. itself to. the restored Crown Hotel was the A decade ago this session It’s invigorating! venue. might have lasted half an hour. Today, Judging by the smiles and the evalu- The fi rst session of the week- the potential for internal and exter- ation forms, the 2007 CAN Do was a end was a discussion of advo- nal communications, networking and hit. Everybody seemed to leave more cacy group models, led by Bob campaigning through the web is mas- sive and daunting. We are fortunate to inspired to make things happen in the Chauncey. How does CAN compare n have André Cymbalista and a team of coming year. Roll on 2008! with overseas groups? It appeared we several IT-savvy members leading shared the characteristics of many the way. diff erent groups. Should we specialise more? Do we want to be driven by Th at evening’s dinner and the fol- mass membership campaigns or by lowing morning’s breakfast might consultancy work for corporates and have appeared inconsequential government? What goods or services on the programme, but, as usual, could we off er the general public? Th e those were the events that allowed discussion was vigorous and laid out people to explore ideas further and some concepts that would be revisited to really get to know one another. in later sessions. On the Sunday morn- Lunch Next up, Graeme Lindup, We settled on ing Patrick Mor- CAN’s policy co-ordinator. the promotion gan brought us up to up-to-date ‘Bike- He brought us of environments speed with Observations of a Novice with policy development ability’ skills train- and several people volun- so cycle-friendly ing and CAN’s eff ort continues from p3 teered to work on policies that they would to help advance it in in the coming months. Th is New Zealand through Th e presentations from groups on session quickly became an- seduce people to a network of trainers. their successes around the coun- other encouraging display of ride bikes Th en Axel Wilke led try was excellent value I thought. the considerable intellectual an extra session covering And then it was ‘granny gear’ terrain ‘grunt’ present in CAN. the possibilities for funding again — presentations on Winning of future cycle conferences and Formulas for Submissions, Promotion After a lunch break spent sitting on broadening the focus to include of CAN and that now familiar term the beach or riding to a local park, Ste- walking. ‘Cycle Advocacy’! phen McKernon had us all engrossed in a passionate discourse on CAN’s After a short break, and somewhat Before we knew it we were having a strategic priority number one for behind schedule, several groups fi nal chat over a coff ee or two and it 2008. We settled on the promotion shared their successes of 2007, was time to say farewell and, for me of environments so cycle-friendly that ranging from share the road cam- at least, a two day pedal back home. they would seduce people to ride bikes paigns, to group rides, track develop- Heaven!! (most likely through the Getting Th ere ment, submissions and street audits. Did I learn anything about CAN?…did Model Communities initiative). Th is is the very stuff our local groups I enjoy the experience?…you bet I did! exist for. It is extremely inspiring to Th e fi nal session of the day was a chal- Will I be going to the next CAN Do? workshop on the digital see a year’s nationwide successes laid lenging … Do bicycle tyres get punctures??? n strategy that CAN has committed out in just over an hour.

Chainlinks 4 2007 19 ture plans open for comment Regional groups and a re-zoning to cater for a big roundabout on the Bike Nelson Bays proposed Eastern Arterial all requiring urgent attention. BNB is pleased to see that its lobby- John Meekings ing of Nelson City Council and Nelson Police around vehicles in cycle lanes has been successful, with Life membership for Kurt the Council planning a publicity campaign, and police partner- Brehmer in Auckland ing this with an education and Cycle Action Auckland voted unani- enforcement campaign. mously to make Kurt their inaugural life BNB has been invited to be part member. Th e members and committee of the Transport Forum that will of Cycle Action wanted to recognise the be considering the 5,700 sub- signifi cant contribution he has made missions on the North Nelson to cycling in Auckland, especially as a to Brightwater Corridor Study. founding member of Cycle Action Auck- Improving and increasing com- land and for his work in establishing the muter cycling is one of the main North-West Cycleway. elements of Transit’s preferred option. ‘Meeting new BNB is seeking more funding for its members’ ride in lifecycle courses to get people back Kapiti into cycling. To build on the inter- that without practice, getting on the Well, what else to do if new members est in cycling and all its variations at bike and cycling 35.2 km (the .2 seems do not show up to meetings? Ecofest, a “cycle fest” is planned for to be important) in one stretch was a late 2008. Heading off along the back route to challenge. Derek said he hoped that Peka Peka we rode along a relaxing we would soon have a pathway like What’s happening in unsealed track formed fairly recently the Wharemauku fi nished all the way Hamilton through undulating dunes — it was to Otaki because their B&B custom- peaceful and nice not having to worry ers have often asked for places to cycle Our new council has returned all of about vehicles for a change — and we off -road. the hardworking pro-cycle councillors arrived at our delightful interim desti- John Baldwin we have been working with, and we nation, Alfresco Garden Cafe located have only two new ones that we now in Harrisons Garden Centre. Wonder- Spokes Canterbury need to get to know and see how they ful! Much chatting, coff ees and cakes Spokes Canterbury was recently fea- stand on cycle issues. All in all a pretty all round but eventually it was time to tured in NZ Endurance Sport maga- good result for us, thankfully. press on … must admit it was a bit of zine’s round-up of what local advocacy an eff ort to get back on the bikes after Hamilton City Council is currently groups have been up to (http://tinyurl. such a relaxing break and the comfort busy developing the north-eastern com/3cp2zp). Th e key areas we chose of Harry’s campervan was more than sector of the cycle network. Th ere to feature were the history of Spokes, appealing! Inspecting a section of the are lots of works happening, with the long campaign to get “bikes coastal off -road pathway that eventu- indented parking and indented bus on buses”, Spokes weekend rides, ally will end in Otaki was also part of stops now being seen on Bankwood Spokester Steven Muir’s campaign to the trip. and River roads. Wastewater grates get more people building and using are all being changed from the nasty Somebody had prepared an interest- bike trailers, and the development of a wheel biting types to more friendly ing itinerary (estimated at 25 km total) new website. models as well. Th e previously narrow and one that on paper looked formi- Th e website (spokes.org.nz) is going and diffi cult section near the Heaphy dable — we were to split up into two from strength to strength with the Terrace shops is also being remodelled groups — fast & slow — with the fast overall vision being to increase and with the kerb being moved back, some group pedalling their bicycle clips off facilitate access of the Spokes wider parking removed and generally being at 30 km/h! Fortunately we can happily membership (around 900) as well as made a much nicer place to be on a report that an average speed closer the other (according to a Council sur- bike. to 15 to 20 km/h was achieved on the vey) 100,000 Christchurch cyclists all day — just as well! We are currently on a big submis- potentially contributing to discussions sions push with several by-laws and Derek, Miriam and Liz were the only and submissions. At the same time we associated Management Plans being three out of 10 who got to the ex- would hope to gain a wider profi le and reviewed, two urban growth cell struc- tended fi nish line. Miriam confessed increase membership. Th e key driv- 20 Chainlinks 4 2007 ers of this vision are Jonathan Hunt, Our FIRST Cycling Dave Lane, Glen Koorey and Axel Challenge Join online Wilke. Jonathan and Dave are part of Egressive Ltd (http://egressive.com), a Two special needs students from Kapi local software and business IT solu- Mana School took up the challenge to or clip this form cycle from Pukerua Bay to Kapi Mana tions company who have contributed Join online at their time and expertise for free. Th e School in October, as part of the Hill- www.can.org.nz/join website development fi ts in well with ary Commission’s “PUSH PLAY” Na- CAN’s Digital Strategy and it is hoped tional Physical Activity Campaign. OR post this form to us with your that other local advocacy groups will Th e idea was to do a trip that was both cheque: use as a template what has already fun and a moderate physical challenge been developed. to encourage the students to cycle Name more, and to get involved in physical activities of all kinds. Th e students and Maxine and Address her teacher’s aid Charlie Konia took their bikes to Pukerua Bay on the train, and they cycled together back to their school. Maxine Montgomery n Phone Mana school students Cullum Prescott and Arthur Antonio, and Charlie Konia, teacher’s aide Email Contact the local group nearest you i: ® Please email the e.CAN Whangarei: Bike! Whangarei Paraparaumu,Paraparaumu, WWaikanae,aikanae, OOtaki:tak kapiticycling.org.nz email news fortnightly. Paul Doherty 09 436 0033 Kapiti Cycling, [email protected] Liz Mikkelsen 06 364 8187 ® Please send me information [email protected] Auckland: Cycle Action Auckland, about ‘cycle safe’ insurance. caa.org.nz | [email protected] Wellington: Cycle Aware Wellington, caw.org.nz | [email protected] Bevan Woodward 021 1226 040 Occupation: Alastair Smith 04 972 2552 Hamilton: Cycle Action Waikato How did you fi nd out about CAN? Rob Davidson 07 856 5217 Nelson: Bicycle Nelson Bays [email protected] Iain Dephoff 03 548 8939 [email protected] Tauranga: Cycle Action Tauranga Iris Th omas 07 578 7025 Marlborough: Bike/Walk Marlborough We respect your privacy and will [email protected] Paul Millen not give your details to anyone not [email protected] affi liated with CAN. Taupo: Bike Taupo, biketaupo.org.nz West Coast: Bike West Coast Helen Gillespie Richard Balm 021 919 851 Membership fees per calendar year [email protected] 03 756 9037 | 027 273 8303 [email protected] Unwaged $15 Hawke’s Bay: Cycle Aware Hawke’s Bay Bernie Kelley Christchurch: Spokes Canterbury Waged $30 [email protected] Matthew Cutler-Welsh Family $35 03 9385 6306 | spokes.org.nz Supporting organisations $75 New Plymouth: [email protected] North Taranaki Cycling Advocates Graeme Lindup 06 757 2062 north- Timaru: Squeaky Wheel [email protected] Hamish Milne 03 686 6302; Membership fee $ ...... Daniel Naudé Wanganui Bicycle User Group [email protected] Donation $ ...... Anne Mohrdieck 06 345 6959 [email protected] Dunedin: Spokes Dunedin Total $ ...... Dick Martin 03 453 6667 Make cheque payable to CAN Palmerston North: [email protected] Cycle Aware Palmerston North CAN Christine Cheyne Ph 06 356 3588 Dunedin: Harbour Cycle Network www.hcn.co.nz Freepost 147092 [email protected] PO BOX 6491 Niki Bould 03 472 8947 Wellesley St, Auckland

Chainlinks 4 2007 21 Ibell met with Transfund to investigate Back pedalling further and reported back in the fol- lowing issue. Chainlinks in years gone by Cycle Action Waikato became the fifth Simon Kennett local group to join CAN. Ten years on, they are one of CAN’s most efficient Spring 1998 saw Chainlinks upgrade from a simple A4 sheet to a groups, generating over 20 group sub- missions per annum. more professional folded A5 newsletter — a format that would last right through to 2006. CAN was clearly stepping up another gear. Cycle Aware Wellington wrote about its Doctor Bike programme which of- The September ‘98 issue even had staples! “I seem to remember fered free bike checks at events. They noted that The September and October issues nett provided a putting those staples in an estimated 10% of all bi- of Chainlinks contained a fascinat- feature on the pros manually … ahh, those cycle crashes are the result ing array of content. Jonathan Ken- and cons of cycle of mechanical failure. touring in New were the days!” Spokes Canterbury report- Zealand. Awesome Jane Dawson ed that they had a success- scenery, quiet back Supporting ful cycle commute to town roads and cheap accommodation ver- with their mayoral candidates and that sus unpredictable weather, busy city they were working closely with council roads and big hills. Our roads are now Organisations to ‘sanity test’ new infrastructure pro- generally busier with faster and larger 21 Century Transport posals. Abley Transportation Engineers vehicles, and cycle touring appears Adventure South Ltd less common. But statistics from Tour- Finally, in Auckland CAA was cele- Auckland City Council ism New Zealand show an increase in brating both the intention of Auckland Auckland Cycle Touring Association road riding by international visitors City Council to spend $14 million over Auckland Regional Transport Authority from 24,899 in 1998 to 35,511 in 2005. 20 years on new cycle lanes, and the Avanti Plus Cycles, Mt Eden Where are they all? positive response to the new bus/cycle Canterbury District Health Board lanes on Dominion Road. There was a summary of Transfund’s Central Otago District Council 1998/99 National Roading Pro- Somehow, even if progress is painfully Crank It Cycles gramme, valued at $880 million. Cycle slow, it’s encouraging to see that cycle Cuthbert Ashmore Consultants Ltd projects made up $135,000 (that’s advocates were as busy a decade ago Cycle Trading Company n Dunedin City Council 0.017%) of the total budget. Robert as we are now. Engineering Outcomes Environment Canterbury Francis & Cambridge Greater Wellington Regional Council Ground Effect Hamilton City Council Living Streets Aotearoa MWH NZ Ltd Makara Peak Supporters Massey University Mountainbiking Otago Natural High Nature’s Highway Nelson City Council North Shore City Council Pacific Cycle Tours Palmerston North City Council Rotorua MTB Club SafeKids Sport Waikato Tasman District Council Taupo District Council Triathlon NZ University of Canterbury ViaStrada Vorb Waimakariri District Council

22 Chainlinks 4 2007 African Queen continues 2008 dates up at a local school. On a previous trip On the web John had organised some desks to be Pedalites are the new, pedal- Digital Strategy built for the children, and he contin- ues to support the school in numerous powered battery-free lights Webmaster training ways. We’re treated as guests of hon- that you fit and forget! our with the whole school turning out 8 March (see p11) Visble to sing and dance for us. for 1 km, The next day we ride single-track they are Bike Wise Week between the villages. Navigation is powered confusing but John manages to track by pedal Saturday 23 Feb down a Benedictine Monastery. The spinning: Fathers have been farming here for to 3 LED lights come on as soon you over half a century — showing the lo- start pedalling and stay on for up to Sunday 2 Mar cals how to produce high-value crops five minutes after you stop pedalling. instead of just maize. We leave loaded www.bikewise.co.nz with bottles of wine, cheese and sacks They make you easily seen from of nuts. Soon we’re plummeting down the front, the rear and, importantly, steep ‘n’ gnarly single-track. Local to the side, and the moving, flash- Go by bike breakfast— kids cheer us on — I imagine that it’s ing light signal enables motorists to Auckland City Council a World Cup race. Lucy scores the judge your distance and direction. www.pedalite.com best winger and the biggest cheer. Wednesday, 27 Feb 2008 Miraculously the altar wine survives. 6.30am to 9am After fourteen km of descent we are Fastboy fenders Aotea Square delivered to the heat and sweat of the Mudguards made plains. It’s time to head for the sea and by hand from wood. the historic town of Bagamoyo, once They evoke speed Ecofest a “cycle fest” a major slave and trading point. Our and style in a way shady camp beside the white sandy not seen since Nelson beach is idyllic. The water is luxuri- speedboats of the ously warm. Spotting the fishing boats late 2008. 1930s and require no returning with the day’s catch, we more maintenance head to the market to secure dinner. than an annual application of oil. We are called to prayer at the nearby www.fastboyfenders.com List your event here: mosque at an ungodly hour the next [email protected] morning. From Bagamoyo, we follow Bicycle film festival the slave route down the coast to Dar es Salaam and the end of our journey. Safety in Numbers It’s sad to recall the vast numbers of Taking humour into the public realm is to offer an unconditional gift to slaves who were marched along this whoever wishes to take it. The first trail and then shipped to Zanzibar to day I wore my red devil horns vel- be sold. A sobering reminder of the croed to my cycle helmet, I thought real world we are about to rejoin. As- someone had put something magic in ante sana Africa. n The Nitty Gritty the drinking water in Brisbane. People http://www.bicyclefilmfestival.com were smiling at me. Little kids would Escape Adventures organises a variety of trips. Our journey costs about Their myspace page with shorts: tap their parents on the shoulder NZ $3000 http://tinyurl.com/32f6eh and point, give a grin and sometimes including just about everything. wave. Instead of abusing me motor- Check out www.escapeadv.com ists would wind down their windows Trips are run over the cool, dry season — London’s Cycle Show 2007 at an intersection and have a jocu- from June to January. Pictures: http://quickrelease.tv/?p=208 lar conversation with me, They had Myths of African travel abound. Most somehow magically transformed the A 73-second tour of the show, via are unfounded. Large animals are awe social space. I have not had another Yannick ‘YouTube’: inspiring and rarely dangerous. The local incident of road rage. http://tinyurl.com/2tylzz food is organic, fresh and healthier than And you thought the only way to cre- many western diets. Drinking water isn’t ate great pubic spaces and tame traf- contaminated by chemicals or pesticides. Interbike, USA’s bike show Biting bugs are localised and seasonal, or fic was through design? Pictures from the show: can be defended against with repellent Next issue: A Dutch engineer straddles http://quickrelease.tv/?p=201 and mosquito nets. There are good clean paradoxical worlds. campgrounds and English is widely spoken. Speedbumps for the Mind n can.org.nz/chainlinks/links

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