How to Pick up Three People and Their Baggage on a Bike

Chainlinks

How to pick up three people and their baggage on a bike CHAINLINKS 2008 Issue 2, JUNE 2008 ISSUE 2, JUNE NEWSLETTER OF THE CYCLING ADVOCATES NETWORK (NZ) input from other road users, such as Editorial cyclists. Making roads safe for cyclists is no more straightforward than mak- The petrol price seems to have ing them safe for cars or trucks — if reached that mysterious tipping point they do not have people with the for public opinion: cycling is now a know-how to cater for cycles in their serious option to explore, not just in process, it’s hard to see how they can New Zealand but in the USA too. In do it well, and cyclists are likely to this issue you can read about reaction continue to be an after-thought. See to our press release on fuel prices, on the photo at right for the Christch- the changes for bikes on public trans- urch City Council’s idea of catering port, and the continuing work around for cyclists, and on page 7 for a cycle the regions to make cycling safer. facility TransitNZ chose to give Tas- man riders. The last issue of Chainlinks got a few strong reactions. Land Transport There was also reaction to my surprise NZ pointed out that having indica- at the money, time and energy going tors fixed to your bike is not legal in into counting cycle helmet use, and This Christchurch cycle lane crosses NZ. How this prohibition meets their the lack of interest or energy going the tram lines and goes underneath the stated objective “to allow the vehicle into any other cyclist safety measures. parked cars. Read more about bikes to be operated safely under all driving There is not doubt that anyone coming and trams on p19. conditions and not endanger the safety off their cycle and hitting their head of other road users” I have yet to as- is going to be profoundly grateful for certain: expect an in depth look at this their cycle helmet. But it doesn’t make in the next issue. In the meantime it is you more visible on the road, it doesn’t perfectly legal to have indicators fixed persuade buses, trucks and cars to give CAN: Cycling Advocates Network to yourself or your clothing. Further, it the legally required 1.5 m, it doesn’t PO Box 6491, Wellesley St, appears to be legal to not signal at all make you visible at night. It reduces Auckland, New Zealand. when the construction and equipment your chance of brain damage not your Tel 04 972 2552 of a cycle makes it impractial (Road chance of being hit. None of us want [email protected] Rules 2004, SR 2004/427 3.10 (7)); for in- brain damage, but neither do we want www.can.org.nz stance when both brakes are required, to be crowded or hit by other road us- which means both hands are engaged. ers, and it would be a very fine thing Chainlinks if the dedication, time and money ISSN 1175-9364 The Automobile Association took applied to counting cycle helmets was [email protected] exception to the tone of the item on applied to measures that make the Editor: Miriam Richardson KiwiRAP, assuring CAN that they are roads safer for cyclists so we are not Contributions manager: “trying to make our roads more forgiv- thrown off, not just making our brains Stephen Wood ing and safe for all users”. But I am still safer when we are. n unclear how KiwiRAP intends to get Next Quarterly Issue: Sept clear winter sunshine Contributions by 27 August driver sees me but does not care Email content to: Letters to the editor cyclist must bail out guy chapman † [email protected] Cars can’t see you Pictures: 1024 x 768 pixels preferred The sign is at the bottom of the “Bri- This pic is perhaps not quite in the Advertising: [email protected] dleway” cyclepath that meanders same vein as the photos of Crap Cycle through the bush from Khandallah to Lanes that you would like (actually, Webpage Kaiwharawhara in Wellington. it’s a very good cyclepath), but I get can.org.nz/chainlinks/links a chuckle out of the sign every time I I know that new technology going into The views expressed in ride past it. cars will give them the ability to “see” Chainlinks are not necessarily ahead, but really, is it nec- those of CAN. essary to remind cyclists that this technology is not CAN receives financial support from quite here yet? Surely a sign just saying “blind intersection” would be more appropriate. Cover photo: Outside Dunedin Regards, Hospital ©2008 Stephen Wood. Gary Gibson ISSN 1175-9364 2 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 3 has been seamless and Getting children out of easy. Quite simply, Highlights this issue people are now ac- n customed to seeing our The green green limousine: cyclists wearing them.” how to pick up the rellies from cars and onto their bikes the airport in style, p5. Mark Leishman During an iMove pro- n Gemini Cycle-Friendly motion, participating students are en- Palmerston North Intermediate Awards 2008: time to reward couraged to cycle to school on “iMove Normal and Ross Intermediate local initiatives with your Thursdays” for 4 weeks. Students cy- nomination, p9. Schools have made the wearing cling (whilst wearing a vest) are issued of Hi-Viz vests compulsory for a voucher which they place in a weekly n Reaction to CAN’s fuel press cyclists, after the success of the prize draw for various incentive prizes: release, p13. iMove promotion that is having drink bottles, cycle shop vouchers, n The Squeaky Wheel a significant and positive impact reflective ‘slap bands’ and even bike gets squeaking in South on the transport behaviours of lights. This positive reinforcement ob- Canterbury, p13. the region’s youth. viously works, as in the Manawatu it is not uncommon for iMove schools to n 825 join CAN, p13. Funded by LTNZ, and ad- see up to ¹⁄³ of their roll n Getting kids on their bikes, left. ministered by Sport Mana- cycling on iMove days! n Bikes and public transport: watu, the iMove promotion Getting children out things are looking up in NZ, has proved a catalyst for of cars and onto their p7, (and check out the Swiss many schools to implement bikes has numerous plan, p6). Road Safe strategies. benefits, among them n improving fitness and CAN welcomes More than 50% of New Zea- Patrick Morgan, p14. land students are transported health, relieving con- to and from school. These gestion at the school n Regional groups are busy, p16. gate, and helping to trips almost doubled be- n Update on the Auckland cut our energy use and tween 1990 and 1998 while at Harbour Bridge, p8. vehicle emissions. This the same time general use of PNINS students head for bicycles for commuting pur- home, resplendent in is not lost on iMove co- n The Dunstan Trail, p8. ordinator Mark Leish- poses has declined. As rates their new uniform vests. n This year’s CAN Do, p14. of childhood obesity rise, man: “We’re committed numerous initiatives have attempted to to promoting sustainable and safe land address the issues — one of the most transport for life and this is a great the answer my friend enduring and successful of which is the way for children to learn good habits is not blowing in the wind — Manawatu-based iMove promotion. early on.” it’s riding a bike jaberwock † According to Marie Leishman of Palm- These successes highlight the results erston North Intermediate Normal that can be achieved with a consistent (PNINS), “iMove allowed a gradual message, supported by a collaborative Contents approach by schools and their com- transition by introducing students and 2 Editorial munities. their parents to the concept of cy- 3 Getting children out of cars clists wearing Hi-Viz vests under the “We are really lucky here in the 4 Government news umbrella of the whole iMove concept. Manawatu to have enthusias- 5 The green green limousine Encouraging students to choose to it is not tic support from numerous 6 International snippets be part of the promotion and health promotion agen- uncommon for 7 New Zealand roundup then issuing them with a free cies,” adds Leishman. “We iMove schools to 8 The Dunstan Trail: cycle vest was powerful. No per- have all sorts involved. touring suasion was involved. They see up to ¹⁄³ of From Roadsafe Central were simply the uniform of 9 Gemini Cycle-FriendlyAwards their roll cycling to Sport Manawatu staff, the promotion.” Police education officers, 10 The new CAN website Leishman adds further that “it was Whakapai Hauora, Public 11 Marketplace also an eloquent statement by local Health Unit, Primary Health Organi- 13 Recruitment drive government that they value safety sations and Public Health Nurses — all 13 Squeaky Wheel enough to fund it in such a practical lend a hand.” And it is that support 14 CAN updates way. After two years of iMove, the in- that continues to produce outstanding 16 Regional groups results. clusion of vests in our school uniform 17 Join CAN The next iMove month in Manawatu is 19 2008 Dates eight years old, just learned, November. n 19 On the web moulton mini, single speed, 2 Chainlinks 2 2008 ten miles, with proud mum Chainlinks 2 2008 3 andy scaife † Cycling isn’t very prominent at first Government news glance, but if you look hard enough very dangerous, Cycling and walking strategies: there are links to several sites with cy- bicycles and poetry — a hot topic for local government cling information and resources. someone could get hurt 905 †

A search of recent activity on gov- New Cyclist Skills Training The Bike Wise Programme has been ernment websites revealed dozens running since 1995, and currently of city and district councils working Guideline comprises Bike Wise Week, Go By on their walking and cycling strategy A new Cyclist Skills Training Guide- Bike Day, Bike Wise Battle and the documents. It’s wonderful what the line (version 1) is now available on the Mayoral Challenge. Re- incentive of some central government Land Transport NZ sponsibility for coordinat- funding can do! website to help inter- ing the programme passed ested parties plan and In Central government, Land Trans- from the Health Spon- develop cyclist skills port New Zealand has launched sorship Council (HSC) training programmes a new advertising campaign focusing to Land Transport NZ in in their region. on travel choices — the first of their mid-2007. This transition sustainability campaigns. You can see This is a key ini- provided a timely op- it on their website, featuring a herd of tiative in the Getting portunity to complete a rhinoceros! http://tinyurl.com/5w2q6t There— on foot by review. cycle Implementation The review started in con- Plan. The guide, which junction with the delivery comprehensively out- of Bike Wise 2008 and will lines a consistent ‘best be completed by the end practice’ approach to of May 2008. The follow- cyclist training, caters ing areas are being exam- for a range of trainees learning in ei- ined as part of the review: ther a school or an adult training environment. It also includes a number of • the aims of the Bike Wise outcomes to ensure that demonstrated Programme The Land Transport webpage is one of ability is achieved at each skill level. • the key messages Bike Wise is the better starting points for finding As additional areas of work need to be promoting information on government initia- developed, a low key, staged promo- • the timing and length of Bike Wise tives, and general resources, and safety tion is planned to enable systems and http://tinyurl. Week information for cyclists. processes to be put in place to man- com/6bjydz age the development of high quality • the type and level of support Transit New Zealand programmes throughout the country. provided nationally to Bike Wise has devel- coordinators oped its own supplement to the key The first step is to raise awareness of • the Bike Wise website reference document for the design of the guideline, then to support and cycling facilities in New Zealand, The encourage interested parties, where • schools involvement in the Bike Guide to Traffic Engineering Practice appropriate, to develop programmes Wise Programme Part 14 – Bicycles 2nd Edition (1999), based on the guideline. Land Trans- • the options for/desirability of (GTEP Part 14 for short) published port NZ aims to begin a national roll combining cycling and walking by Austroads. The supplement is to out in 2010. promotions http://tinyurl.com/6bjydz account for the fact that some of the (pdf ). • the impact of Bike Wise on long original document is too specific to Further information: Gerry Dance, term behaviour changes. Australian traffic regulations, traffic Senior Policy Advisor (Networks) As part of the review Land Transport signing and road markings. [email protected] NZ has undertaken interviews with a World Environment Day 5 June Bike Wise Programme variety of key stakeholders to discuss Review suggested improvements and also get Government agencies supported feedback on proposed programme World Environment Day Land Transport New Zealand is cur- changes. http://www.sustainability.govt.nz/wed rently undertaking a review of the Once the review is complete, the in- and made suggestions for school and Bike Wise Programme. The aim of the formation will be used to determine community activities http://tinyurl. review is to examine the current pro- the future look of the programme. Any com/5nczse (pdf). gramme goals, format and outcomes, changes to the programme will be sig- and determine whether these are still This sustainability website has a page nalled to key stakeholders groups via appropriate. The review will also look on transport with information about existing Bike Wise and Land Trans- at ways the programme can be im- reducing fuel use, choosing the right port NZ communication channels by proved and enhanced. car, and minimising vehicle use. the end of June 2008.n 4 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 5 The Green Green Limousine’s Maiden Voyage

Steven Muir It was a brisk morning on Monday 5th May when Steven Muir from Cycling Church set off from Central Christchurch to the airport on his bike, with an extra bike bolted onto his bike trailer. Nandor and Steven arriving at Lincoln University Th is was the fi rst-ever voyage of the green green limousine, an airport was used to transport the luggage, a free shower for Nandor to freshen up pickup service primarily aimed at with panniers for a few snacks. for his talk. promoting the wonders of bike trailers After supplying gloves and discuss- Following the talk Nandor set off in (particularly the ones Steven con- ing Nandor’s helmet exemption they a car for several other engagements structs himself) and reducing the car- set off at a leisurely pace, on the 20 km around Christchurch while Steven re- bon footprint associated with travel. ride to Lincoln. Th e fi rst stop was only turned home with the spare bike back On arriving at the airport Steven re- a few meters down the road at the on the trailer, getting his daily quota of moved the spare bike from the trailer, Totem Pole where a demonstration of exercise with 50 km or so of riding. replaced the front wheel (which was support for the Anzac Ploughshares Th ere are several other forms of the removed to bolt the front forks to the activists was occurring. Fortunately green green limousine depending on parking on the number of people to be picked this busy up and their amount of luggage. Th e corner was no most impressive limousine is a large problem for suitcase-carrying trailer which can the bikes and be towed behind a tandem bike with Nandor had up to three folding bikes in the trailer. a bit of a chat Visitors to Christchurch can ride on before setting the back of the tandem or one of the off around the unfolded folding bikes to their destina- unpleasantly tion within Christchurch. Up to three busy Russley large suitcases (or four smaller back- Road, through packs/suitcases) can be easily placed Hornby to into the plastic bins on the trailer. Steven’s bike, with spare bike on board Prebbleton. A great off -road cycleway One local person can thereby pick up the trailer, arriving at the airport from Prebbleton to Lincoln made this three or four visitors depending on the the most enjoyable part of the ride amount of luggage. n trailer), locked the bikes, and went to and they arrived at Lincoln Univer- meet Nandor Tanczos from the Green sity around one and a half hours after Party who was arriving for a talk at departure— a Lincoln University. Nandor travels very good lightly with only a small backpack, so a eff ort from small trailer with a single recycle crate Nandor who doesn’t do huge Front fork amounts of cy- attachment cling. Th e Rec- bracket, home reation Centre made from 10mm kindly supplied threaded rod.

wheels spinning around fl ying past automobiles the bike is freedom † nicole mcmorrow The tandem limousine with suitcases and one Dahon folding bike. 4 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 5 International snippets Racing along High petrol price gets US the Great Divide Switzerland launches the commuters on their bikes Former CAN staff member Simon world’s largest active- Kennett has big plans for life As US petrol reaches $4 per gallon, travel trails network bike commuting is increasing, by as after CAN. He is the fi rst New much as 33% in Huston in one month, SwitzerlandMobility describes a Zealander to have a go at an NBC reports. News video: “standardised signposting program extreme ride: a race across the http://tinyurl.com/54m39p (MSNBC) for its human-powered national and United States from the Canadian regional recreational trails. Th is inte- border to Mexico. grated trail system … features more than 100,000 signposts; 20,000 km of Th e Great Divide Race is a self- interconnected hiking, cycling, inline supported, solo race following the skating, canoeing, and mountain bike 4000 km Great Divide Mountain Bike trails; and accessibility from more than Route. Traversing Montana, Idaho, 18,000 diff erent stops on Switzerland’s Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexi- public transport network.” co, the route de- http://tinyurl.com/3vnluo mands more than if my wheels were square or triangles; trapezoids; 60,000 metres of life would be harder climbing along its UK facility of the month UK ladies who brunch quetzalcoatl † length. Com- Th e designers of this shared use path To encourage mums to cycle to school petitors carry all on Ringwood Road in Poole put a with their children, ‘Project in Derby’ equipment necessary to negotiate the great deal of thought into avoiding held free ‘Biking Brunches’. Activities backcountry, restocking on food and confl ict between the diff erent users included simple cycle maintenance other supplies from the small towns (in this case cyclists and large trees). and cycle skills, accompanied by coff ee along the route. Th e cycle side of the path is cambered and muffi ns, and a school lunch. Th is Simon says he expects to take about at 30°, causing cyclists to swerve away was followed by a short cycle ride ar- 20 days, riding up to 20 hours a day. from the trees. Also, note how the riving back at school just in time to en- To help with motivation, he is raising trees are carefully tilted to give more joy the cycle home with their children. money for the medical charity, Doc- clearance at handlebar height. Steve tors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Parlour, Warrington Cycle Campaign. Automated bike park in Frontières. Tokyo Aussie cyclists mowed Simon has planned his training, nu- A woeful lack of available parking trition and equipment carefully. His down in hit-and-run spaces at most Japanese train sta- Giant hardtail bike weighs just 14kg — About 50 cyclists were involved in a tions is a real problem. In some places including all the gear he needs. hit-and-run crash in Sydney in May. A legal parks are impossible to fi nd and “A big thanks goes to CAN for kitting motorist who was “worrying” the rear private security guards are known for me out with riding tights and a watch,” of the pack overtook, pulled in front performing periodic sweeps where bi- he says. “Th e alarm rings for up to 30 and slammed on his brakes, giving the cycles are tossed in the back of a truck minutes so I can be sure I won’t be riders no time to stop. and impounded. At about $US1 per day sleeping too “Everyone slammed into each other or about $US18 for long.” … there were broken bikes — wheels a month, a multi- The Great busted and wheels snapped — and level parking spot is Divide Race people lying on the road.” a lot cheaper than As if that wasn’t bad enough, there the impound fee. were “jeers and taunts of several driv- [Japan Probe] http://tinyurl. ers (more than 3 separate drivers that com/6kwu62 n one rider noticed) making their way past the aftermath of the accident, despite the fact that a police car and two ambulances were on the scene starts on 20 June. Follow treating seriously injured people.” downhill bicycling Dylan Welch and Dan Emerson, forty, fi fty miles per hour Simon’s progress, check SMH; http://tinyurl.com/3ea77r should have fi xed brakes out his gear, and offer jonathan neske † him support at http://greatdividekiwi. blogspot.com 6 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 7 Fulltime walking & NZ Roundup cycling coordinator for ARTA Th e Auckland Regional Transport Authority has agreed to re-establish this position, starting on July 1.

Support for bikers at Christchurch

International Airport This is NZ, in the Tasman area, installed by Transit NZ Extension of New Th ere is a bicycle assembly area out- I sail down the road side the arrivals hall, and they now Plymouth’s coastal wind at my back, pushing hard sell boxes ($20) to package your bike there’s no turning back kath † walkway gets the go- for a fl ight. ahead Steven is also keen to give advice to Bikes ride free on anyone building their own trailer and About 4 km of pathway, in- can provide the quick disconnect ball cluding a 70 m shared cycle/ Wellington trains joint hitch (1/2”) which he has im- pedestrian bridge over the Bicycles will be allowed on Wellington ported from the USA. See p5 for the Waiwhakaiho River, will be trains for free from July 1 in a bid to bike trailer in use. created to extend the Coastal encourage people to use public trans- [email protected] Pathway from Waiwhakaiho port. 03 3658238 through to Ellesmere Ave in Bell Block. Bikes ﬂ y free on Air NZ Cyclists soon to speed up in the Mackenzie Country Costing about $3.1 million, it will in- Air New Zealand lets you to take your crease the walkway’s length from 7 km bike, in addition to the 20 kg allow- Th e Mackenzie District Council is to more than 11 km. Land Transport ance, provided it is correctly packed. planning on lifting a bylaw that bans New Zealand is contributing 61% of Th ere’s no need to let down tyres, but riding a bicycle at more than 16 km/h. the project’s cost, possibly the most remember compressed gas cannot be At the same time they seem likely to money to be spent by LTNZ on a sin- carried on a plane, which rules out make it legal for an unmarried woman gle cycling initiative so far. some bikes and bike equipment. to run a public billiards saloon. http://tinyurl.com/3ngu2q http://tinyurl.com/6njxkg Posties get higher Free bike trailer hire in visibility clothes Christchurch New Zealand Post is rolling out a new Four light-weight, two wheeled, alu- range of high visibility safety gear to minium bike trailers, designed to carry help keep cycling posties safe. Th e two recycling crates are available for yellow fl uorescent helmets, vests and a month’s free hire from Steven Muir panniers are brighter than before and of Cycling Church. If people like them designed to increase postie visibility. they can buy one or a kitset. the new sky of dawn In the last 12 months 43 posties got hit an orange glow, frozen breath Th is is an opportunity to tow a cycle by vehicles leaving driveways. Posties, quick steel bike humming trailer and see how easily they can and those delivering newspapers or † kangstank handle signifi cant loads. Fear of the leafl ets, are the only people given unkown is a major reason, Steven dispensation to cycle on the footpath believes, why so few people are using under the Land Transport Act. New Taupo track opens trailers. “People are unlikely to make Th e new mountain bike track, W2K, or buy a trailer if they’ve never had the Recycled bikes for kids developed by Bike Taupo, was chance to use one.” 80 bikes collected by Sport Hawke’s opened by Conservation Minister Th ey can be used to carry groceries, Bay are being made roadworthy by en- Steve Chadwick at the end of April to ladders, tools, fruit pickings, kay- gineering students at the Eastern In- great acclaim. W2K is a shared cycle aks, windsurfers, kite surfers, library stitute of Technology for children who and walking track that runs from books, bikes, billboards, musical in- either do not have a bike or are taking Whakaipo Bay to Kinloch. struments, pets, garage sale treasures, part in Active Fami- pinecones, fi rewood, etc. Continued p8 6 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 7 NZ Roundup continues from p7 Back country gold lies fitness and activity programmes. Bikes have already gone to Waipuku- Stephen Wood rau and Hastings; Wairoa is next. The Dunstan trail from Dunedin to Central Otago was used by miners Get Across by 2011 in the gold rush. There’s a large section that hasn’t been developed Auckland Harbour Bridge update into a modern road and so is a great back-country bike trip. The campaign for the walk/cycle way on the Auckland Harbour Bridge is a I set out one early January after- joint initiative by Cycle Action Auck- noon to ride the trail, through land, Walk Auckland and supporters. Alexandra and Galloway, and up We’ve found a real synergy working over the Raggedy range. At the top, together and it’s meant detractors find the sight of a large water race seems it more difficult to write us off as ‘the incongruous somehow, belittling Lycra brigade’. the climb. It was late in the day, I descended to Moa Creek and called In May we travelled to Wellington railtrail, or east to Dunedin, from into a farm which I knew had cot- to give a presentation to the Transit where I could bus home. Instead I tage accommodation. I couldn’t find Board. We got a surprisingly open decided to head south, through Lee anyone, so decided to carry on up to reception from the board and they Flat, and climbing up from there to Poolburn dam and camp, which took passed the following resolutions: head towards Lake Mahinerangi. The me to 8pm! I’d only done 50 km, but weather changed, and I was now rid- “• receives the very good presenta- the gusty westerly had been a tiring ing into a squally southerly, including tion from the Cycle Action team of crosswind at times. sleet! I crossed the lake via the cause- Bevan Woodward, Andy Smith, Dr From Poolburn dam, the trail only way and bridge and pushed on, pow- Jan Pearson and Celia Wade-Brown climbs a little more to get to South ered by willpower and barley sugars. It and requests the Chairman to write Rough Ridge and then there is a big was mid-afternoon when I got to Law- thanking them for taking the time descent to the upper Taieri. On the rence. As I sat in a cafe drying out and to present to the Board; valley floor, part of the original trail is refueling, I debated my next move. I’d • requests that the outcomes of closed to the public, so I took a detour only done 50 km compared to yester- Stages 1 and 2 of the current Auck- to get across to a lunch stop at Styx, day’s 80, but it was still wet and cold, land Harbour Bridge Walking and which maps call Paerau. There’s an and Lawrence was the only town for Cycling Study be reported to the old “jail” there that was an overnight a while with a campground. Decision Board following completion of each lockup for gold bullion. As I sat in a cafe made — I’d stay put. stage; • requests the Chief Executive to en- The climb up the Rock and drying out and Because I’d stopped short of Pillar range looked daunt- plan, I had a 100 km day to get sure that Cycle Action are involved ing, and took me an hour refueling, home, but at least it was fine in the further development of the and a half. Then there was a I debated my and calm. I started early and current Auckland Harbour Bridge great rolling stretch of clas- made good time over the hill Walking and Cycling Study.” sic Otago highland. It was next move to Beaumont on SH8. There, I We also asked to meet with Transit a wonderfully wild landscape, was able to leave the road and head Chair, Bryan Jackson and CEO Rick schist outcrops, tussock and span- up a track beside the Clutha, along Van Barneveld — a very useful meet- iards, but it wouldn’t be a good place an old rail route. I encountered cattle ing which proves the saying: ‘ask and be in bad weather. I passed the Lo- on the track and at one point came you shall receive’. We are now meet- ganburn reservoir (formerly the Great across a bull, fortunately a placid one. ing with MPs to gain their support for Moss Swamp) and a huge tower like a I had a lunch stop on the road, and ‘Get Across by 2011’. radio mast, installed to monitor wind on reaching Roxburgh decided on Support it: www.getacross.org.nz n for a proposed windfarm. another one. It was good to have had a break on flat roads for a spell as the A drop down to lower country road then climbs well above the river brought more challenging riding, a at Fruitlands before dropping down long succession of climbs and de- to Alexandra and scents. It had already been a big day Clyde. n but I decided to push on to Clarks Junction in the hope of a bed and a Note: With all touring, time spent on hot shower. I wasn’t disapointed — the gear choice, maps pub had a room for $20! and local knowl- The obvious choices for getting home edge beforehand is invaluable. were north to Middlemarch and the

8 Chainlinks 2 2008 geMini cYcle-FriendlY aWards 2008 NOMINATIONS OPEN Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards 2008 Put forward your favourite cycling projects or people for each category Kiwis are being asked to put forward their favourite cycling BY FRIDAY 8 AUGUST projects or cycling champions n for the Gemini Cycle-Friendly Avanti award for best cycle facility project Awards 2008, sponsored by Gemini Bicycles and supported n Land Transport NZ award by the Ministry of Transport. for best cycling promotion n Land Transport NZ award Started by the Cycling Advocates’ for cycle-friendly commitment by a business Network (CAN) in 2003, the annual n Cycle-Friendly Awards are New Zea- ViaStrada award for cycle-friendly land’s only event designed to acknowl- commitment by a public organisation edge and celebrate notable achieve- n Roger Boulter Consulting award ments that help promote cycling and for cycling champion of the year create a cycle-friendly environment. Land Transport NZ Award for Best Cycling Promotion for the Eligible projects: In showcasing good cycling initiatives education or encouragement project those undertaken or completed the Awards play an important part that has had the most E.g., publicity cam- between January 07 and June 08. in encouraging cycling and support- signifi cant impact on paigns, school edu- Entry forms and more info: ing the implementation of the “Get- promoting cycling cation programmes, htttp://www.can.org.nz/awards ting Th ere” strategy, the New Zea- and a cycle-friendly or promotional land Transport Strategy and other cycling events. Cycle-Friendly Awards Co-ordinator, environment. Gaz Sanvicens, 021-023 1 5758, government initiatives such as health [email protected] and physical activity (e.g. HEHA), Land Transport NZ Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by transport, energy and the environ- Early (valid) nominations by 25th July ment. Th ey also demonstrate to key Business for the private company go into the draw for a $150 Ground Eff ect decision-makers (e.g. the Minister of that has made signifi cant strides to gift voucher. Transport) the amount and breadth of encouraging and supporting cycling activity in New Zealand that promotes by its staff and customers/clients. Th is cycling. category includes E.g., cyclist parking/ both general busi- changing facilities, Since 2006 the Awards and the indi- nesses and those employee support and vidual categories have had naming- directly involved incentive programmes, rights sponsorship. Th e Gemini Cycle- in the bicycle in- and company “pool” Friendly Awards 2008, supported by bikes. dustry. the Ministry of Transport, for achievements in the last year, are made in ViaStrada Award for Cycle- 5 categories (examples are indicative Friendly Commitment by a only). Public Organisation for the public or government organisation that has Avanti Award for Best Cycle made signifi cant strides in the past Facility Project for the transport year in encouraging and support- infrastructure project E.g., new cycle- ing cycling by its staff and the public. that has had the most ways, cycle parking Th is category includes all central or AWARD PRESENTATION 3 OCT signifi cant impact on facilities, or general local government agencies, and public Friday 3 October promoting cycling roading projects that organisations such as health boards, Canterbury Provincial Buildings and a cycle-friendly assist and encourage universities or airports. Stone Chamber, Christchurch environment. cycling. Roger Boulter Consulting Presented by the Minister of Transport, Award for Cycling Champion of the Hon Annette King the Year is designed to recognize Sponsored by Environment Canterbury More: http://www.can.org.nz/awards the contribution made by individual Winners receive a “bicycle-bell” trophy Co-ordinator, Gaz Sanvicens, New Zealanders to the promotion of and a certiﬁ cate. 021 0231 5758 | [email protected] cycling. n Sponsors

8 Chainlinks 2 2008 The new CAN website: sneak preview

It’s not ready yet — but you can have a peek atk it. Here are some links to a few parts of the new website that you can start using from now.

Media Releases: What is an RSS Feed? http://cms.can.org.nz/media Watch for the RSS icon, you will be A collection of the most recent seeing it more of- media release put out by CAN. ten in the future. The releases are also available RSS allows you to easily stay by RSS feed from: informed by retrieving the feed://cms.can.org.nz/media/feed. latest content from the sites Library Catalogue: you are interested in. You http://cms.can.org.nz/library save time by not needing to visit each site individually. CAN has an interesting special- You ensure your privacy, by ized library, covering all things not needing to join each site’s cycling — and it is available for email newsletter. members who wish to borrow Most web browsers and email books and other materials. n programmes have RSS readers.

Volunteers needed If you have some time to help us upload content to the new website, we would appreciate you joining our team as a volunteer. Training and technical support will be provided. Please contact André Cymbalista 04 384 7048, [email protected].

10 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 11 Market place

$45 / $55 Sizes: S M L

Reflective pack cover $25 / $35

Spacemaker $15 / $25 Hinged to fold when parked

Prices Member / Non member Three ways to order 1 :: Deposit money in Kiwibank 38-9005-0922435-01 :: Email order, contact and delivery details to [email protected]. 2 :: Send cheque to CAN, PO Box 6491, Auckland :: Include order, contact and delivery details. 3 :: Credit card: can.org.nz/shop

I bought a new bike carbon, ti, magnesium — tether it down nights ivan the terribly polite † 10 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 11 12 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 13 Recruitment drive Squeaky Wheel A voice for South attracts 825 new Canterbury cyclists beginning to squeak... members “Squeaky Wheel: A voice for South Canterbury cyclists” was set up in Patrick Morgan measurement of success. A Geraldine 2007. Check out the great logo. Spokes Active Transport Strategy is currently A sweet idea has brought 825 Canterbury is helping Squeaky Wheel being drafted. new members to CAN. by making webspace available on their site. Squeaky Wheel has ten core members CAN staff and volunteers attached (including a Spokesperson, Submis- In June members will be speaking to recruitment postcards, with lollies sions Co-ordinator, and Webspace the group’s first submission, on the taped to them, to parked bikes. CAN’s “minder”) and 60 newsletter subscrib- Timaru District Council’s 08/09 An- former networking coordinator Simon ers. Regular meetings have been set up nual Plan. Squeaky Wheel members Kennett says he got the idea from a at the Timaru Community House for met with Timaru District Council Staff Bike Wise Business Battle promotion. the first Tuesday of each month. n CAN members also handed out the (Land Transport Manager, Project Engineer, Road Safety Co-ordinator, Contact: Wendy Whiting postcards at biking events this sum- [email protected] mer. and Parks & Recreation Director) to introduce core group members and riding through spring time Two cards were drawn as spot prizes, discuss plans for cycling projects in peach orchards — imagine a with prize packs going to two ‘born South Canterbury. Council is keen to world of pink popcorn again’ riders. Prize packs included a update their Active Transport Strat- jonathan neske † fluoro pack cover, CAN t-shirt and a egy to include more on outcomes and 19-function Crank Bros multi-tool. Bridget Helean joined CAN at a Bike Get used to petrol price hikes Wise Week event in Timaru. She de- CAN’s media release on fuel price got strong reactions around the scribes herself as a recreational rider country. Axel Wilke, exec member and technical advisor to CAN, who took up cycling a year ago for fun and fitness. She says, “I’ve always been gave 4 radio interviews, including Morning Report, and received a keen on walking, but you can cover number of emails, both supportive and critical of CAN’s policy. a lot more ground on the bike.” She hadn’t cycled since she was There’s no doubt the respondent, pedal, pedal, go! a child. provocative headline who cycles pedal, pedal, pedal, go! grabbed attention: 22 km a day to † Wellington rider Bethany i love to cycle james how much of CAN’s work on the van der Poest Clement uses message people got is open road, sees her bike to get to work and more debatable — the roads being too narrow and imagines ultimate frisbee games. She cost neutrality of “fuel public transport being patchy at best says it takes her about half tax up income/busi- for a small community. CAN’s other an hour to ride home from ness tax down” was severe critic thinks of the physically work, and it puts her in a lost on some. But the less able, and can’t imagine a public good mood. “I used to catch increased media at- transport service that would meet a lift home with my husband, tention to cycling as their needs. and sometimes was in a bad New CAN member an alternative to cars mood if I’d had a hard day. These are understandable viewpoints, Bethany van der Poest can only be good — But you can’t be angry when and we need to make sure that such Clement with her prizes CloseUp (TV1) did a you’re on your bike!” She issues are addressed as the system ad- spot on a family that joined CAN at Cycle Aware Welling- justs to increasing fuel prices. commutes by cycle (CAN members in ton’s Go By Bike Day in February. “I’m Wellington) since the press release. excited to have a bright pack cover, as CAN also got accolades for its stance: “keep pushing the message”. Until NZ I’m sometimes nervous on Wellington CAN’s severest critics, who are cyclists ends its love affair with cars, trans- roads,” she says. Bethany completed themselves, do not see a possibility port will keep on being a problem, fuel cycle skills training of a future that has safe prices will keep on being a threat, car- with CAW members cycling routes supported I took it apart bon emissions will stay high. So many Marilyn Northcotte by public transport at it won’t go back together reasons to cycle!n and Patrick Morgan I’m no mechanic † convenient times. One last year. n rural-town-community 12 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 13 CAN in the media Cycling Advocates say “Get used to petrol price hikes” 11 May CAN Do As well as the “get used to it” message on price rises, CAN called for increas- 3 — 5 October es in fuel taxes, offset by reductions in other taxation, as an urgent measure Christchurch to encourage more sustainable transport use. See p13 for reactions. The weekend includes CAN’s http://tinyurl.com/5e4tqm | CAN policy AGM, workshops, training, http://tinyurl.com/5gj4ox (pdf 169mb) rides, plenty of food and drink, and a chance to catch up with Invest in cycling as fellow CANners from around fuel prices rise 27 May the country. CAN offers financial help so all local groups can It has never been more urgent for government and business to invest in get someone to the Do. cycling. “Getting There — on foot, by Stephen Wood cycle” strategy is an excellent founda- More: tion, but local councils need to shift Chainlinks Patrick Morgan | [email protected] up a gear. http://tinyurl.com/6nhopl n contributions manager My first cycling was in England. When my family emigrated to New Zealand I was 10 and owned a bike with 24” Patrick Morgan: CAN’s new wheels, drop handlebars and 5 speed derailleur gears. I didn’t do much Networking Project leader cycling until I went to Canterbury University, where a bike suited a stu- CAN has appointed cycling advocate and dent on a budget. I was at University author Patrick Morgan as manager of its for most of the eighties, marrying and Networking Project team. separating, but also dabbling in cycle touring and advocacy. When I headed CAN Chairperson Robert Ibell says He is based in Wellington and leads overseas on my first research job it CAN has been fortunate in attracting Project Officers Fiona Whero in was to the Rockies in Colorado. talented people. “Patrick’s expertise as Christchurch and Anne Gummer in an advocate, communications profes- Auckland. I returned to work at a NIWA atmos- sional, project manager and cycling pheric research site in Central Otago CAN’s Networking Project helps start trainer makes him especially well-suit- and that’s where I am still. In my time and support local cycling groups. ed to leading the Networking Project off I cycle on daytrips and tours, in- Affiliated groups now total sixteen team. A high level of self-motivation cluding some great back country trips. nationwide. The project aims to help and a range of practical skills are re- My work involves regular trips to Ant- with the implementation of the na- quired, all of which have been demon- arctica where I met my wife Robyn. tional walking and cycling strategy strated through his professional and Robyn gave up a career in Auckland, ‘Getting There’ by improving the abil- personal achievements.” so we’ve recently made a move to set ity of bicycle user groups to take part up a boarding kennel and cattery, one Patrick has been an active member of in local and national decision making of her dreams. This has been hard Cycle Aware Wellington since 1994, at processes. work but is going well. One bonus for various times managing the newslet- Patrick says he’s got big shoes to fill. me is that I’m closer to work and have ter, website and acting as treasurer. He “Simon Kennett did a great job getting returned to cycle-commuting. That has also worked as a communications this project underway, and I’m keen to got me interested in advocacy again, professional and project team leader build on that. It’s a great opportunity I joined CAN and it didn’t take long in institutional and community-based for me to align my personal and pro- before I had another role as Chainlinks projects. fessional goals.” contributions manager. I’ve really en- He is particularly interested in eve- joyed getting this issue of Chainlinks “Getting more people on bikes seems n ryday cyclist training, gaining an together. like a no-brainer, but there are signifi- instructor’s certificate in London in cant cultural, funding infrastructure i like to cycle. 2007, and has recently started a trainer barriers. But like setting off for a long but i do not write poems. development programme in New † ride, persistence will get us there.” n not usually. james Zealand. 14 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 15 critically massed cars Contact CAN Exec annual meeting at beep their silly horns at me † :: Chair, Robert Ibell, [email protected] think I’m in the way sharon w :: Deputy Chair, Illona Keenan, [email protected] :: Secretary, Adrian Croucher, [email protected] Anzac Weekend It was fabulous to do something physi- :: Treasurer, Liz Mikkelsen, [email protected] cal after all that talking. Nicki was im- Illona Keenan staff pressed at how many hands did indeed :: Networking Project Co-ordinator There were seven tents and a make light work: it didn’t take too long Patrick Morgan, [email protected] to get all those trees into the ground. Wellington: 04 385 4967 / 027 449 1844 full house at Nicki’s house at Te :: Networking Project Officer, South Island Oka, on Banks Peninsula, for a The weekend was a great opportunity Fiona Whero, [email protected], weekend focused on where CAN for the Exec and staff to find out more Christchurch: 03 366 2645 / 027 449 1845 about what people are up to, so we can :: Networking Project Officer, Upper NI has got to, what the challenges Anne Gummer, [email protected] are, and shaping the next few take that information back to the local Auckland: 09 378 0953 / 027 449 1848 months. Five came via the Little CAN groups and improve cycle advo- Tues–Fri 9am–2.30pm cacy around the country. :: Digital Strategy Coordinator River Rail Trail, the rest in a car Andre Cymbalista, [email protected] 021 773 839 pool from Christchurch. My role was official cake baker so I Executive roles thought that I would provide a recipe :: Membership secretary, There was great news of the Digital for you all. Especially useful when Adrian Croucher, [email protected] Strategy, new staff, new groups, work weekend brain power is essential. :: Submissions co-ordinator, [email protected] on policy, attending meetings with [vacant], Panforte :: Policy co-ordinator, government, and media campaigns. Graeme Lindup, [email protected] There are a number of things happen- 160g runny honey 155g caster sugar :: Technical advisors: ing that are working well, and some [email protected] 125g whole blanched almonds Andrew Macbeth, , gaps and challenges. The main chal- Axel Wilke, [email protected] 125g hazelnuts lenge was everyone being time-poor, 500g plump fat raisins :: Urban design champion, 1 tablespoon orange zest Todd Simmiss, [email protected] highlighting the need to get more peo- 1 tablespoon lemon zest :: Cycle Training co-ordinator, ple involved in key CAN activities and 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon [email protected] Patrick Morgan, make better use of our members, and 1 ½ teaspoons mixed spice : Webmaster, Thomas Schwarz, improving the synergies between local 125g plain flour, sifted [email protected] and national issues. 2 tablespoons cocoa :: Media & marketing co-ordinator, Stephen McKernon, [email protected] Preheat the oven to 160°C. Grease and Exec members chose specific goals for line a 25cm springform cake tin with bak- :: e.CAN editor, ing paper. Adrian Croucher, [email protected] the next quarter and plan to seek help :: Chainlinks editor, from people who identified them- Melt the honey and sugar gently in a Miriam Richardson, [email protected] selves in the recent CAN survey. Such saucepan and slowly bring to a simmer. :: Chainlinks contributions manager, activities include: converting draft Simmer until combined — a few minutes. [email protected] Set the mixture aside. Combine the other Stephen Wood, policies into ‘proper’ policies, induct- :: Mailouts co-ordinator, ingredients in a large bowl. Add the honey Ritsuko Ogawa, [email protected] ing new members, getting local groups and sugar mixture and mix well – requires getting your hands dirty. The mixture will ::: Merchandise co-ordinator involved and talent development. Karen Hunn, [email protected] look dry. :: Fundraising coordinator, To lessen the carbon footprint of the With wet hands, press the mixture into Andre Cymbalista, [email protected] weekend, all of the Exec took time out the prepared tin, packing it down tightly. :: Meetings co-ordinator, on the Saturday afternoon to plant na- Bake for 45 minutes until top is lightly Jane Dawson, [email protected] tive trees that Axel and Nicki had or- browned and crunchy. :: Awards co-ordinator, ganised as a thank you gift for the use Cool, remove from the tin and cut into Gaz Sanvicens, [email protected] small pieces.n Working groups and conveners of the house at Te Oka. Nicki’s family have been revegetating an area for a :: Model Communities: Paul de Spa the road goes upwards :: number of years and it was great for Research: Andrew Macbeth conversation stops, puff, pant :: : CAN to make a contribution to this. Media/Communications/Marketing the silence of hills steve airey† Stephen McKernon :: Information Centre: Thomas Schwarz :: Digital Strategy: Andre Cymbalista Representing CAN :: Cycling/Walking Steering Committee (HSC): Robert Ibell :: LTNZ Research Reference Group: Andrew Macbeth :: Getting There: Jane Dawson, Andrew Macbeth, Stephen McKernon, Thomas Schwarz :: Cycle Skills Training Advisory Group: Illona Keenan and Jane Dawson.

For phone numbers: can.org.nz/contact

14 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 15 n running ‘Upcycle’, a cycle confi dence Regional groups course for adults, in Richmond with a plan to start it up again in Nelson too What’s happening in n planning for a Bikefest in conjunc- Hamilton. tion with Nelson City Council for Bike Wise week in February 09. Th e Bikefest Th e hot dry summer we have experi- is to celebrate utility cycling and get enced this year might have been tough people to try out diff erent bikes etc. on the farmers but it has been great for cycling. Our annual cycle counts n forming a group to develop an of- have seen a 10% increase in cyclists froad cycleway network across the entering the CBD. Since then the price CAPN queries design of new Te Awe Awe whole top of the south of petrol has broken through the $2 St cycle lane in PN n mark and even more bikes are be- helping Nelson City Council and ing seen around town. Unfortunately councillors. Forum topics included Tasman District Council’s World Envi- council intransigence in providing safe on-street cycle lanes, off road cycle ronment Day initiative. Councils want river crossings for cyclists into the lanes (in particular Feilding to PN, for as many people as possible to cycle, north end of town is proving to be a which there is growing support from walk, take a bus (free) or carpool and major barrier to others who are keen Manawatu District), and cycle storage are putting on free breakfasts at vari- to get on their bikes. Cycle Action facilities. ous locations around the region n Waikato used the recent HCC annual In April we hosted Vive le Vélo — a getting our own webspace on the plan process to highlight the current public talk by our local cycling hero and new CAN website to be launched soon. inadequacies. Palmy postie, Colin Anderson, about his Bicycle Nelson Bays recently submit- Cycle network projects are continuing 1200 km Paris-Brest-Paris ride. which at- ted on the Council’s Annual Plan. Th e to appear with 5 of the 17 due this year tracted about 80 people. If you ever have Tasman District Council is currently currently out for public comment. the opportunity to hear Colin, or support reviewing their Active Transport Th ese 5 are all retrofi tting streets in his fundraising, then DO! Strategy and Bicycle Nelson Bays is the north-western sector of the city In early May we spent an afternoon looking forward to having input into and will serve to link the riverpaths having a direction-setting work- this much-needed review. with some of the major industrial em- shop — capably facilitated by Robert ployment areas. We are rapt the Nelson Regional Land Ibell and Jane Dawson. One of the Transport Committee is not planning CAWaikato members were present at a very positive developments in recent to pursue either of the options to put memorial tree planting at the Hamil- months has been building links with more lanes of traffi c between Stoke and ton Lake. Suzie Stephens, an Ameri- recreational cyclists — especially Nelson and instead is planning to invest can, wandered the world on a bike and Manawatu Masters Cycling Club. more in active transport, public trans- had spent time in NZ. She was killed Kick the Carbon Habit: port, and travel demand management. by a bus in America and her mother is World Environment Day in PN now travelling to those countries that Email Richard to sly tectonic shifts bnbnelson Suzie visited to plant trees and meet With the focus on energy, waste and join us: yesterday there was no hill @gmail.com † local cyclists. She calls her project “Su- transport, cycling was a major focus in front of my house duffy zie’s forest”. of the event in Palmerston North. We contributed to the city’s goal of clock- June will see the annual ‘lights on What’s up on the South ing up 40,000 km of walking and cy- bikes’ campaign undertaken again this cling in the week leading up to June 5. Island’s West Coast? year. CAWaikato members will be as- Th e South Island’s West Coast is an sisting HCC staff , Hamilton police and CAPN also assisted with a promotion iconic cycle tourist route that attracts a local cycle outlet in providing free of commuter cycling. Th is involved individual and group riders through lights to cyclists. A focus this year will profi ling commuter cycling across the the summer months. Local people also be on secondary schools. years — from antique BSAs to the latest choose to commute or ride recreation- Dutch bikes. John Meeking ally, and more work will be done in the Christine Cheyne future to determine what the numbers Cycle Aware PN Bicycle Nelson Bays Cycle Aware Palmerston North (CAPN) has a new lease of life with Bicycle Nelson Bays has lots a rejuvenated core group follow- planned for the upcoming ing a very successful cycling forum months including: in November attended by about 40 city cyclists and some of the new city country roads, scenic mile after mile after mile 16 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 17 my own l.s.d. † dale hartzler Cycle touring on the West Coast Congratulations of cyclists actually and cycling initiatives. are. Bike West Coast Bike Taupo! Local councils and agen- Join online is a virtual advocacy cies will then produce group for commuter “I would like to thank Bike the plan for implement- and recreational cy- Taupo for their tremendous ing the strategy in each or clip this form clists, with 56 mem- eff orts — their group dem- of their districts. bers to date, where onstrates the passion that is Join online at To develop the Strat- www.can.org.nz/join members can post at the heart of many achieve- egy, a steering group messages and dis- ments carried out by ordinary OR post this form to us with your has been set up consist- cuss ideas. To join, everyday New Zealanders.” cheque: ing of three district and email BikeWestCoast@ Steve Chadwick acknowledging one regional Council, yahoogroups.com .We Bike Taupo’s work on the new Name Transit NZ, Commu- are keen to know Taupo track W2K . nity and Public Health what you think the and Land Transport NZ. Th e steering cycling issues are for the Coast. Address group reports to the Regional Land Th e four West Coast Councils and Transport Committee and current Transit NZ are undertaking a Regional work is focused on community and Walking and Cycling Strategy to be stakeholder group consultations. completed by end of July 08. Th e Strat- Th ese were held recently in the three Phone egy provides regional co-ordination main centres (Westport, Greymouth and direction for West Coast walking Regional groups continues p18 Email

Please email the e.CAN Contact the local group nearest you email news fortnightly. Bike! Whangarei Cycle Aware Palmerston North Please send me information Paul Doherty 09 436 0033 Christine Cheyne Ph 06 356 3588 about ‘cycle safe’ insurance. [email protected] [email protected]

Cycle Action Auckland Kapiti Cycling kapiticycling.org.nz Occupation: caa.org.nz [email protected] Liz Mikkelsen 06 364 8187 Bevan Woodward 021 1226 040 [email protected] www.caa.org.nz www.kapiticycling.org.nz How did you fi nd 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] We respect your privacy and will Hamilton Cycle Action Waikato Nelson Tasman Bicycle Nelson Bays not give your details to anyone not Rob Davidson 07 856 5217 Richard Butler 03 539 0355 affi liated with CAN. [email protected] [email protected]

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 Waged $30 [email protected] www.biketaupo.org.nz Paul Millen [email protected] Family $35 Supporting organisations $75 Cycle Action Tauranga Bike West Coast Phil Browne 07 544 3123 [email protected] Jack O’Conner 03 768 0775 027 438 6285 [email protected] Membership fee $ ...... Cycle Aware Hawke’s Bay Bernie Kelley 06 356 3588 Christchurch Spokes Canterbury Donation $ ...... [email protected] Matthew Cutler-Walsh 03 385 6306 [email protected] Total $ ...... New Plymouth www.spokes.org.nz North Taranaki Cycling Advocates Make cheque payable to CAN Graeme Lindup 06 757 2062 South Canterbury Squeaky Wheel CAN [email protected] Wendy Whiting 03 688 9630; www.ntca.org.nz [email protected] Freepost 147092 PO BOX 6491 Wanganui Bicycle User Group Spokes Dunedin Wellesley, Auckland Hadi Gurton 06 345 5048 Dick Martin 03 453 6667 16 Chainlinks 2 2008 [email protected] [email protected] Chainlinks 2 2008 17 What’s up on the West Coast?, continued Spokes Canterbury Supporting Hokitika) where people from agen- Following the great media coverage of cies to cycling/walking clubs were well CAN’s petrol tax / tax shifting policy, Organisations represented. Spokes had its own turn in the media 21CT Everyone agreed that the West Coast spotlight at the end of May. Spokes Abley Transportation Engineers is a rich playground when it comes to members featured three times in quick Adventure South Ltd walking and cycling resources. With succession on three diff erent TV sta- Auckland City Council more work on coordinating informa- tions. Auckland Cycle Touring Association tion between agencies and planned On Monday 26 May, TV3 news fi lmed Auckland Regional Transport Authority promotion, it could be even easier for Spokes member Shirley Wilson cy- Avanti Plus Cycles Mt Eden people to get active and get involved cling to work, and discussed her $2000 Canterbury District Health Board with cycling activities across the re- annual savings on car-related costs Central Otago District Council gion. Like other places around NZ, Crank It Cycles (including parking) by choosing to the West Coast has its fair share of cycle most days of the week. Spokes Cuthbert Ashmore Consultants Ltd road safety issues. In particular, rural Cycle Touring Company Ltd chair Paul de Spa was also interviewed roads that have no shoulder and a high for the story, which ran just after the Cycle Trading Company speed environment can create a signif- Dunedin City Council 6.30pm news roundup and can be ac- icant barrier when it comes to cycling Engineering Outcomes cessed on the TV3 website: http://tiny- and walking. Having more education Environment Canterbury url.com/3vzbod targeting both drivers and cyclists is Francis & Cambridge Th e next morning a hardcore group Greater Wellington Regional Council needed to help promote the message Ground Effect of ‘sharing the road’. of Spokesters gathered in the low ly- Hamilton City Council ing mist in Hagley Park to be fi lmed Economic development and tourism live for TV One’s ‘Breakfast’ weather Living Streets Aotearoa are important factors with a walking/ Makara Peak Supporters feature at 7.30am. Tamati Coff ey, cycling strategy. Most people felt there Massey University Breakfast’s roving weatherman is do- were lots of opportunities to develop Mountainbiking Otago ing a series of ‘Transport Tuesdays’ off -road facilities that could provide an MWH NZ Ltd slots, where Tamati reads the weather alternative to using the state highways Natural High on his way to work. Previous weeks Nature’s Highway and at the same time be a resource for have featured the Eastbourne ferry in Nelson City Council people of all ages and abilities to get Wellington, a Walking School Bus in North Shore City Council active and gain cycling skills. Initia- Auckland, and it fell to Christchurch Pacifi c Cycle Tours tives such as the West Coastal Path- to showcase cycling. Palmerston North City Council way look at providing a resource that Papakura District Council works for walkers and cyclists within Twelve of us turned up for the pre- Pedaltours easy reach of urban facilities, and dawn shoot, and were fi lmed from a Rotorua District Council off -road alternatives to tourist desti- golf-cart riding through the park while Rotorua MTB Club nations such as Fox and Franz Josef Tamati read the weather (from a page SafeKids glaciers are also being explored by the taped to his crossbar!) and chatted Sport Waikato Department of Conservation. with Paul about the benefi ts of cycling. Tasman District Council Unfortunately there’s no clip on the Taupo District Council Public and stakeholder feedback sur- TVOne website, but this one about the Triathlon NZ veys have been carried out over May walking school bus gives you the idea: Ultimo Clothing and June to help gather information http://tinyurl.com/4vg8x9 University of Canterbury and to get feedback prior to writing US National Center for the Strategy. In the same week, local channel Bicycling and Walking CTV featured a panel interview on ViaStrada For more information contact Kirsty its ‘Newsmakers’ show, focussing on Vorb Barr: [email protected] | 03 731 1846 recently-announced transport funding Waimakariri District Council for Canterbury. Th e three guests were Environment Canterbury chairman Sir Kerry Burke, Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, and Spokes chair Paul de Spa. Th ere was lively debate on the wisdom of continuing to spend money four- laning roads, throwing hundreds of millions of dollars at public transport projects but considerably less towards active transport. Th ere are good walking and cycling projects proposed, but

weatherman says rain 18 Chainlinks 2 2008 wind-empowered clouds scudding Chainlinks 2 2008 19 some will not cycle guy chapman† the lion’s share of fund- On the web 2008 dates ing is still going elsewhere. Recycle to Africa 25 July Out of the Nominate for the Gemini Cycle- limelight, Friendly Awards by the 25th Spokes Can- and go in the draw for a prize. terbury has been busy Raleigh has teamed up with Re- writing and Cycle, a British charity committed 4–5 August presenting to providing simple and afforda- Double the feet on the street submissions, including Chch City ble transport to developing coun- Council’s proposed extension of the NZ’s walking conference tries. http://tinyurl.com/4qvpuw | tourist Tramway loop — members Auckland www.re-cycle.org have concerns about this as there have http://tinyurl.com/2sscfq been many accidents and near-misses with the existing tracks, which criss- Cycloc It’s simple cross the roads and endanger cyclists. 8 August shape al- Spokes set up an on-line survey for Nominations close for the lows you to set your bike in/on it people to record these: Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards for display and storage. http://tinyurl.com/3osmvo http://tinyurl.com/483uzl Spokes also submitted on the Annual 3 Oct Plans for Christchurch City Council Media plugs bikes as fuel Presentation of the Gemini and Canterbury Regional Council, and Cycle-Friendly Awards attended meetings with Transit and prices rise Christchurch City Council on their Go to Google capital works programmes, and a CBD News and 4–5 Oct bike station scoping project. type in ‘gas’ and ‘cycling’: CAN Do, Christchurch THE AGM was well-attended — about you get 28 people with a few new faces and hundreds of List your event here: a few Councillors in attendance. The current news stories on the sub- [email protected] AGM voted on a Spokes Executive to ject of motorists ditching cars for help out with in-between AGM deci- bikes. http://tinyurl.com/48zwyl sion making. Paul de Spa was elected On wheels with you Chair, and our new Secretary is Matt Cutler-Welsh. Our guest speaker, Tim WhyCycle Sky throws a cold lasso Cheesebrough (Christchurch City Impartial advice for potential and catching at The Neck Council Transport Leader) spoke new cyclists (UK). www.whycycle.co.uk Facing Lake Hawea about his UK experiences, especially the air is looser with Cycling England, a group which consists of intersectoral government Website for women cyclists On the surface departments all working to make cy- When Laurel-Lea Shannon, a small twisters spirit rainbows cling happen in England. Canadian writer, took up road cycling six years ago, she noticed trout flash new coin-sides Spokes has about 1000 members but that most of the cycling informa- gulls dervish in the gale are always keen for more. You can tion on the web and in maga- choose to be a supporter receiving I lead off from the top zines is written by men for men. a regular Canterbury newsletter or legs whirling dynamos www.womenscycling.ca become part of the Core group and get Thistle spores brush involved in the day to day advocacy. cheeks and eyeballs Monthly meetings are at 5.30pm on The celebrity cycling guide (UK) the last Thursday of the month. Check In preparation for Bike Week ce- You wear your orange jacket out our website www.spokes.org.nz if lebrity riders share their favourite like a flaming bat wing you want to get more involved. n journeys. http://tinyurl.com/3r5ml6 As you pass in a breath a haiku poem the tail wind bears us What makes a great bike ride? so tempting to let it rhyme UK columnist picks his favourites just put anything † all the way and asks you to nominate your † uphill Haiku throughout this issue are from own. http://tinyurl.com/59lujx Cycling in seventeen syllables Nicola Easthope Mike Kruger http://tinyurl.com/3lxkf9n can.org.nz/chainlinks/links 18 Chainlinks 2 2008 Chainlinks 2 2008 19