Currently Browsing: cycling
BikeWise Got Newbies Out Cycling
Posted by Jon C in cyclingMar 15th, 2010 | No CommentsBikeWise month got thousands of people out on their bikes. Always pleasing to see.
My only suggestion is that the event be moved to the start of summer rather than towards the end of summer so that those who go out and buy bikes, have months of enjoyment during daylight saving hours.
The Bike Wise challenge is a good example of how people discovered or re-discovered cycling , thanks to this month long promotion.
8855 people from 533 organisations of a similar size competed against each other to see who could get the highest percentage of members/staff.
The winning organisations were Landcare Research,...
Hutt Judged NZ Bike Mad City
Posted by Jon C in cyclingMar 11th, 2010 | 1 Comment
BikeWise bike to work breakfast a few weeks ago
Upper and Lower Hutt Cities have been named NZ’s most cycle mad cities.
This is the annual ratings, based on how many cyclists took part in the recent Bike Wise Mayoral challenge event.
More than 1700 people from the Hutt Valley took part even though the ride being shortened as it was on the Sunday when there were tsunami warnings on that day. Participants followed Mayors David Ogden and Wayne Guppy on Hutt City’s annual Bike the Trail ride down the Hutt River trail.
The ride is flat, easy and scenic, with two options for distance – 12 kilometres...
Win For Cyclists
Posted by Jon C in cyclingMar 10th, 2010 | 2 Comments
Good to hear 4000 or so cycling supporters can make a difference by successfully protesting the plan to axe North Shore’s Lake Rd cycleways.
The cycle lanes have been saved.
Reason has prevailed with the North Shore council deciding instead to upgrade more of Lake Rd, but not at the sacrifice of the cycle lanes.
The issue has been a heated one on the Shore with two camps; the petition protesting the axing being countered by another resident campaigning for the cycleways to go.
One wonders how the new Auckland Transport body would have handled this if they had been in power.
Good on the...
Walk2Work Day Tomorrow
Posted by Jon C in cyclingMar 9th, 2010 | 3 CommentsWe had bike day recently to encourage people to cycle to work. Now Walk2Work happens tomorrow morning.
Like the bike day, there will be events in Auckland City, Botany Town Centre, Lynn Mall and Takapuna,
In the city, there’s a free breakfast at Pigeon Park, on the corner of K’Road and Symonds Street between 7am and 9am.
More details here
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Proof Big Cycling Renaissance Happening
Posted by Jon C in cyclingMar 5th, 2010 | 6 Comments
Figures out today in Melbourne prove a big cycling renaissance is happening and is sure to be similar to what we observe on local roads at the moment – if we did a similar survey.
One day a year, 900 people stand on Melbourne street corners recording how many bikes pass at morning peak hour.
This year, the figures show a massive increase ranging from 12% to 50% on streets compared to last year.
In the heart of the inner-city, the corner of Swanston and Flinders tallied 1795 riders between 7 and 9 am, a 25% increase over last year on the key route into and through the CBD.
At the other end...
Cyclists: Steven Joyce Plan has ‘Opened The Door”
Posted by Jon C in cyclingMar 3rd, 2010 | 1 Comment
Cycling enthusiasts think Steven Joyce’s Safer Journeys 10-year plan “opens the door for a united cycling community to work in partnership with policy makers to turn the road safety strategy into meaningful actions.”
But the Cycling Advocates Network and BikeNZ warns that New Zealand has a long way to go.
“Currently, the roading environment restricts people’s right to cycle safely.”
BikeNZ CEO Kieran Turner said that it was great to see cycling included in further road safety action areas and the cycling community is ready right now to start rolling out nationwide cycling skills...
How Greens Will Improve Road Safety: Drive Less
Posted by Jon C in Roading, cyclingMar 3rd, 2010 | 27 CommentsThe Greens today presented their own solution to better road safety – lower urban speed limits and get people to drive less.
Commenting on the transport minister’s 10-year road safety strategy, which includes tougher drink driving measures and changing the give way right hand rule, the Greens think the government should be protecting “the most vulnerable road users –cyclists and pedestrians – especially when, in most cases, they are not to blame.”
Greens‘ new MP and transport spokesman, Gareth Hughes says roads will be safer “if we’re driving at lower speeds and driving...
How Many Accidents Will Nude Cycling Cause?
Posted by Jon C in cyclingMar 2nd, 2010 | 4 Comments
In the midst of an ongoing debate about cycling safety – a mate of mine is presently off work for many weeks after being hit by a careless motorist- along comes a court ruling that could well trigger motorists to be even more distracted by cycling!
A Wellington judge has said that a nude cyclist wasn’t offensive.
The Wellington man promoted World Naked Bike Day by riding nude in Upper Hutt and, convicted of offensive behaviour, copped a $330 fine including court costs.
But in an appeal decision today, the judge quashed the conviction.
On the World Naked Bike Day site the organisers...
Steven, On Your Bike!
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 23rd, 2010 | 3 CommentsTransport minister Steven Joyce says he has a bike but “doesn’t get to ride it as often as he should.”
That according to Greens’ bike enthusiast Kevin Hague who blogs that he and the minister both spoke at the recent Wellington Bikers breakfast, attended by 700 cyclists.
The Greens MP cheekily says to Steven Joyce: ”It would be great to see you cycling the roads of Auckland or Wellington, even once, and getting to experience first hand how important it is to prioritise improving road safety for us, the most vulnerable users. John can be in your team too. ”
He’s...
Train Bike Lockers That Work
Posted by Jon C in General, cyclingFeb 21st, 2010 | 5 Comments
Pleasing to see these New Lynn transport centre cycle lockers, provided by the council, are so easy to work, without a whole lot of administrative paperwork needed.
They are effectively park n ride.
Unlike the ones at some other train stations, you don’t have to approach any authority to apply for three months or so hire.
These are the Manukau ones, provided by ARTA, with terms and conditions and you have to approach the council to secure a slot
:
These are the New Lynn ones, which is simple and just like using a gym locker.
You provide your own padlock and put the bike inside. And there’s...
Bikes In The School Plan To Spread Nationwide
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 19th, 2010 | 1 Comment
A nice idea to encourage young kids to cycle (I wasn’t sure they needed encouraging but however..)
A ‘Bikes in the School’ plan, trialled in Hastings, is to spread nationwide.
The plan tries to ensure all primary school children have an opportunity to experience the ‘joy of biking’ and all the wonderful benefits that flow on from cycling in a safe environment.
Today John Key officially launched the programme that aims to give every primary school child regular access to a bike and bike track within the school grounds. The trial has been running this month February in St Mary’s...
Major Report: Turn Christchurch Into Cycling, Public Transport Heaven
Posted by Jon C in Christchurch, cyclingFeb 19th, 2010 | 13 CommentsA major report on Christchurch’s future today strong recommends a strong public transport network as an alternative to cars and pushes cycling as a desirable alternative mode of transport in the city.
Danish urban designer Jan Gehl and his team were asked to do the report looking at how people use Christchurch’s Central City spaces and streets and says Christchurch has potential to be a truly vibrant and liveable city.
The report’s just been released by Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker.
It’s a great refreshing report that all mayors and civic officials should read, especially in Auckland.
The...
Onewa Rd Gets Shared Cycle Path & Transit Lane
Posted by Jon C in North Shore, cyclingFeb 18th, 2010 | 2 Comments
Work on creating a new transit lane and extending the Share with Care path (shared cycle path and footpath) in Onewa Rd starts on Monday.
This is the second and final section of Onewa Road between Lake Road and Sylvan Avenue .
The transit lane will be a continuation of the existing lane along Onewa Road to the west of Lake Road, while the shared cycle path will be built along the northern side of Onewa Road from Queen Street down towards the Onepoto Shared Use Bridge.
The aim of the path is to provide an off-road route for people, and especially school children, that may not feel safe or confident...
Tamaki Drive Motorist Sentenced
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 17th, 2010 | 3 Comments
The 20-year old woman motorist, who admitted knocking down cyclists on Tamaki Drive last September, was today sentenced but got no custodial punishment.
In the Auckland District Court last December , Jennifer Speakman had pleaded guilty to four charges of careless driving.
In the court this afternoon, she was fined $4000 and disqualified from driving for six months.
The media scrum outside the court for the sentencing
One of the four cyclists knocked down was badly injured. He was in a group of 20.
The accident sparked a lively debate about the safety issues between motorists and cyclists.
Today...
Auckland City To Spend $455,000 On Tamaki Drive Improvements
Posted by Jon C in Auckland City, cyclingFeb 17th, 2010 | 6 CommentsAuckland City Council today committed up to $455,000 to fund road safety improvements along Tamaki Drive.
$330,000 of the funding will be used to widen lane widths along 2.3 kilometres of Tamaki Drive where pinch points exist between cyclists, motorists and parked cars.
These specific parts of Tamaki Dr are Atkin Avenue to Kelly Tarlton’s, Kohimarama Rd to Marua Crescent, and Auckland Road to Sage Rd.
The remaining funds will finance new speed indicator signs, the introduction of some peak-period clearways and adjusted lane markings. Finance and Strategy Committee chair Douglas Armstrong says...
Cyclists Take To Streets For BikeWise – Photos
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 17th, 2010 | 5 Comments
Cyclists are taking the streets this morning to show that cycling is a great way to get to work.
The annual BikeWise event culminates in sponsored breakfasts in cities around the country.
Lots of food and drink here at the Viaduct
Auckland’s CBD event is at the Viaduct downtown, where free coffee and food is available, More FM is broadcasting and TV One’s breakfast show doing live crosses.
Sadly no showers!
Cyclists arriving at the viaduct
And sadly for Aucklanders, word that transport minister Steven Joyce was popping by the Wellington BikeWise breakfast, not Auckland’s.
NZTA...
Cloudy, Humid For Morning Bike Ride
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 16th, 2010 | 1 Comment
I’m looking forward to riding my bike in the morning showing solidarity for hopefully many Auckland cyclists, showing that cycling around the city is a viable way to travel.
Cloudy, humid conditions are forecast for the morning nationwide Bike to Work programme, which sees councils and groups staging breakfasts at public venues as ‘reward’ for those who do so.
The Auckland CBD breakfast, run by Auckland City, starts at 6am at the Eastern Viaduct -Te Wero Island at the Eastern end of Viaduct Harbour; Enter the Viaduct at the junction of Quay and Fanshawe streets, simply cycle...
RaboPlus NZ MTB Cup Shows Popularity Of Mountain Bike Racing -Photos
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 15th, 2010 | No Comments
Matt Scoles | Jono Church
Mountain bike racing is increasing in popularity – as is evident by the crowds that turned up this weekend to see the action.
Round Five of the RaboPlus NZ MTB Cup was completed over the weekend in Tauranga and Hamilton.
It’s fascinating how the bikes themselves continue to become so scientific (and expensive) since I first got my first one!
Sean McCarroll | Jono Church
Both venues were new to national level racing. Saturday’s Downhill at the 2Stage Mountainbike Park in Welcome Bay, Tauranga saw 3000 spectators and yesterday’s Cross Country race...
MP Hopes Waiheke Cycleway Will Still Happen
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 11th, 2010 | 1 Comment
Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye is hopeful the Waiheke and Great Barrier cycle trails can somehow still go ahead – despite missing out in the list of the 13 cycleways approved by the ministry of tourism for the next stage.
The list of cycle trails approved is in an earlier post here.
The National MP says she will meet with the Waiheke community and businesses over the coming weeks to determine a plan to deliver these projects.
“The advice that I will be giving to the community is that these projects can happen but we will need to work with local government and businesses to make them happen....
13 Cycle Trails Picked – Auckland Misses Out
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 11th, 2010 | 2 Comments13 cycle trails got the nod today to go through to feasibility studies for inclusion in the New Zealand Cycle Trail project – but none of them in Auckland made it.
Waiheke, Great Barrier and the Far North were among the areas hoping for funding. Winners were:
Tauranga Moana Coastal Cycle Trail (Tauranga)
Old Motu Coach Road (Opotiki/Gisborne)
Thermal by Bike (Rotorua)
Lake Track (Taupo)
Mountains to Sea Cycleway – link (Ruapehu)
Heretaunga Ararua: Land of a Hundred Pathways (Hawkes Bay)
Dun Mountain and Tasman Cycle Loop (Nelson/Tasman)
Old Ghost Road (West Coast)
Westland Wilderness...
Councillors Keen To Make Tamaki Drive Safer For Bikes
Posted by Jon C in Auckland City, General, cyclingFeb 4th, 2010 | 3 CommentsAuckland city councillors are trying to find a way to progress more actions to make Tamaki Drive safer for cyclists.
The council’s transport committee noted today that a number of “quick wins” had been implemented following a forum on cycling issues, the forum held in October after the much debated car versus cyclists crash on the waterfront.
Those quick wins included a cycle warning sign at the Tamaki and Ngapipi intersection and temporary safety message signs along the route.
Options considered at that forum were:
intersection cycle safety improvements,
a review of areas where insufficient...
Far North Rail Corridor Cycleway Gains Speed
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 3rd, 2010 | 2 Comments
Far North groups are enthused about a proposed 85.6-kilometre coast-to-coast cycle track from Horeke to the Bay of Islands, based in the existing rail corridor between Okaihau, Kaikohe and Kawakawa.
A feasibility study and business plan, lodged with the office of the Minister of Tourism says it could return in excess of $25 to $28 million to the local economy in the first five years of operation.
At the same time the project could generate up to 80 jobs in the construction phase and close to 100 full time positions over five years once the project is fully operational.
The decision on government...
Bike Wise Month Starts, On Your Bike!
Posted by Jon C in cyclingFeb 1st, 2010 | 5 Comments
I’m considering updating my bike and am impressed by the number of people in bike shops I’ve been visiting.
A number appear to be middle-aged men who think cycling is their new golfing, a more sociable way to lose flab than going to the gym.
I’m not sure about the fashion wisdom of some of them adding lycra gear to their purchase but it’s pleasing people haven’t been put off cycling by recent reports of accidents and debate about safety.
There’s still a bit of summer left, and I’m going to make the most of it!
Today marks the launch of BikeWise month,...
Auckland Cyclists Warned About High Tides!
Posted by Jon C in cycling, motorwaysJan 29th, 2010 | 2 CommentsNorthwestern motorway cycleway users are being warned about the dangers from an unusual occurrence that is happening around Auckland next week.
And motorists are also being warned.
The rare phenomenon is unusually high tides for the Manukau and Waitemata Harbours.
The transport agency says they have the potential to flood low lying sections of the Auckland motorway network.
High tides of up to 3.6m are expected first next week, in the first week of February, an occurrence that only happens every six to seven years.
The area considered most likely to be affected is sections of the road and cycleway...
Cyclists Truce With Hummer Man
Posted by Jon C in General, cyclingJan 28th, 2010 | 1 Comment
A truce is being called between cyclists and the Christchurch Hummer man.
The restaurant co-owner wrote on a Yahoo forum discussing cyclists and motorists that he would “nail” cyclists and challenged “anyone wearing Spandex and shaved legs to get to my front door unharmed”.
He boasted he drove a black H2 Hummer and had put two cyclists into the curb over the last six months.
The comments ended on being discussed on bike site Vorb and made it to the mainstream media. His name and details were traced by angry forumers through means such as his Trade me profile which used the...
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I began this as a diary about catching an Auckland train & to create an online record of rail & motorway development. Now it's called AKT as it covers news & views from rail to motorways, the Auckland harbour crossing debate & cycle trails.
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Auckland, NEW ZEALAND