Media Releases

CAN welcomes RideStrong

Scorcher — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:05:32 +1300

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) welcomes the launch of BikeNZ's recreational membership programme, RideStrong.

RideStrong is dedicated to promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for all cyclists, who it notes, "for too long, have travelled at the whims of fast traffic, slow bureaucracy and idle ignorance".

CAN spokesperson Stephen McKernon says, "it is great to see a recreational cycling programme speaking out so strongly for cyclists' rights. We hope RideStrong can build a large membership quickly and can impact on cycling with the assertiveness it has voiced to date. We look forward to working with them to build increasing support for cycling.

"Cycling advocacy is entering a new phase", says McKernon. "We're starting to harness the huge numbers of cyclists in New Zealand. About a third of the population cycles, whether for fitness, pleasure or as a means of transport. Cycles number about a third of the vehicles on the road. The new phase of cycling advocacy is about showing how popular cycling actually is. Given its popularity, it is much easier for authorities to then appreciate how safe and responsible cycling is, especially during hard economic times.

"It's shameful that transport authorities presently dedicate on average less than 1% of transport funding to this group. That's why we're starting to harness the huge numbers of cyclists we have. We need a much stronger voice in the committee rooms where transport funding, planning and project decisions are made."

CAN's success over recent years is based on sustained input into policy and strategy initiatives. These include central government initiatives such as Getting There (New Zealand's first national walking and cycling strategy) and cycling conferences, as well as ground level-initiatives such as cyclist training, local authority cycling strategies and projects, development of new local cycling groups and many other practical initiatives.

"CAN's strength lies in its continual pressure on transport decision-makers to support cycling. Its successes are significant and its low-key influence is far-reaching, but these often go un-noticed by the average recreational cyclist," says McKernon.

"An assertive cycling organisation specifically for recreational cyclists, like RideStrong, is a welcome addition to cycling advocacy. The voices of the huge numbers of recreational cyclists will be amplified in the corridors of power," says McKernon.

Cycling advocates support new cycling and walking guide

Scorcher — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 09:50:02 +1300

The Cycling Advocates' Network congratulates the Ministry of Transport on its recent release of a new guide for improving cycling and walking facilities in New Zealand. Called 'Raising the Profile of Walking and Cycling in New Zealand: A Guide for Decision-Makers', the guide is the first of its type and represents a milestone for New Zealand.

The guide is especially useful because it recognises the economic impacts of cycling and walking in local communities.

CAN spokes person Stephen McKernon says "the guide shows recent evidence that walking and cycling are on the increase in New Zealand. It's not so much a case of 'raising the profile' as catching up with what's actually happening. People are walking and cycling more for reasons of health, enjoyment, economics and practicality."

McKernon comments, "the guide is especially notable in recognising the economic case for walking and cycling. This has been neglected to date but evidence and case studies in this guide show the case is a strong one."

"Walking and cycling increase spend with local businesses and involvement with groups. With traffic calming, local property values also rise while the costs of pollution and congestion decrease. The result is to enrich a community economically, socially and ecologically."

"This means if you spend transport funds on cycling and walking, you make savings in health and earn funds through business growth, rates and other revenues" says McKernon. "It is important that politicians and transport authorities understand this flow-on effect, especially during difficult times. Everyone gains at some point."

Sections of the guide cover the overall benefits of cycling in quality of life for all, the economic, social and other benefits, increases in numbers of walkers and cyclists and the actions required to improve conditions for walking and cycling.

The guide can be found at http://www.transport.govt.nz/assets/Images/NewFolder-2/RaisingtheProfile...

Pro-cycling MPs must face up to hard decisions

Scorcher — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:38:22 +1300

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) announced today that about a third (32%) of MPs in Parliament are pro-cycling.

CAN spokes person Stephen McKernon says, "for the hard economic times to come we are fortunate to have numerous MPs and Ministers who understand the benefits of cycling. Hard times call for decision-makers with vision and courage, who understand that spending small amounts on cycling quickly creates huge paybacks in health, economics, transport and community well-being.”

McKernon comments “cycling grows more rapidly during times of
recession, as it has in recent years. Cycling is cheap, fast, safe,
responsible, healthy and eco-friendly. It is ideal for the huge volume
of short trips people make, such as for commuting, shopping and
socialising. Demand for better cycling facilities is growing as a result. Strong support for cycling in Parliament is very timely.”

“Over a quarter of National MPs are pro-cycling, as well as all Maori and United Future MPs. As a result about a third of MPs in the coalition government are pro-cycling, and about a quarter of the Ministers in the new Cabinet are as well."

“CAN realises MPs follow party policy when voting. We note United Future, Maori, Progressive, Green and Labour favour increased provision for cycling. In terms of policy, National and Act are actually the exceptions. We call on the National-led government to increase provision for cycling. This might be through legislation for transport, infrastructure, health, environment, urban planning and local government, to name a few key areas.”

McKernon also notes, "implementation typically depends on the commitment of local authorities to implementing national and regional cycling strategies through their own transport budgeting, plans and projects. We call on local authorities to consider cycling's significant paybacks for their own communities, where on average about a third of people cycle."

CAN surveyed candidates during the Election as part of a campaign to inform parties, candidates and cyclist voters. Candidates were asked if they supported an increase in provision for cycling. Further details can be found at http://can.org.nz/article/pro-cycling-mps.

There are about 1.274 million cyclists in New Zealand (about a third of New Zealanders) and about a quarter of these are of voting age.

Cycling advocates call for full review of cycle accident

Scorcher — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 10:54:09 +1300

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) is distressed at the serious injury of a cyclist at the K2 cycle challenge, in which the behaviour of a ute driver resulted in a cyclist colliding with a milk tanker.

CAN spokes person Stephen McKernon says "we are especially appalled at the attitude and comments of Police Inspector Earle McIntosh. He appears to believe the cyclists were 'using the road as if they owned it'. It is a completely inappropriate and unwise comment given the behaviour of the ute driver, the injury to the cyclist and potential dangers for the milk tanker and its driver. He is clearly siding with the ute driver's account and endorsing extremely dangerous driver behaviour."

"The Road Code states the ute should not pass the cyclists until it is completely safe to do so. This does not just mean safe for the ute, it means safe for all vehicles in the vicinity," comments McKernon.

"Drivers must get used to the idea they don't own the road, and have to share it in safety with other road users, including cyclists and milk tankers. Obviously Police officers need to get used to this idea as well."

CAN calls for Inspector Earle McIntosh's role in the investigation to be reviewed and the appointment of a new senior officer with a better understanding of the Road Code's provisions for cycling.

"There are 1.274 million cyclists in New Zealand, or about a third of the population. Drivers and cyclists must learn to share the road in safety," says McKernon "and the Police must learn to enforce this appropriately".

Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) welcomes additional executive members

maxwel — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 17:07:50 +1300

The new CAN executive has co-opted three additional members onto the executive.

Atthe AGM on 4 October 2008, a new executive was voted in. Illona Keenan and Magdalena Lorenzo have now been co-opted onto the executive. In addition, Andre Cymbalista will soon be joining the executive team again, too.

"Weare glad to welcome Illona back onto the executive", CAN co-chair Axel Wilke says.

Illona has been on the executive before and has come out of retirement.

"Magdalena brings a wealth of cycling advocacy experience with her from her involvement in Uruguay", CAN co-chair Glen Koorey says.

Axel Wilke is glad for Andre to give his energy for executive work again: "Andre is currently employed by CAN to deliver the Digital Strategy Project. When the project finishes in mid November, we are glad to have him back on the executive."

Glen and Axel welcome the new executive members to their role, and look forward to working with them over the next 12 months.

Please also refer to the media release regarding the election of the CAN Executive.

Cycle to your polling booth on voting day!

Scorcher — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 18:01:21 +1300

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) is calling for all cyclists to cycle to their polling booth this Election wearing bright safety clothing.

CAN spokes person Stephen McKernon says, "about 750,000 or a quarter of voters cycle. Imagine if they all rode to their local polling booth on Election day. Imagine the decrease in traffic congestion and pollution, and the increase in colourful, healthy fun and socialising!"

"Cycling shows people want a better quality of life from the next government, irrespective of party," says Mckernon. "It says people want roads that are safer, less congested and less polluting. It says they want communities that are more social and support a stronger local economy. It also says they want to live healthier, more enjoyable lives and cut costs during times of hardship."

CAN's survey of 520 election candidates shows a quarter support an increase in provision for cycling.

"The poll shows candidates see cycling as more than just a marginal or single-party cause. Cycling stands for better roads, health, lifestyles and communities. These are things all voters can value," says McKernon.

"A higher proportion of candidates supported cycling among the Alliance, Green, Labour and Maori parties," he says. "It is not CAN's intention to support one party over another, but the poll clearly shows some parties are more aligned with cycling and its beneficial effects than others."

The poll results and other useful information about cycling in New Zealand can be found on http://can.org.nz/elections.

Cycle Helmet Safety Regulations Questioned

Scorcher — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 13:45:54 +1300

The Minister of Transport Safety, the Hon. Harry Duynhoven, yesterday questioned NZ's compulsory helmet wearing legislation. The Minister was addressing a transport forum and questioned whether the compulsory helmet wearing legislation was working against government's aim of increasing the number of cyclists.

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) supports the Minister's stance.

CAN co-chairperson Axel Wilke says, "CAN has been calling for an objective review of the law for a number of years. To date, central government transport authorities have yet to provide research analysing the effect of the law".

"The merits of wearing a cycle helmet have not been conclusively proven either way in research worldwide. While we fully support anyone choosing voluntarily to wear a helmet, we are concerned about the wider effects the mandatory law has had," says Wilke.

"If the Government is keen to promote cycling for its health, safety, economic and environmental benefits, then a law that results in a 20% -25% reduction in the number of cyclists would not appear to be the right way to go about it. Instead it sends a message that cycling is inherently dangerous, which it isn't."

CAN would prefer that the considerable money spent on helmet enforcement and
promotion was spent on programmes with more tangible cycling safety benefits, such as driver/cyclist training, better cycle facilities and most importantly, speed reduction in urban areas.

Ministry of Transport accident data has shown that 1 in 1,000 cycles are involved in injury accidents compared to 3 in 1,000 cars.

New Executive Team for CAN

maxwel — Sun, 05 Oct 2008 07:22:41 +1300

Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) welcomes its new executive team for the coming year

At the AGM on 4 October 2008, Glen Koorey and Axel Wilke were elected as co-chairs to replace Robert Ibell, chair for the last three years.

"We are very thankful for Robert's fantastic leadership over the last three years, and are glad that he has made himself available to continue on the executive", Wilke says.

Adrian Croucher and Liz Mikkelsen were confirmed as secretary and treasurer, respectively. Last year’s executive members Andrew Macbeth, Jane Dawson, Robert Ibell, Gaz Sanvicens and Graeme Lindup will also continue. Christine Cheyne and Bevan Woodward were welcomed back after a break, while Anne Fitzsimon is new to the executive.

Stephen McKernon and Illona Keenan retired from the executive. "We sincerely thank Stephen and Illona for their input and dedication over recent years", Koorey says.

Wilke and Koorey welcome all executive members to their role, and look forward to working with them over the next 12 months.

ENDS ----------

Please also refer to the media release co-opting two additional members onto the CAN Executive.

Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards Winners Announced

Scorcher — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 10:01:41 +1300

Winners for the Gemini Cycle-Friendly Awards 2008 have been announced. Out of twenty-nine nominations the winners are as follows:

Avanti Award for Best Cycle Facility Project:

New Plymouth District Council for Foreshore Coastal Pathway

NZ Transport Agency Award for Best Cycling Promotion:

Tauranga City Council for Kids Can Ride – for life

NZ Transport Agency Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by Business:

Bike Central for Cyclist Services/Facilities at Britomart Transport Centre

ViaStrada Award for Cycle-Friendly Commitment by a Public Organisation:

NZTA for Bike Wise Week

Boulter Consulting Award for Cycling Champion of the Year:

Robert Ibell - Chair of Cycling Advocates Network

The prize winners in each category were announced at a ceremony in Christchurch on Friday 3^rd October. The Minister of Commerce, the Hon Lianne Dalziel, presented the awards to the finalists and winners. The winners received a uniquely designed “bicycle-bell” trophy and certificate.

Commerce Minister Lianne Dalziel says the New Zealand government is encouraging people and businesses to reduce their carbon footprint as far as possible. "On an individual level people can make a big difference by leaving the car at home and, as much as possible, choosing to cycle, walk or take public transport for everyday journeys."

Now in their sixth year, the Cycle-Friendly Awards are designed to acknowledge and celebrate some of the most notable achievements in the country that are helping to promote cycling and to create a cycle-friendly environment. The Awards are devised by the Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN), the national organisation promoting everyday cycling.

The lead sponsor is Gemini Bicycles. The Awards are supported by the Ministry of Transport. The Award ceremony is supported by Environment Canterbury and category sponsors are Avanti, NZ Transport Agency, ViaStrada and Boulter Consulting. Early nominators were entered into a draw towin a $150 voucher from cycle clothing company Ground Effect.

For more information, contact Awards Co-ordinator Gaz Sanvicens on 021 0231 5758.

Refer also to the Awards' history page.

Cycling advocates call for cyclists to vote 'with their wheels'

Scorcher — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:43:14 +1300

Cycling advocacy group Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) today launched a General Election 2008 resource to help candidates and voters who want to support cycling. The aim is to build the numbers of cyclists who vote 'with their wheels'.

CAN spokesperson Stephen McKernon says, "we want parties, candidates and voters to support cycling through this Election. About 750,000 voters, or 26% of voters, are cyclists. This is a huge chunk of the electorate."

McKernon comments "a vote for cycling is also a vote for better transport, health, neighbourhoods and economic growth. It's not a vote for the demands of a fringe group, it's a vote for things that lie at the heart of a better way of life for all. A vote for cycling stands for a lot more than just cycling."

"Cyclists have huge voting power. Parties and candidates need to be aware of this during this Election, as do cyclists. Political action has a long tradition within cycling, so 'voting with one's wheels' is not a new idea. But it is new to many New Zealand candidates and cyclists, and we want to encourage them to support cycling."

The resources can be found on CAN's Election Campaign website (http://can.org.nz/elections). They include information packs countering myths about cycling with facts and figures, and profiles of party and candidate support for cycling. These profiles are being completed as parties and candidates make their policy clear.

CAN will also conduct a very brief survey with as many candidates as possible to assess their individual level of support.

"These resources are designed to help candidates communicate their support to cyclists, and to help cyclists assess who they want to vote for" says McKernon. "We hope this resource will be of major use to all this Election."

CAN Legal