Build it and they will come! Off-road cycleways CHAINLINKS 2009 I ssue 2, M ay ISSUE 2, May 2009 magazine of the cycling advocates network (NZ) on (new) State Highways, and at the Join us in November Editorial cost of the sustainable transport budg- Glen Koorey, CAN Co-Chair ets. It would be nice if they spent the extra money retrofitting the existing in : With the economy turning belly-up, state highways to work better for cy- there has been a lot of focus recently cling before they start to add any new Conference & CANDo on investment in more infrastructure highways (or more lanes). to help keep things afloat. Some of this It’s not all bad; as a road safety spe- seems well overdue; I don’t think any cialist, I am always happy with more of us would mind a bit more high- investment in improving our very speed internet. But when it comes to average safety record on the roads. But transport infrastructure, it’s amazing it always seems that “congestion re- how often calls for more “transport” duction” gets about ten times as much investment actually seem to mean expenditure as road safety works, even only more roads (if you’re lucky, public though road crashes cause a greater transport might also get a mention). economic cost to this country than A few examples: In the programme for congestion in the main centres. Next issue 26 September the recent NZ “Fast-tracking National It is curious too that the Government Infrastructure” summit, rail gets one should go for more road construc- Articles by 5 Aug. mention and walking/cycling none. tion as a way to generate more jobs. Local group content 2 Sept. The NZ Council for Infrastructure Analysis elsewhere has shown that Development recently produced a 185 public transport produces more jobs page report on NZ’s Transport Infra- per dollar invested than anything the structure Needs to 2025, of which only road industry does. And we also know about five paragraphs discussed walk- that, compared with roading projects, CAN: Cycling Advocates Network ing and cycling to any degree of detail. PO Box 6491, Wellesley St, a far greater proportion of investment , New Zealand. Is it because cycleways don’t cost in walking and cycling facilities goes Tel 04 972 2552 anywhere near as much as motorways, on labour than construction materi- [email protected] therefore they’re not really “impor- als. And I haven’t even started on the www.can.org.nz tant” enough to count as infrastruc- national balance of payments, thanks ture? I would have thought that, as a to importing all that motor transport Chainlinks more inexpensive way to effectively fuel... ISSN 1175-9364 (print) address congestion and safety issues, And then, along comes a national ISSN 1174-3409 (online) cycling provision makes good eco- cycleway... to say this was a bolt out of [email protected] nomic sense. the blue would be an understatement. Editor: Miriam Richardson Still, it is perhaps not surprising that A Government prepared to invest a Contributions manager: the new Government has recently seen big dollop of money on a “grand plan” Stephen Wood fit to massively increase the spending for cycling? When continues p4 Next Quarterly Issue: September Articles by 5/8, local group Letters to the editor content by 2/9. Email content to: I would like to raise the question: Why • Fewer accidents, injuries and [email protected] is increasing the legal driving age not deaths, and: Pictures: 1024 x 768 pixels preferred part of CAN’s nine point plan? • A national saving in the cost of Advertising: [email protected] Our low legal driving age is, in my rehabilitation, lost work hours and opinion, the single most important material damage. Webpage factor why so few people are cycling in In fact, increasing the legal driving age can.org.nz/chainlinks New Zealand. is not only the single most impor- tant factor to increase the number of The views expressed in The advantages of an increased legal cyclists, it also does not cost anything Chainlinks are not necessarily driving age are so many that it is hard but would actually save this country those of CAN. for me to understand why it is still 15. hundreds of millions of dollars each Cover photo: The Otago Rail Some of the effects of a higher legal year. driving age would be: Trail ©2009 Stephen Wood Is there a better time than today to • Fewer motor vehicles — and more make this no 1 of CAN’s then 10 point cyclists on the road, plan? • Improvement in public health, Johan Groeneveld, Whakatane

2 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 3 Join us in November Contents Freeway Zero and the 2 Editorial in New Plymouth: 3 Freeway Zero and the National Cycleway Conference & CANDo 4 Government news National Cycleway 5 Otago Rail Trail Robert Ibell saying that it makes good economic 5 Build it and they will come! sense (http://tr.im/kpv8). 6 International snippets Well before the National Cycleway hit 7 New Zealand roundup CAN has since joined the National the headlines in February, work on a 8 Health & Active Transport Cycleway Advisory Group, a coalition national cycle network had already be- Alliance gun; for CAN, Living Streets Aotearoa of expert, influential groups that in- 8 Transport research and the Hikurangi Foundation had cludes also Cycle Touring Operators of 8 City Cycling, book review been discussing it since late 2008. New Zealand, BikeNZ, Living Streets Inspired by the success of a similar Aotearoa, Quality Tourism Develop- 9 The first golden age of cycling network in the UK, we provisionally ment, Mike Barnett Associates, ViaS- 11 CAN staff do the business Next issue 26 September called it Freeway Zero. Inspired trada, the Kennett Brothers and 11 CAN’s new vests the Hikurangi Foundation. 12 The 7th NZ Cycling Articles by 5 . Trustees of the Hikurangi by the success of a Aug The Advisory Group be- Conference Foundation agreed to fund Local group content 2 Sept. similar network in lieves a national cycleway 12 CAN news and profile the project’s first year. We the UK, will benefit New Zealand 13 CAN visits the home of CAM were preparing to appoint a and is working to bring it 13 board when the govern- we provisionally about. ment’s Jobs Summit in Auck- 13 Glass is A*%&!!! land serendipitously produced called it The Advisory Group has 15 Regional group news the idea of a tourist cycleway Freeway Zero provided ideas and route 17 Join CAN the length of New Zealand. suggestions to the Minis- 19 2009 Dates try of Tourism. CAN’s contribution 19 On the web At that point the Freeway Zero Steer- included: ing Committee made the decision to throw its support behind the national • providing calculations of cycleway question time in the house usage; cycleway concept and wait to see what “…has [the Government] given longer-term role Freeway Zero could • circulating a paper by Glen Koorey; consideration, given its disinvest- play, if any. • providing advice from Bike Taupo ment in rail, to turning the railway system in New Zealand into a cycle Freeway Zero continues to be very on construction and management; track so that everyone can join in? “ supportive of the national cycleway • suggesting routes (with the help of Hon Jim Anderton, 3 March and is actively involved in helping to CAN members and groups). bring it about, as they see it as a very “What I can say is that anyone The Advisory Group has preparedA who is engaged in tourism will good first step towards a nationwide potential vision for a national cycle- understand the importance of network of cycling routes, some of way; http://tr.im/kpvD [CAN] the environment when it comes which can be used for walking. to New Zealand and promoting Advisory Group members sent cop- It’s clear that some of Freeway Zero’s it. I think all New Zealanders do, ies of Millennium Miles, the story of and they take pride that we are an objectives for its first year will be the enormously popular UK National environmentally friendly country achieved through the national cy- Cycle Network, to Prime Minister that wants to preserve our environ- cleway project. We’re now assessing John Key, Infrastructure Minister Bill ment. That is one of the reasons whether there’s a need for an organisa- English and Transport Minister Steven the Minister of Tourism is very keen tion like Freeway Zero that continues Joyce. See http://tr.im/kpvJ [Scoop]. on a cycleway from Kaitāia to Bluff.” to work towards the longer-term and Hon John Key [the Minister of Tour- wider goal of a comprehensive na- CAN is keen to see New Zealand de- sim], 4 March velop a comprehensive national cycling tional network. “What items on the list of things and walking network that Kiwis can be So Freeway Zero may yet live on. the Government has made its high- proud of, and pleased to see the Na- er priorities in Government will n In the meantime, CAN has been ac- tional Cycleway project progressing. do the most to reduce the impact tively involved in helping to progress To find out more or to offer ideas of global recession: bringing back the National Cycleway. On 26 Febru- and support, contact CAN Co-Chairs knighthoods, a national cycleway, ary, the day the Jobs Summit in Auck- Axel Wilke and Glen Koorey, or privatising prisons?” Hon Jim Anderton. land discussed the concept, CAN is- [email protected] “All three can play a part in helping sued a media release welcoming it and Robert Ibell is a member of the CAN executive. our economy to grow. “ Hon John Key, 10 March » p 9

2 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 3 will be made to ensure this is clean, CAN’s view on rumble strips Government news clear and well maintained; CAN was consulted by NZTA late last • where this is not possible, but year regarding the policy for the The wake-up call that rumbles where rumble strips would provide installation of these rumble strips. significant safety benefits, cyclists’ Emma Gilkison Whilst we believe that the agreed- needs and the extent of cyclist use upon guidelines are generally ap- on the road will be taken into ac- The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is propriate, the devil will of course be count before installation; ramping up the use of rumble strips to in the detail. NZTA should be con- keep drivers on the straight and nar- • on very narrow roads, where there tacting local cycling groups about specific sections in their areas, and row. are effectively no shoulders, but where rumble strips would provide we encourage you to contact your “Tired drivers die and running over significant safety benefits, they will local NZTA office if you have any con- rumble strips may be a sign for drivers be placed hard up against the edge cerns. We would also be interested to that they need to take a rest,” said Co- of seal, in a location cyclists are un- hear about any local issues; feel free to contact Glen Koorey, CAN Chair, lin Crampton, NZTA’s Group Manager likely to ride; Highways and Network Operations. about this. • to enable cyclists to easily cross Rumble strips are lines of closely over the edgeline at key junctures, Please note that this project is NOT a spaced plastic ribs that rumble as car gaps in rumble strips will be provid- response to previous cyclist concerns wheels pass over them. They have ed. These will appear at least 20m in about narrow highway shoulders; it’s been used for many years on New advance of locations where cyclists a response to the number of run-off- road motor accidents. In road safety Zealand road edges and centre lines, are required to crossover, such as engineering terms, rumble strips are but new research is highlighting their before bridges or at intersections a very cost-effective solution for effectiveness. where cyclist numbers are high; this, and we are pleased that NZTA • rumble strips will be clearly vis- “As well as preventing crashes where have thought about the impacts ible as they will generally protrude drivers run off the side of the road, on cyclists when identifying which outside of the continuous painted rumble strips along edgelines can also stretches of road are appropriate for centreline or edgeline, creating a prevent head-on crashes, as many of this treatment. However, we encour- tooth-like effect. They will feature these result from vehicles first leaving age you all to also keep on pushing the same skid-resistant properties the side of the road, then over-correct- for wider shoulders, where these are as edgelines/centrelines. n n ing and crossing the centreline,” Mr warranted. Crampton said. Cyclists can contact safety engineers in the NZTA’s regional offices for more Editorial continues from p2 The New Zealand Road Assessment information (visit www.nzta.govt.nz for we generally struggle to get transport Programme 2008 (KiwiRAP) cited regional office contact details). agencies to spend even a million dol- rumble strips as one of the most cost Emma Gilkison is Senior Communications lars on a decent cycling project (while effective road safety improvement Advisor, NZTA they barely bat an eyelid at yet another tools available, with the potential to $100 million road project), this kind of reduce injury crashes by 20 to 45% in large-scale expenditure is a bit new for the locations where they are installed. all of us. I hope that many communi- NZTA plans to install rumble strips on ties can use this initiative to leverage about 750 kilometres of state highways some further cycleway development in in 2009, targeting high risk areas first. their neck of the woods. In designing this installation pro- The interesting thing will be whether gramme the NZTA has considered this national cycleway gets treated the effect of rumble strips on all road as part of the “infrastructure” that users, including cyclists. A research New Zealand needs to get out of the report prepared for the NZTA, The economic doldrums. Will it become Usability and Safety of Audio Tactile one of the Government’s “Routes of Profiled Road Markings, found that National Significance”? Will it get cyclists would benefit from the im- fast-tracked under the new RMA proved separation between motorists legislation? Or will it be considered and cyclists that rumble strips provide, just a recreational play-thing? The UK by keeping cars out of the shoulder Sustrans network example has shown space occupied by cyclists. The NZTA that most of its users are actually has also undertaken: making local trips for utility purposes like work and shopping; tourism and • to provide a 1m sealed shoulder recreational rides come a distant sec- outside of rumble strips for cyclists ond. So it has truly become part of the to ride on where possible. Efforts national transport infrastructure. n

4 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 5 Otago’s cycling success story Daphne Hull profiles the Otago Central Rail Trail The Otago Central Rail Trail Charitable Trust Inc. was formed in in March 1994.

Various ideas were considered for the use of the Otago Central rail line after its closure in 1990. It was initially of- Locals and rail-trail cyclists chat outside the Muddy Creek Cafe in Omakau ©2009 Stephen Wood fered to the Otago Central District Council and the Dunedin City Council severance, patience and goodwill to With the Otago Chamber of Com- for recreational purposes in 1991 but overcome. merce, the Trust has initiated an they turned it down. In 1992 it was Operators’ Group which encourages The Trust’s first chairman was Les offered to DOC and in 1993 a public business people along the Rail Trail to Cleveland, who is now our Patron. meeting was called to gauge support work together. We also run events and John Gibson, Hilary Calvert and I have for the corridor. A donation of $50,000 programmes to attract people to the been on the Trust since it was formed for ‘a conservation project in Otago’ Trail and into our communities. by Nora Calvert was the turning point with Kate Wilson joining in 2003. I fol- which led to the for- lowed Les as chairperson in 2003. Feedback on our website (www. Those who were otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz) shows that mation of the Otago Our first task was to convince many overseas people as well as New Central Rail Trail. originally vociferous neighbours along 150 kilo- Zealanders want to ride the Rail Trail. metres of former railway that Over the past one opponents are now Their reasons include scenery, his- a cycling trail would not inter- and a half decades tory, climate and the opportunity for the trail’s greatest fere with farming operations the Trust has devel- children to enjoy the experience safely, or encourage onto their land oped a highly effective supporters away from motor vehicles. partnership with the De- people who might disturb stock or partment of Conservation which has light fires. We held meetings in pubs The Otago Central Rail Trail is a suc- n influenced the positive outcomes and and halls and encouraged everyone to cess! major success the Rail Trail is today. come. Women were quick to see the opportunities that the trail presented; Although the Railways Department empty rooms, unused shearers’ quar- Build it, removed the decking from 56 bridges, ters and horse paddocks could all be and all lines and sleepers, the entire put to use. they will come corridor remained in public owner- ship. In contrast, in most other areas Those who were originally vociferous where rail once serviced small com- opponents are now the trail’s great- munities, much of the land has been est supporters. Central Otago people returned to many private owners, so have become involved and have found that groups seeking public access face renewed pride in their communities. major obstacles which require per- Our accommodation and food places are growing in number and in the em- Rotary Pathway near Awatoto, Hawkes Bay One purpose of the Otago Central Rail ployment they offer. Trail Trust is ‘To establish, develop, ‘Pathway bikes’ are a new category in and maintain the trail or any part of it The Trust has so far secured grants Hawkes Bay. With the popularity of for public recreation and enjoyment, totaling more than $1.3 million, all of the Rotary Pathway network of cycle- and to assist and cooperate with the which we have used to enhance the ways, local shops are marketing hybrid Department of Conservation, any local Rail Trail. We’ve built replica gangers’ or regional authority or other group or bikes under this label. With cycleways person in that purpose. Walking, cycling sheds for shelter, information panels now stretching from Bayview, through and horse riding uses of the trail shall and environmental toilets. We’ve re- Napier to Taradale, Havelock North be paramount.’ surfaced some of the trail and plan to and almost to Hastings, local shops www.otagocentralrailtrail.co.nz do more. Every cent that we raise goes are reporting in- continues p19 to the Rail Trail. 4 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 5 International snippets Cycle helmet evidence: cycling after being hit by a pickup truck in Maryville, Ten- more harm than good nessee. jeffrothcyclingfoundation.org New Australian research reported in New Scientist magazine shows that if cyclists were forced to wear helmets, A whole lot of potholes the resulting health costs would be far greater than the benefits saved from An average road in England and any possible reduction in injuries. Piet Wales now boasts a pothole de Jong of Macquarie University has every 120 yards according to Minneapolis and Denver defering devised a new mathematical model figures out this week from the Asphalt their plans to 2010 to weigh up the value of the injury Industry Alliance, up by 32% since last As the images of last summer’s savings: this research suggests that year. Cyclists are asked report pot- illthathole.org.uk Bike-sharing experiment at the 2008 inactivity caused by not cycling is a far holes on the site f if Republican and Democratic National greater threat to health than any pos- they spot one rather than just riding Conventions in Minneapolis and Den- sible head injuries caused by not wear- around them. ver fade from our memory, so does ing a cycle helmet. http://tr.im/kSNo the realization of bike-sharing systems Webbing America with bike planned in both those cities in 2009. UK speed limit to be cut on routes bike-sharing.blogspot.com A-roads in bid to save 1,000 You can ask locals for good regional lives cycling routes, among other things New website invites Kiwi on Adventure Cycling’s updated contributions The speed limit on many A-roads will website for the U.S. Bike Route System be reduced to 50mph under plans (USBRS) adventurecycling.org/usbrs. The Australian aimed at cutting the number of road Bicycle Council deaths by a third. (ABC) has launched Bike sharing a website to help Drivers also face limits of 20mph in Genoa: the first bike share city people who plan residential zones, random breath tests with electric bikes and provide cycling and tougher fixed penalties for of- facilities and fences such as passing too close to a ‘Mobike’, was inaugurated in April events. Its Cycling http://tr.im/kgvj cyclist. [Timesonline] with a cycle race. Hilly Genoa is the Resource Centre first city in Europe to adopt this new “There is good evidence that cycling (CyclingResourceCentre.org.au) is type of bike sharing, and offers 55 gets safer the more cycling there is. offering information and links to sites bikes in 6 locations around the city. We’re therefore delighted that the about: The bikes can go 30 km on a charge Government has decided to adopt our • planning, designing and building and recharge while parked at a station. approach and set targets for increased and managing cycling infrastructure safety for cyclists which measure in- Three week bike-sharing demo • recreation juries per mile cycled, not just based in Melbourne • education and training on the numbers of injuries to cyclists.” • funding The 3-week demonstration by Com- said CTC, UK’s National Cycling or- • running events mon Bike coincides with the Mel- ganisation. http://tr.im/kSPD • encouragement and promotion bourne Road Minister’s plan to ask • research for a tender on a large bike-sharing • enforcement and road safety Three feet for cyclists program in the city. They also publishe a quarterly on-line The Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation has Residents and tourists enjoy newsletter about what’s happening in persuaded both the US state House Green Bangkok Bike the cycling not-for-profit sector. and Senate to unanimously pass a bill The system began last August with 300 requiring overtaking motor vehicles to Please send information and bikes and eight service counters and give cyclists “not less than three feet … news from the New Zealand stations. It serves the historic Rattana- until safely past the overtaken bicycle”. cycling community to ABC: kosin section of Bangkok and is run by Executive Officer The Jeff Roth Cycling Foundation the Bangkok Metropolitan Adminis- promotes cycling and provides finan- tration. There is no cost as long as you Fiona MacColl, cial assistance to families affected by can provide a valid national ID card or [email protected] cycling tragedies. The foundation’s passport. www.austroads.com.au/abc n namesake, Jeff Roth, was killed while

6 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 7 $50m over 3 years for national cycleway NZ Roundup “I see the national cycleway developing from a series of ‘Great Rides’ through some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery. Our long-term goal is to create a Green Bikes Whanganui network that links these ‘Great Rides’ into a uniquely New Zealand set of cycling introduces cycle training experiences that connects and passes through our cities. The routes for these Great Rides will be influenced by existing cycleways, facili- Green Bikes Whanganui ran two ties, and tourism attractions. We are working with councils and community mornings of cycle training in April, groups to identify suitable routes that can boost employment and our regional led by instructors Selwyn Brown and economies.” Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, John Key myself. Green Bikes recycles donated bikes, making them roadworthy to gaps in provision we thought to fill. bikes. The Frocknic was enjoyed by lend out for a minimal charge ($5) plus We feel her participation was impor- all, both frocked and un-frocked (or is a returnable bond (usually $20). tant as it adds legitimacy to any future that de-frocked?) We get funding from NZ Transport events we are able to run. Liaising with Agency and a local charity and have Val as we went along on some tech- been operating for about a year with nical points of the training was very Upcycling in Richmond great success. As cycling advocates, helpful. We have already received an Every Tuesday morning, pretty much Green Bikes has not engaged in cycle enquiry about future training at level whatever the weather, seven or eight training before, so a main purpose has three. Hadi Gurton people—mostly women—meet at the been to train and empower us as train- Washbourne Gardens in Richmond, ers, so that we can go on to provide near Nelson, for a bike ride led by further training. The Walking and Auckland Cycle Chic Helen Rance. Cycling Microfund enabled us to start this process. Training was based on Various cities around the world have levels one and two of the New Zealand had websites on Bicycle Chic, show- cycle skills guidelines. ing how clothing for cycling doesn’t all have to be sweat and Lycra. Now The project was aimed primarily at there’s one for our own largest city: youngsters but also was to involve http://aucklandcyclechic.blogspot.com . parents and carers. Running the event during school holidays was deliber- ate. The event had a short lead-in time Frocks on Bikes due to us needing to run it before the Jan Ellery (left) and Anne Gray about to set out end of April, so advertising was not Frocks on Bikes (frocksonbikes.org) put out much in advance, hence the have been continuing their promotion somewhat poor up-take on this occa- of women riding bikes without hav- Helen told Chainlinks, “I started the sion. Use of the ‘h’ in ‘Whanganui’ in ing to ‘lycra-up’, encouraging women group to help people who hadn’t cy- the advert may have been politically to wear everyday, or even glamorous, cled for a while or who lacked confi- unwise as many people are hostile to frocks and dresses for their daily com- dence. We began with short distances, its use locally, and this may have been mute or pleasure ride. but with guidance and encouragement a contributing factor. Two children we’re now comfortably riding 15–20 A recent initiatives was a 40 km Frock- came by on Day 2 wanting to take part km most weeks over varied terrain. nic ride in the Wairarapa countryside, but as they had not booked and their We always stop for coffee, and there’s with a café stop at Carterton, wine parents could not be contacted we had much fun and laughter!” tasting at Gladstone, and a picnic at to decline them. Carter’s Bush. Tranz Metro put on an Helen helps the riders to improve their Police Constable Val Overweel was extra carriage in order to carry the techniques and safety, devoting some present on both days to observe, on mornings to developing skills for traf- our request. She and a colleague take fic, hills and off-road riding. “As each cycle training into schools, but uptake week goes by, confidence increases”, is patchy for various reasons, leaving she says. “And there’s a ripple ef- Auckland Harbour Bridge fect: group members are encouraging friends and family to get on their bikes March across the bridge Sunday too.” 24th Meet Point Erin (south Motivated by all this, many of the Selwyn Brown supervises side of the Bridge) at 9am for a 9:30am march women are now tackling longer rides cycle training in Whanganui on other days, and some have ambi- Find out what happened on the tious plans like the 160 km Source to march: getacross.org.nz. the Sea ride. Strong wind blew away Continued p10

6 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 7 New Health & Transport City Cycling By Richard Ballantine Active Transport Research Snowbooks, London, 2007. Soft cover, 300 pages. citycycling.org Alliance formed Andrew Macbeth The NZ Transport Agency uses Reviewed by Patrick Morgan Sridhar Ekambaram a Research Reference Group (RRG) to help it decide which This new book by Richard A new alliance between CAN transport research projects are Ballantine, author of the best- and Living Streets Aotearoa and most worthy of funding from its selling Richard’s Bicycle Book, other NGOs joins forces to lobby $4.5M annual research budget. focuses on all you need to know for increased investment for cy- about city biking: how to cope cling and walking at a national The group comprises about 20 repre- with traffic, stay safe and get sentatives of the Ministries of Trans- level. the best from your bike. port, Health and Environment, local government, the universities, the The aim of this alliance is to ensure Ballantine is the godfather of city cy- NZ Planning Institute, consultants, that cycling is not seen as just a trans- cling. His informal, friendly and some- contractors, the Automobile Associa- port issue but also as a solution to times idiosyncratic style encourages tion and other agencies and interest some significant health problems. beginners and has the kudos to appeal groups. I represent CAN and the to seasoned The alliance includes the Obesity Ac- walking advocacy body Living Streets cyclists. tion Coalition (OAC), the National Aotearoa. Heart Foundation (NHF) and the Can- How can Late last year, consultants submitted cer Society of NZ (CSNZ). Contact is you resist a more than 270 four-page summaries also being maintained with Diabetes chapter titled of proposed research, or ‘expressions NZ. Both NHF and CSNZ support ‘The inner- of interest’, which we evaluated dur- walking and cycling for their health most secrets ing December and January. I reviewed benefits. of speed and 140 of these, in three of seven areas: happiness,’ or Some excellent co-operation has integrated land use and planning; ‘Tips on how already been happening: for exam- safety, security and public health; and to mend a ple, the Cancer Society joined the sustainable land transport. Getacross team in their lobbying over broken cable cyclist and pedestrian access to the 80 expressions of interest were short- with a stick or Auckland Harbour bridge. listed and full research proposals in- a chain with vited. About half will be funded. I was string’? The new dimension in this initiative allocated ten full proposals to review The book is attractively presented, is the agreement to communicate and in February/March. work together. Each organisation will with clear photos on repairs, bike continue to make individual submis- I discussed the 80-odd proposals with set-up, carrying stuff, parking and sions, but our submissions will have CAN and Living Streets representa- much more. It includes sections on each others’ support and the weight tives to choose what we thought were advocacy, buying a cheap bike, what and strength of consistency. the best walking and cycling research to wear, cargo bikes, making your own proposals. The next morning I cycled rack, sex, and courtesy while riding. A working group has been formed— to the RRG meeting on my fold- I especially like the sound advice on to find out more or contribute get in ing bike, brought on the plane from riding tactics: lane position, communi- touch with Sridhar Ekambaram (srid- for the purpose. The cating with other road users, handling [email protected]). group recommended about half of roundabouts, overtaking, drafting, and reading traffic. With the new National-led our preferred walking For further information and cycling proposals government in place, the I have one criticism: some sidebars use about NZTA’s research pro- for funding, roughly group’s first task is to raise light green or yellow print which is gramme www.landtrans- the same ratio as for awareness about walking hard to read. port.govt.nz/research/ all proposals; but other and cycling with the new overview.html Health Minister by taking lobbies were strong, so You can borrow City Cycling from the Andrew Macbeth is a mem- [email protected] advantage of the Minister’s walking and cycling did CAN library ( ), but ber of the CAN Executive review of the Healthy Eat- OK! I predict you’ll want to buy your own and a member of Spokes copy, and an extra one to give to any- ing and Healthy Activity Canterbury. He works in The list of approved re- one discovering the fun and conven- (HEHA) program. The re- Christchurch as a traffic search projects will be ience of everyday cycling. n sponse from the minister so engineering and transport announced in July. n far has been encouraging. n planning consultant.

8 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 9 question time in the house “…Just before the Leader of the Opposition gets too excited, I have good news for him. He should go out and buy himself a bike, because he may well get to see a lot of New Zealand.” Hon John Key, 24 March Hon JOHN KEY: “ …I say to Mr Carter, the cycle track will also see people employed. The member should not worry; he will enjoy rid- ing on it.” Hon John Key, 25 March “there will be funding for a na- tional cycleway.” Hon Bill English, 7 April “If I were Mr Chris Carter, I would go out and get some bike shorts, Alexander, Mary and George Darrow, Thames, 1912 because he will be using them soon. “ Hon John Key, 8 April » p18 A brief history of cycle commuting Part 3: The first golden age of cycling From Thames in 1910, it would be Stephen McKernon hard to predict the end of the first golden age; but no golden age can last. Alexander, Mary and George Darrow are on a morning ride in Thames, The rise of the motor car will start to around the year 1910. This is about as far as you can get from be felt during the mid-1930s. It is men who will first desert their bicycles for London or Paris, the fashion centres of cycling; but in Thames, New cars, marketed as symbols of mascu- Zealand, three smartly-dressed young adults are riding the same line status and power. By the end of models that have just appeared in Europe. It’s a fine morning to her- the 1930s they will dream only of cars, ald the first golden age of cycling with a cruise around the town. and by the end of the 1950s women and the poor will too. World War II will delay the inevitable, but from the mental improvements in bike tech- For the last two decades, cycling has 1950s New Zealand will have more nology; the next wave is still 30 years enjoyed a world-wide boom and New cars per household than bicycles. Zealand has been flooded with safety away, when a small-wheeled folding cycles. Cycling has finally realised the bike will be touted as the next greatest A great irony marks the first golden dream — about 50 years in the mak- thing. These riders’ relaxed, confident age of cycling. It begins with a dream ing — of personal transport for the smiles are saying, ‘we’ve got it all here of mass personal mobility and ends masses. now, thanks.’ when a faster, more convenient and more comfortable technology—not a The fact is they’re right. They can look It might seem that only three cyclists better dream—takes over. The dream forward to half a century of increas- are in the photo, but in fact the whole carries on, but without the bicycle. of cycling has made it here to Thames. ing popularity of cycling. New Zea- Everything that cyclists in 2009 will land’s bicycle numbers will increase In the 21st century, the second golden think of as ‘modern’ is already here uninterruptedly from about 1916 to age of the bicycle is marked by another and known to local tech-heads. 1941, through two World Wars and a irony. The new golden age is grow- major recession. By the 1950s, about ing from the dreams of children and Everything — aluminium bikes, 20% of people in the United Kingdom young adults, but these are not about bike computers, recumbents, gears, will regularly use bicycles just to get personal transport. So look again at dropped handle bars, bike clothing, around town (that’s not including rec- the young cyclists of 1910. They’ve bunch riding, clubs of all sorts, bike reational and racing cycling), and New got personal mobility. When you have paths and lanes, bike shows and races, Zealand will likely be similar. Our that, what do you then dream about? n bike retail chains, safety accessories, three leisure riders in Thames know marketing of the new season’s styles, You can read more about cycling in New all sorts of trades-people and profes- Zealand in the fabulous book ‘Ride’, pub- road rules, road rage, protests ... it’s sionals who also use bicycles—cheaper lished by the Kennett Brothers in 2004. all possible in 1910 New Zealand. The than horses or buses, convenient, fast, 100 years ahead promise only incre- safe, quiet and easy to maintain.

8 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 9 New Zealand Roundup, Upcycling in Richmond continues a plan to ride the 60 km route of the Spirit of the Moutere race … temporarily, says Helen. Upcycle Richmond started in 2007 as an offshoot of the Nelson-based advocacy group Bicycle Nelson Bays, and is helping to build its profile. The Nelson Marlborough Nutrition and Physi- cal Activity Pro- gramme, Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council help to fund publicity and other costs. Upcycle is a potential source of mem- bership for Bicycle Nelson Bays, and is helping it to develop relationships with the local councils and District Health Board. Jan Ellery, who moved to the Richmond area re- cently, had limited use of her back after a spinal fu- sion and thought cycling might be uncomfortable or even beyond her. Nevertheless, at Christmas 2007, “I got on a bike for the first time in 42 years. That led me to buy one, and Helen Rance is a in April last year I joined founding member of Upcycle Richmond.” Bicycle Nelson Bays (BNB) and works as To begin with, Jan was a Health Promotion nervous of traffic and Strategist in the South would ride only a couple Island. of kilometres. Now, 50–60 To find out more about kilometre rides fail to daunt Upcycle Richmond, her; and she plans to cycle contact Helen Rance, to Riwaka, up Aniseed Hill phone 544 6840, email and out to Cable Bay. Jan [email protected]. is encouraging new group members and thinking about upgrading her bike. She says, “The only down-side is the unglamorous hair style from wearing a helmet, when we stop for coffee!” Anne Gray’s cycling habit lapsed after she left school, and more than 30 years later her unsafe $5 bike rarely saw the light of day. She recalls, “Once I rode down a hill going faster and faster, not daring to use the brakes in case I flew over the handle- bars! The ride to the end of my road and back was all I felt comfortable with.” Then a friend told her about Upcycle Richmond, so Anne got her bike fixed and started riding with the group last year. “I didn’t know how to use my gears, and I was nervous in traffic and uncomfort- able on my saddle.” But she stuck at it; and in six months—with a new bike and padded shorts— Anne was ready for longer rides. “I love riding in a group, because it challenges me to do more. I also love the company, the variety of rides and Helen’s tips and hints. I feel fitter too!”

10 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 11 New Zealand Roundup, Upcycling in Richmond continues Cyclists get Priority Order your specially- Parking at Environment designed safety vest Southland in CAN colours Visitors who pedal their way to En- vironment Southland are guaran- Stand out teed a prime parking spot at the Ken Wuschke, Project Manager for in the midst of the worst weather, front door, thanks to a new bicy- Sustainable Transport Southland, parks busiest traffic, dullest motorists cle rack the Council has installed his bike in Environment Southland’s at its offices in North Road. new cycle rack, welcomed by Council and gaudiest bunch of road cyclists. The rack is part of the Council’s Planner Ilana Batchelor. commitment to encouraging sustainable transport by providing a convenient, sheltered and se- $100 (members) cure place for cyclists to leave their bikes, Resource Planner Ilana $120 Batchelor says. The idea was promoted by the Council’s Health S M L and Safety Committee. Ken Wuschke, the Project Manager for Sustainable Transport Southland, has commended Environment Southland for taking action to encourage sustainable transport. “I would like to see a bike rack in front of every major store, bank and council building in Southland,” he says. “We generally provide car parking much closer to the front door than we do bike racks.” n

Car-repelling message on the back Lightweight, wind proof, mesh back High-visibility Rear reflective stripe Full length YKK zip for rapid on-road deployment Three rear pockets for tidy storage of comestibles and paraphernalia (third arm not CAN staff Kirsten Shouler and Patrick Morgan plan their next ride. included). CAN staff do the business Made in NZ to NZ sizing. When the dust settled on the Bike Wise 2009 Business Transform yourself Battle, CAN staff emerged victorious. Networking into a living advertisement Project staff Fiona Whero, Kirsten Shouler and Patrick for the advantages and pleasures Morgan logged 1254 km in February to take the National Small Organisation category for the second year running. of everyday cycling.

The Bike Wise Battle, organised by NZ Transport Agency, is a competition that encourages people to experience the joy and can.org.nz/shop convenience of riding a bike. The aim is to get as many people to cycle during the Bike Wise Battle period. [email protected] “Last year CAN had the muscle of Simon Kennett powering its team, and this year Kirsten did an impressive job to lead us,” said Patrick. THE SMALL PRINT CAN are offering the vests on a pre- paid basis for the first print run. We are asking you to pay Many CAN members were foot-soldiers in the battle. CAN Ex- and wait until enough orders are received to allow vest- ecutive members Axel Wilke and Andrew Macbeth were among makers Ultimo to print them cost-effectively. We don’t the ViaStrada team which got all 30 staff riding, winning their know how long it will take for you to get your vest, but we category.n plan to have yours to you within two weeks. If you place an order, we will keep you notified of progress. We guaran- 10 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 tee your order will be fulfilled Chainlinks or your2, May money 2009 refunded. 11 The 7th NZ Cycling Executive activities Conference n Executive and staff meet- ing in : future 12–13 November 2009 commercial opportunities, volunteer development and support, cam- paigns, website development and Communities, 2009 finances. n planning & development De- connections and the veloped options for our long-term economy financial sustainability :: Discussed possible commercial activities with Now, more than ever, cycling has Living Streets, Grow , the potential to play a key part in the Cancer Society of NZ and the the economic development of New Institute of Directors in NZ :: 2009 Profile Zealand. Cycle-Friendly Awards :: ‘09 NZ Cy- cling Conference (helping) :: A ‘glass The 7th NZ Cycling Conference will on roads’ campaign :: Reviewed our Anne FitzSimon bring together international delegates Networking Project for NZTA and I’m one of our newest CAN Exec :: and speakers from a variety of sectors, started planning for 2009–10 Up- members. including transport, health, urban design, dated documentation of our inter- tourism and economic development who nal processes and policies for the I live in sunny Nelson with my 11 share this vision and can make it happen. Executive and staff :: Worked on a year old son, Liam. My involve- proposal for CAN-branded cycle ment in CAN stemmed from This conference is for politicians and clothing :: Funding application to the Bicycle Nelson Bays (BNB), our policy-makers, for planners and engineers Department of Internal Affairs for local advocacy group. I had been and for everyday cyclists. further website development :: Add- active in energy depletion, social Communities: Cycling can enhance the ed to our website; justice, and had stood unsuccess- viability of local communities and towns, n National cycleway proposal fully for local council. I’m Secre- by providing sustainable accessibility to liaised with BikeNZ, Living Streets, tary of Nelson Peace Group, was key services. Communities can also tap the Hikurangi Foundation and others; foundation Secretary for ASPO- NZ (Association for the Study of into the social, environmental and eco- n Local group support Support Peak Oil and Gas) and stood for nomic benefits that cycle networks and and promotional resources for local the Maori Party in 2005 as one of cycle tourism bring with them. groups during Bike Wise month; 5 Pakeha in general seats and was n Connections: There is a continuing New minister briefings Min- the Party’s Peak Oil Spokesperson. need for completing physical cycle net- ister of Transport Steven Joyce, and works, be it a national cycleway or a local (with others) Health Minister, Tony My most enjoyable recent ride commuting route. At the same time, the Ryall; was after Easter on the West Coast with some friends. I was many sectors that affect or are affected by n meetings Monthly with NZTA very proud of my son who rode cycling also need to better connect, in- walking and cycling staff :: Bi-month- from Berlins in the Buller Gorge cluding transport, health, tourism, educa- ly with Ministry of Transport offi- to Westport in the rain and the tion, environment, sport/recreation, and cials :: BikeNZ staff & CEO :: CEOs of following day rode 45 km towards economic development. the NZ Transport Agency and Minis- Punakaiki, his longest distance try of Transport :: Ministry of Health The Economy: Given the current in one day. Overall the traffic officials (Healthy Eating Healthy -Ac global financial climate, everything that behaved well with the exception tion programme, cycling Conference we do should provide sustainable eco- of the Magic Bus, which passed ‘09; the national cycleway propos- nomic development. Cycling can demon- us with a close shave on a straight al) :: Active transport rep. on NZTA strate that in a variety of ways, in terms road with no other traffic. But we Research Reference Group; of reduced oil dependence, better health n know it’s not called the Magic Bus balance sheets, economic revitalisation of Feedback NZTA on the format for nothing! small communities, and so on. n and style of the 2009–12 National Land Transport Programme As far as cycling goes, I’m a bit of Call for presentations: due by Friday n Presentation 9th Annual NZ an urban guerrilla and freedom June 5. See p19 for details. Integrated Transport Summit in fighter — I love passing banked n Auckland. n traffic on the inside! 12 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 13 Contact CAN CAN visits the home of CAM :: Co-Chairs, Axel Wilke and Glen Koorey, [email protected] 2009 CAN Executive :: Deputy Chair, Illona Keenan, [email protected] :: Secretary, Adrian Croucher, [email protected] meeting :: Treasurer, Liz Mikkelsen, [email protected] Christine Cheyne

staff The weekend of 1 March was forecast impressed by the professionalism and :: Networking Project Manager to be wet and windy. Ordinarily, this Patrick Morgan, [email protected] would disappoint those of us who like commitment of CAN staff and volun- Wellington: 04 385 4967 / 027 563 4733 to be out cycling; but it was no prob- teer Exec members. A vast amount of :: Networking Project Officer, South Island lem to Execers arriving in Palmerston hard work goes on behind the scenes, [email protected] Fiona Whero, , North, who planned to be indoors invisible to the wider membership. Christchurch: 03 366 2645 / 027 449 1845 for their annual meeting. Eleven Exec The meeting noted that we are at a :: Networking Project Officer, Upper NI members and three staff gathered at Kirsten Shouler, [email protected] crossroads: CAN is stable and healthy, the home of the parents of Robert Auckland: 09 378 0953 / 027 449 1848 but the political and economic en- Mon–Wed, 8am–3.30pm Ibell for a solid two days’ work. vironment has altered significantly :: CAN Administrator We dealt with the commercialisation in recent times. The proposal for a Alex Revell, [email protected] Wellington: 04 385 4967 and networking projects, recent and national cycleway illustrates these new realities. :: Digital Strategy Coordinator forthcoming submissions, Bikeability [email protected] training, talent development, cam- Andre Cymbalista, CAN has a challenge in the coming 021 773 839 paigns, the CAN website and policy two or three years. The National-led development. some Executive roles government seems to recognise that the case for cycling—on the grounds :: Membership secretary, CAM (Cycle Aware Manawatu) con- Adrian Croucher, [email protected] venor Julie Dalziel hosted the Execu- of economy, health and environ- :: Email & DNS Server Administrator, tive and local members for dinner at ment—is stronger than ever, but we Thomas Schwarz,thomas @can.org.nz her place on a wet and windy Saturday must encourage it to resist the road :: Media & marketing co-ordinator, evening. Sunday morning dawned building lobby. Members’ help and Stephen McKernon, [email protected] unexpectedly fine and calm for a tour ideas are welcome. of the good, the bad and the ugly of Other CAN roles Our sincere thanks to Jean and Bryan Palmy North cycling, guided by Ernst Ibell for accommodation, and to Julie :: e.CAN editor, Watts of CAM. Adrian Croucher, [email protected] Dalziel and partner Brent for provid- :: Chainlinks: [email protected]. Editor, Returning to the Exec after a couple ing fabulous food and a wonderful film ; n Miriam Richardson contributions manager, of years’ absence, I am even more screening. Stephen Wood; copy editor, John Rhodes. :: Mailouts co-ordinator, Ritsuko Ogawa, [email protected] :: Merchandise co-ordinator Cycle-Friendly Awards ‘09 Glass is A*%&!!! Karen Hunn, [email protected] The next issue of ChainLinks Are you fed up with broken glass on :: Awards co-ordinator, will call for nominations. roads, cycleways, shared paths and Gaz Sanvicens, [email protected] Meanwhile, please think of footpaths? Well, we’ve got some good :: Cycling Conference Committee Chair worthy nominees in any of news for you. Now’s your chance to Magdalena Lorenzo [email protected] these categories: put your money where your mouth • Best cycle facility project is and put your frustration to some Working groups good work. • Best cycling promotion :: Model Communities:vacant As part of CAN’s campaign strategy, :: Research: Andrew Macbeth • Cycle-friendly commitment by business we’ve formed a cross-organisational :: Media/Communications/Marketing: • Cycle-friendly commitment by a Glass Campaign Working Group. This Stephen McKernon public organisation online group is open to CAN mem- :: bers and other interested parties and Information Centre: Thomas Schwarz • Cycling Champion of the Year. organisations. :: Andre Cymbalista Digital Strategy: Awards will apply to the 18 months from Register your interest: January 2008 to June 2009. For inspiration, More [email protected] see previous finalists and winners at For the full list of CAN roles: can.org.nz/cycle-friendly-awards Know someone who is fed up with can.org.nz/can-roles broken glass?Invite them to join! Gaspar Sanvicens Contact CAN: can.org.nz/contact [email protected] Anne FitzSimon, Coordinator www.can.org.nz/awards n Glass Campaign Working Group n

12 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 13 14 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 15 Sport Manawatu for providing in-kind wide cycling catchment within 5 km of Regional groups support. the stadium. We also highlighted the advantage of having the train station Cycle Aware Manawatu has also been in easy reach, to extend the range for Bikeability cycle skills busy with submissions on a proposed cyclists coming from all sectors of the Turitea windfarm, the Draft Annual region. It was invigorating to find the training for adults — a Plan, and the LTCCP. They supported Commissioners captured by the ease the CAN executive meeting in Palmer- first for Palmerston North of it all, and keen to accommodate ston North and ran a ‘good, bad and our request. Our next move is to work Dawn breaks on a crisp autumn day. ugly’ ride around town. You look outside and fancy a breath with Auckland’s CBD street bike rental Julie Dalziel, Cycle Aware Manawatu of fresh air, perhaps even a spin on company to support their request for your bike. Okay for some, but if it’s making cycle parking a regular feature been quite a while since you were last at all stadium events. in the saddle then there might be a Ten Year Plan Barbara Cuthbert, Co-Chair moment’s hesitation. But with a bit of help, it really is just as simple as riding submissions encourage a bike. Throw in a friendly qualified instructor and a hearty morning tea, council commitment to and you’re onto a winner. From basic stops and starts to high skill manoeu- cycling vres, like right turns at intersections, Cycle Aware Wellington this might be your road to cycling freedom. At a time when councils seem keen to pull back on cycling initiatives due to In March, Cycle Aware Manawatu ran the recession, Cycle Aware Wellington their first adult cycle skills training members are focusing on: course. The instructors were all expe- • ensuring commitment to, and con- rienced cyclists, many of whom have Janet Macdonald talking to Gareth at the show tinued funding for, cycle policy; clocked up quite a few kilometres. They had also completed a three day • promoting active transport - all the Promoting cycling at the instructor training program to learn more important in time of recession; how to teach cycling skills effectively. • supporting The Great Harbour Sustainability Show in Run by CAN, the instructor training Way — including maintaining and program was organised in response to improving cycle facilities around Kapiti growing demand from local groups to the harbour; Kapiti Cycling had a presence at help would-be cyclists give it a go. • advocating that new initiatives Kapiti’s Sustainable Show weekend Instructors now run courses that in- should include consideration of cy- held on 4–5 April. The tent area for volve practicing off-road skills such as cling possibilities and implications. cycling was shared with Opus Inter- stopping in an emergency situation, national Consultants Ltd, who are looking behind, and signalling, which now involved with design work on the are then applied on-road under super- Cycling to Rugby — Easy! proposed Western Link Road (WLR). vision. The purpose is to help trainees Cycle Action Auckland This road, incorporating a new road to build up a simple skill-set that they bridge across the Waikanae river, will can apply in different traffic situa- One of our alert Committee members encompass a separate cycleway to- tions and to build their confidence in noticed a public notice for the re- gether with a walkway and bridleway. source consent application for the final cycling to get about town. Once aware Sharing the Opus tent provided a great stage alterations to Eden Park for the of specific hazards in traffic and how opportunity to discuss the WLR with World Cup, and took the opportunity to best manage these, cycling can be- Kapiti Coast District Council’s project to lodge a submission for CAA asking come a more enjoyable experience. Manager Peter Knight. Peter was re- for 250 cycle parks to be provided for minded of our particular interest in in- Cycle Aware Manawatu were pleasant- the event. This triggered a sympathetic tersections with existing roads and the ly surprised by the interest expressed response from the consultants report- importance of cycle friendly design of in the course and that all the places ing on the proposal. Even better was all intersections ensuring the mini- were filled by word of mouth. We our reception at the hearing, where mum of delay and optimum safety for hope to run a series of courses in the the Commissioners were intrigued by cyclists. Peter warmed to the notion of spring, from basic skills to addressing the stories of the last world cup in Par- slip lanes wherever possible and even specific traffic situations, for example is, where cycling was a highly popular checked the detailed drawings on Sat- round-abouts, and T-intersections. transport mode. It was easy to draw urday night reporting back to us the We thank CAN and Living Streets parallels with Eden Park, which is sur- following day on issues raised. Aotearoa for funding this project, and rounded by residential areas, so has a Regional groups continues p16

14 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 15 at the BMX track, the Mayoral Chal- Free community access lenge (where New Plymouth again to bike maintenance triumphed in the tools! larger community section), the Wild SPOKES-Dunedin West Street Party where a section of At the end of 2008 SPOKES-Dune- New Plymouth’s din gratefully received a $1000 grant main street, Devon from The NZ Transport Agency BikeWise Mayoral Challenge, New Plymouth, 2009 Street, was closed Walking and Cycling Micro fund- for Sunday morning ing administered by CAN and Living Regional groups continues from p15 and the Go-By-Bike Day breakfast. Streets Aotearoa. The money ena- The Sustainable Show is very popu- bled SPOKES-Dunedin to purchase a After recovering from this, our focus lar with Kapiti residents and several bicycle maintenance kit, bike, and bike has shifted to submitting on the draft thousand visited the many stands and trailer available for Dunedin’s cyclist 2009–2019 Community Plan where businesses providing information community. funding has been set aside for imple- and products to support the sustain- menting the district’s cycle strategy. The kit consists of a tool box — with able concept. Our tent was busy and bike tools, a hex set, a portable bike Graeme Lindup lots of CAN leaflets, Kapiti cycling stand, and a foot pump. There is also maps, ‘share the road’ and ‘cycle care’ a community bicycle and a ‘Cheating leaflets were handed out. At this point, Camel’ trailer, to assist the sustainable that interest does not seem to have Rotorua Cycle Action gets transporting of tools to events, and translated into many new members for to enable bicycle owners to pop off to CAN — and consequently our local some concrete results purchase the likes of a tube or brake group — but we are still hopeful that cable while working on their own bike. it may bear new-member fruit! While it may be only a short length of pavement, RCA is still very pleased While the gear is available 9–5pm As an advocacy group KCI will be that the new Scott Street Link has every day (through the Student As- submitting on the Kapiti Coast Dis- been completed. This new ribbon of sociation clubs and societies building, trict Council Long-Term Community concrete connects the dead end Scott on Albany Street — talk to the friendly Plan during the next couple of weeks. Street with Ward Avenue. The Ward receptionists for the key) SPOKES- We have made good gains in our cy- Avenue to Scott Street corridor has Dunedin frequently takes the gear cling facilities in recent times and are been an oft-used shortcut for cyclists on outings. It débuted during Bike- pleased that there has been a real shift and walkers travelling between central Wise month ‘09, and is set up in the in Council attitude towards cycling Rotorua and the Whakarewarewa / Otago Museum Park on the last Friday and the many benefits to be gained Redwoods forest area. It is also a com- of every month between 4–5:30pm therefrom. mon route for cycle commuters to (to coincide with the Critical Mass Scion, such as myself. KCI will capitalise on the Sustainable SPOKES Dunedin member, Anna Star at Dunedin Show interest with an evening fea- The new path also cements the posi- Bike Wise Bike to Work Breakfast ‘09 turing DVDs of the Otago and Little tive relationship between RCA and the River Rail Trails. KCI is still keenly Rotorua District Council (RDC). This promoting the Kapiti Millennium initiative arose though regular com- Walkway and Cycleway from Paekaka- munication between RCA members riki to Otaki. and RDC around tactical issues facing cyclists in Rotorua. RCA would like to thank RDC for completing this North Taranaki Cycling project, and for supporting cycling projects in Rotorua. Who knows, the Advocates update newly paved Scott St link might even Bike Wise month was celebrated by a entice a few more mountain bikers month-long festival of biking in Febru- take their bikes off the car and pedal ary: “The Wild West Bike Fest”. Events the 3 km trip between Zippy’s and were organised for each weekend Whakarewarewa. We also encourage and there were midweek activities Rotorua cyclists to contact us if there after work as well. NTCA assisted are tactical issues (including glass or the Council’s gravel in bike lanes) you would like ac- event team and Sustainable Transport tion on. Chris Lenth Co-ordinator at the launch party held

16 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 17

Caption: Don’t lie in bed: go biking! crowd). It draws in huge numbers rail corridor route to the West. The of cyclists, who spot it from afar and central city connection requires some Join online pedal over to investigate. While every- NZTA co-operation along a short sec- one is milling around it’s great to talk tion of SH3. HCC on-road cycle lanes bicycles, swap tune-up tips, share cy- have gone through the consultation or clip this form cling experiences, gather opinions on process, and construction is proposed Join online at advocacy issues, and build up a strong, to be completed this financial year. www.can.org.nz/join active and involved cyclist community. Our city centre is also having a major OR post this form to us with your makeover. The southern end of Vic- cheque: What’s happening in toria St is being heavily modified to make it more people friendly. Single- Name Hamilton laning the current 2-lane vehicle parts We in Hamilton are not just about big with room for cycle lanes beside the parallel parking and wide table top V8 gas guzzling cars going fast! Some Address good things are happening for cycling. pedestrian crossings are new features along with a change in speed environ- New cycle lanes and paths have been ment to 30 kmh. Cycle Action Waikato completed in the Southern Sector have had regular invitations to discuss near Melville High School. These will design aspects of this project so hope- Phone ultimately develop into a route into the central city and connect to a proposed Regional groups continues p18 Email

Contact the local group nearest you Please email the e.CAN Bike! Whangarei Palmerston North email news every 3–4 weeks . Cycle Aware Manawatu Paul Doherty 09 436 0033 Please send me information [email protected] Julie Dalziel 06 357 6962 can.org.nz/mana- about ‘cycle safe’ insurance. watu [email protected] Cycle Action Auckland caa.org.nz [email protected] Kapiti Cycling Barbara Insull 0274 731 831 Janet McDonald [email protected] Occupation: www.caa.org.nz www.kapiticycling.org.nz How did you find out about CAN? Cycle Action Waiheke Cycle Aware Wellington Tom Ransom 09 372 3215 Alastair Smith 04 972 2552 [email protected] www.caw.org.nz [email protected]

Hamilton Cycle Action Waikato Nelson Tasman Bicycle Nelson Bays We respect your privacy and will Rob Davidson 07 856 5217 Richard Butler 03 539 0355 not give your details to anyone not [email protected] [email protected] affiliated with CAN.

Rotorua Cycle Action Bicycle Lanes in Paradise Golden Bay Mark Dyer [email protected] Victoria Davis 03 525 9298 Membership fees per calender year [email protected] Bike Taupo Unwaged $15 Richard Balm 021 919 851 BikeWalk Marlborough [email protected] www.biketaupo.org.nz Paul Millen [email protected] Waged $30 Family $35 Cycle Action Tauranga Bike West Coast Supporting organisations $75 Phil Browne 07 544 3123 [email protected] Jack O’Conner 03 768 0775 027 438 6285 [email protected] Cycle Aware Hawke’s Bay Membership fee $...... Bernie Kelly 06 870 0837 Christchurch Spokes Canterbury [email protected] Matthew Cutler-Walsh 03 385 6306 Donation $...... [email protected] New Plymouth www.spokes.org.nz Total $...... North Taranaki Cycling Advocates Make cheque payable to CAN Graeme Lindup 06 757 2062 South Canterbury Squeaky Wheel [email protected] Jon Harris 03 614 8777 www.ntca.org.nz [email protected] CAN Freepost 147092 Wanganui Bicycle User Group Spokes Dunedin PO BOX 6491 Hadi Gurton 06 345 5048 Adrienne Mulqueen 03 478 0315 Auckland, 1141 [email protected] [email protected] 16 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 17 Regional groups continues from p17 Supporting fully we will end up with something Organisations usable for cyclists. Construction has started on a new Abley Transportation Engineers section of off-road shared-use riv- Adventure South Ltd erpath on the east bank of the river ARTA linking to Fairfield Bridge. It is great to Auckland City Council see a new standard width of 3m being Auckland Cycle Touring Association installed instead of the old standard Canterbury District Health Board 2.5 m — not much but it gives a big Central Otago District Council comfort margin to pedestrians on the Waiheke Island’s first Crank It Cycles edges and allows a cyclist to pass one Cuthbert Ashmore Consultants Ltd strolling down the middle. cycleway? Cycle Touring Company Ltd Cycle Tour Operators NZ A samba carnival band led more than Dunedin City Council Problems for Hamilton cyclists 200 cyclists around Waiheke Island’s Ecoassist Sustainable Solutions Unfortunately not everything is going Esplanade in March, culminating Cy- Engineering Outcomes so well for Hamilton cyclists. cle Action Waiheke’s (CAW) Bikewise Environment Canterbury 2009 events. Francis & Cambridge Three significant projects are pro- Greater Wellington Regional Council posed to be removed from LTCCP Taking advantage of a one-day closure Ground Effect funding — sanctioned by Auckland City Council, Hamilton City Council (i) A rail overbridge to enable pe- about 600 walkers, cyclists and horse Herriot & Melhuish Architecture Ltd destrians, cyclists and the mobil- riders used the stunning coastal road Living Streets Aotearoa ity impaired to cross the main trunk in support of a campaign to close it Marlborough District Council line from the western suburbs to the permanently to motor vehicles and Massey University northern high employment industrial create the island’s first off-road cy- Mountainbiking Otago area of Te Rapa, and to Waterworld cleway. CAW will be releasing a 20 MWH NZ Ltd and the BMX track, has been left minute film of the event which will be Natural High out — ostensibly due to problems with available to other local groups. Nature’s Highway Nelson City Council Ontrack not allowing a central pillar to More than 75% of on-line respondents North Shore City Council be built. to an on-line survey favour the cycle- Pacific Cycle Tours (ii) A pedestrian cycle bridge across way. CAW’s Tom Ransom presented OCEAN the Waikato River halfway between the proposal to Waiheke’s Commu- Palmerston North City Council the northernmost bridge (Pukete) nity Board, coincidentally just as the Papakura District Council and the Fairfield Bridge (which has no national cycleway debate emerged. If Pedaltours adequate off-road cycle path) has also the Board endorses the coastal trail Rotorua District Council been omitted. Cyclists will still have proposal, CAW will advocate for ways Rotorua MTB Club to link it with Waiheke’s vineyards. Sport Waikato an unnecessarily long commute to get Tasman District Council from the Eastern residential zones to Having lived on the Isle of Wight in Taupo District Council the high employment industrial areas the UK, Tom has seen cycleways de- Ultimo Clothing on the west side of the river. Personal velop there — and benefit the econ- University of Canterbury security issues have been quoted as omy — as part of the national cycle ViaStrada the reason for not funding this project. network promoted by Sustrans. Vorb (iii) Possibly the worst decision made Waimakariri District Council by council regarding the upcoming Wellington City Council Spokes Canterbury Women on Wheels Te Puke LTCCP, is to not provide funding for a shared-use clip-on on the Whitiora We have been kept pretty busy over question time in the house Bridge. The shoulders that previously the last few weeks. The thing consum- “I am confident about the cycle- provided safe passage for cyclists were ing most of our time is researching way. However, after looking at the removed and incorporated into a third and formulating submissions to both Television One poll results on Sun- vehicle lane, as an experiment, 3 years the city and regional draft LTCCPs. day night, I am fearful that Mr Goff ago. Since then cyclists have been bul- will be on his bike before I am.” lied off the road and onto the narrow We felt it important to have a strong Hon John Key, 8 April elevated footpath which has a high say in view of the huge cuts both “A number of initiatives will be pedestrian use during peak hours. We organisations have made to their pursued, and the cycleway, in are asking cyclists to write submis- originally proposed cycling related particular, will be pursued with sions to the council LTCCP regarding budgets. vigour because it is a great idea.” this particular issue. What has made things more difficult Hon Bill English, 28 April n is the transport policy and funding 18 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 19 changes central government has made 2009 in the middle of the process. On the web Both community plans are daunting documents and run into many hun- New Plymouth dreds of pages so are definitely not for the faint hearted. A large number of November 11–15th 2009 Core members have contributed but a special thanks must go to Robin De- lamore, Dirk De Lu and Fiona Whero Australian Bicycle Council for the considerable amount of unpaid Nov 11th time they have giving to the project. Other cycling advocacy matters in which Spokes members have par- ticipated include: special cycle lane The 7th NZ Cycling Conference bylaws; Canterbury Active Transport 12–13 November ‘09 Forum; Active and Passenger Trans- port Working Group meetings; and Communities, connections Regional Transport Committee meet- Don’t let fences stop your bike and the economy ings. ever again. Or steps. Or anything The season’s last Spokes Sunday ride really. This video had more than 4 million views in its first month. was held in early April. can.org.nz/conference/2009 http://tr.im/kTWl Apart from ongoing submissions and “I grew up in Dunvegan on the occasional workshops, also coming up Isle of Skye and went to Portree Sponsorship/exhibitor options — is a Ellerslie Flower Show debrief with high school. I started biking from enquiries welcome. the city countcil. It is being held to try a very young age for the same Call for Presentations eliminate or reduce the disruption to reason I still ride now, having so people cycling and walking through much fun!” dannymacaskill.co.uk Submit abstracts using the online submis- North Hagley Park. Nigel Rushton n sion form available on the website. Submit by Friday 5 June. Full details of acceptance and submission of Build it they will come! continues from p5 presentations on the website. Registrations open in June, with early bird and advocate discounts available. More on website and page 12

CAN Do New cyclepath at Crosses Rd, Hastings Nov 14–15 creasing sales to the 50+ market. The paths are scenic, flat and well-sign- posted. Gates have been installed to keep motorbikes out, but these can be New Plymouth tricky for cyclists to negotiate. The Fabulous Ladies go to the The proud hub for the Taranaki region. There’s a dangerous diagonal railway Boat Museum and mend some New Plymouth was named “New Zea- crossing near Napier Port which needs land’s Top Town” by North & South fixing. Cycle lanes have been painted punctures! magazine in 2008, and was the top large in Napier along Georges Drive. New If you don’t fancy fence jumping “Cycle-Mad City” in the 2009 Bikewise cycle paths are being installed be- read about the Chester Fabulous Mayoral Challenge. Over recent years tween Hastings and Havelock North, Ladies cycling club. “Meet one New Plymouth has built a solid network although access through roundabouts Saturday a month for easy cycle of cyclists and over 50 km of on- and ride — usually back by lunch!” off-road cycleways. The most visible of takes cyclists through long detours. http://tr.im/kTYp n these is a 7 km waterfront pathway that Cycle Aware Hawkes Bay members are connects New Plymouth with the coast working with Bike Hawkes Bay staff and provides a spectacular focal point to and councils to resolve these issues. n the city. Cycle Aware Hawkes Bay can.org.nz/chainlinks/links 18 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 Chainlinks 2, May 2009 19