dunedin
http://www.can.org.nz/events/elections07/campaigns.htm
========================================================================================
STEVE WALKER
Would you actively pursue policies that would enable utility cycling to develop along the lines that have made it the transportation mode of choice for so many in Copenhagen? YES
Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider (as it is wherever utility cycling is well-established ) ? YES, but only above a certain age limit probably around 14 years old.
Would you give preference to a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining the right to curbside parking? ABSOLUTELY
Would you lobby to rescind the law which prohibits cyclists from using pavements (at least as an interim measure for the years it will otherwise take to establish real separation from motorized vehicles)to enable 'slow cyclists'(e.g.the elderly)to take up utility cycling? YES
-Before you answer this question, next time you're out driving, take note of how few pedestrians are actually using our pavements and keep in mind that there are places in the world where cyclists and pedestrians co-exist harmoniously in significantly greater numbers.
'Leaving it to the market to decide' is not working as virtually none of New Zealand's bicycle importers or retailers are taking the initiative to either promote or make available the types of bicycles and technologies which would make utility cycling practicable by a much broader range of people(e.g. the elderly ) or practical (e.g. for carrying children or shopping).
To ensure that fleets of utility bicycles become established throughout New Zealand's urban areas, would you promote or support a campaign that will create awareness of utility cycling technologies among the public to help to stimulate consumer demand ? YES
e.g. actively lobby for the acquisition of a fleet of utility bicycles for council staff to get around town on.
Would you lobby for the installation of bicycle racks on ALL public transport vehicles ? YES
Do you cycle yourself? - And if not at this stage in your life, what would it take to get you to take up 'utility' cycling in the future ? YES I DO CYCLE REGULARLY. I am one of the main driving forces behind the Harbour Cycle Network in Dunedin, see: www.hcn.co.nz
Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle? OF COURSE, BUT NOT IN CERTAIN DANGEROUS AREAS.
Steve Walker
====================================================================================
ELIZABETH KERR : DCC Election Candidate (Cargill ward)
My answer to your questions is that utility cycling in Dunedin should be pursued through the Dunedin City Transportation Strategy and I see no reason why more emphasis shouldn't be given to making safe cycling in the city possible, viable (when linked to apprpriate cycle storage systems, carrier systems and public transport given the number of hill suburbs) and thoroughly enjoyable (as a daily form of transport and excellent form of recreation). Cycling is fun.
After living in Auckland for 10 years, on my return to Dunedin in 1990 (age 30) I decided not to own a car and to live in the central city... Walking is my usual means of travel and I'm very active on a daily basis. In the late 1970s when I was an architecture intermediate student at Otago I cycled everywhere on a racing bike (covered huge distances on all sorts of missions and trails), it was my 'utility' bike and I loved the freedom it gave - the lack of safe cycle lanes at present (well separated from vehicular traffic) and the unbelievable extent of dangerous driving in Dunedin is the reason I no longer cycle. I really miss it.
If I'm elected to the Dunedin City Council I will actively support better facilities and pathways for cyclists in the metropolitan area. Not about to abandon helmets though given the local topography and the fact our current cycle lanes are in the path of very poor drivers. The private car is not going to disappear if alternative fuels and or electricity are to power new era engines. The sheer convenience and independence of car travel for most New Zealanders is an uphill battle you wage. Sadly.
Regards
Elizabeth Kerr
===================================================================================
Darrel Robinson.
Would you actively pursue policies that would enable utility cycling to develop along the lines that have made it the transportation mode of choice for so many in Copenhagen?
Yes - Dunedin has a Transportastion Strategy in which the needs of cyclists are recognised. Note that Dunedin is predominantly hilly so cycling is not a practical option apart from the North dunedin student area, South dunedin and Mosgiel.
Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider (as it is wherever utility cycling is well-established ) ?
Absolutely not - cyclists need the protection that crash helmets give. In my time as an ambulance officer I saw to many head injuries to cyclists that crash helmets would have avoided. Many of them were simple falls from bikes and no other vehicle involved.
Would you give preference to a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining the right to curbside parking?
This would depend where the site is and what options are available. I see cycle ways in areas where cycling is a practical option as important.
Would you lobby to rescind the law which prohibits cyclists from using pavements (at least as an interim measure for the years it will otherwise take to establish real separation from motorized vehicles)to enable 'slow cyclists'(e.g.the elderly)to take up utility cycling?
-Before you answer this question, next time you're out driving, take note of how few pedestrians are actually using our pavements and keep in mind that there are places in the world where cyclists and pedestrians co-exist harmoniously in significantly greater numbers.
I do support some dual use of footpaths where the path is wide enough for both pedestrians and cyclists.. But with that would come a requirement that cyclists would show consideration for pedestrians and vehicles using driveways crossing the footpath.
'Leaving it to the market to decide' is not working as virtually none of New Zealand's bicycle importers or retailers are taking the initiative to either promote or make available the types of bicycles and technologies which would make utility cycling practicable by a much broader range of people(e.g. the elderly ) or practical (e.g.. for carrying children or shopping).
To ensure that fleets of utility bicycles become established throughout New Zealand's urban areas, would you promote or support a campaign that will create awareness of utility cycling technologies among the public to help to stimulate consumer demand ?
e.g. actively lobby for the acquisition of a fleet of utility bicycles for council staff to get around town on.
Promotion of the cycling option is more a role for SPARC with local government support and input. The Dunedin City Council already has bikes available for staff to attend to business in the inner City area.
Would you lobby for the installation of bicycle racks on ALL public transport vehicles ?
What is a public transport vehicle? - does it include taxis? Bus and train services are a matter for Regional Councils but I do support bike (and pram) racks on buses.
Do you cycle yourself? - And if not at this stage in your life, what would it take to get you to take up 'utility' cycling in the future ?
Yes but as a recreational cyclist mainly on the Central Otago rail Trail on a mountain bike.
Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle?
Yes - promotes active living and thus enhanced health. A good family activity.
Darrel Robinson
===================================================================================
Gretchen Robertson
Projects Coordinator
NZ Landcare Trust
Would you actively pursue policies that would enable utility cycling to develop along the lines that have made it the transportation mode of choice for so many in Copenhagen?
I raise in Council that as well as developing a useful public transposrt system we actively encourage more cycling and walking in the city.
Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider (as it is wherever utility cycling is well-established ) ?
No I believe that helmets are useful especially for children. My brother ran into a parked car as a child and did a great deal of damage to his face and head. There were no moving vehicles involved. Accidents do happen on moving bikes regardless of how safe we think we are being.
Would you give preference to a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining the right to curbside parking?
Working for both is preferable in the suburbs but in inner city areas cycling and walking are more important.
Would you lobby to rescind the law which prohibits cyclists from using pavements (at least as an interim measure for the years it will otherwise take to establish real separation from motorized vehicles)to enable 'slow cyclists'(e.g.the elderly)to take up utility cycling?
-Before you answer this question, next time you're out driving, take note of how few pedestrians are actually using our pavements and keep in mind that there are places in the world where cyclists and pedestrians co-exist harmoniously in significantly greater numbers.
In some areas of Dunedin the footpath is used as a cycleway and is marked. I would promote greater use of these systems. Especially painting a cycle way and a walking way onto pavements to avoid collisions/nuisance for both parties (walkers/cyclists).
'Leaving it to the market to decide' is not working as virtually none of New Zealand's bicycle importers or retailers are taking the initiative to either promote or make available the types of bicycles and technologies which would make utility cycling practicable by a much broader range of people(e.g. the elderly ) or practical (e.g. for carrying children or shopping).
To ensure that fleets of utility bicycles become established throughout New Zealand's urban areas, would you promote or support a campaign that will create awareness of utility cycling technologies among the public to help to stimulate consumer demand ?
e.g. actively lobby for the acquisition of a fleet of utility bicycles for council staff to get around town on.
I believe some people would adopt the technology but in Dunedin with our hilly suburbs, frosty/snowy conditions and strong harbour breezes I think there will still be many people that do not embrace cycling. I believe a campaign should be promoted within university (lecturers and students). Your ideas are certainly something to think about.
Would you lobby for the installation of bicycle racks on ALL public transport vehicles ?
Yes
Do you cycle yourself? - And if not at this stage in your life, what would it take to get you to take up 'utility' cycling in the future ?
Yes I cycle to work and enjoy cycling for fitness as well.
Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle?
Yes and I do.
Why? / Why not?
It is great fun, you see more, relieve stress, maintain fitness, reduce transport costs, reduce environmental problems etc etc etc.
Gretchen Robertson
Projects Coordinator
NZ Landcare Trust
===================================================================================
BILL ALLEN.
Would you actively pursue policies that would enable utility cycling to develop along the lines that have made it the transportation mode of choice for so many in Copenhagen?
Some of the ideas used in Copenhagen are useful and worth pursuing, but with some changes e.g. I would like all cyclists to wear helmets.
Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider (as it is wherever utility cycling is well-established ) ?
See above
Would you give preference to a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining the right to curbside parking?
Yes
Would you lobby to rescind the law which prohibits cyclists from using pavements (at least as an interim measure for the years it will otherwise take to establish real separation from motorized vehicles)to enable 'slow cyclists'(e.g.the elderly)to take up utility cycling?
Basically yes, but with some restrictions e.g. busy shopping centres. There needs to be other options for cyclists in these areas. We also need to designate certain areas as shared i.e. biking and walking.
-Before you answer this question, next time you're out driving, take note of how few pedestrians are actually using our pavements and keep in mind that there are places in the world where cyclists and pedestrians co-exist harmoniously in significantly greater numbers.
'Leaving it to the market to decide' is not working as virtually none of New Zealand's bicycle importers or retailers are taking the initiative to either promote or make available the types of bicycles and technologies which would make utility cycling practicable by a much broader range of people(e.g. the elderly ) or practical (e.g. for carrying children or shopping).
To ensure that fleets of utility bicycles become established throughout New Zealand's urban areas, would you promote or support a campaign that will create awareness of utility cycling technologies among the public to help to stimulate consumer demand ?
e.g. actively lobby for the acquisition of a fleet of utility bicycles for council staff to get around town on.
It is up to individuals to choose the bicycles that they prefer and for the infrastructure to be established first.
Would you lobby for the installation of bicycle racks on ALL public transport vehicles ?
Yes
Do you cycle yourself? - And if not at this stage in your life, what would it take to get you to take up 'utility' cycling in the future ?
Yes.
Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle?
Yes
Why? / Why not?
It is healthy, physically and mentally and maintains a healthy environment.
+==================================================================================
Malcolm Taylor
Thank you for your interest in my policies on cycling. In my younger days I cycled everywhere in a manner that you would class as utility cycling. Sturmer Archer Hub gears, a carrier on the back etc. and most important of all, a comfortable seat. These days I still cycle occasionally, but only as a form of exercise. I refuse to wear a helmet and have never been pulled up for this offence.I support your initiatives to get people back to using cycles as a means of commuting.Regards
Malcolm Taylor
=====================================================================================
Alan Graham. ORC candidate, Dunedin Constituency.
I will push the Otago Regional Council to reinstate funding for developing the harbourside walkway/cycleway. It would be a tremendous benefit to Dunedin both for recreation and commuting, as well as fostering more of a sense of community and all the other benefits that come with a walking/cycling populace.
I am the owner of genuine Dutch, single-geared, white-wall tyred, basket-on-the-front bicycle.
No good for hills though.
kind regards,
Alan Graham
=======================================================================================
You have sent out a lot of material which I will look at over the next few months.
I hadn’t heard the term “utility cycling” before so thanks for enlightening me.
I am a recreational cyclist and presently bike most days to the University from our rural property above Dunedin. We are at 300m so I have a mountain bike. I would struggle to go slow…. J But, I am also committed to seeing our city do more to promote cycling for all, and reduce our reliance on cars.
I support any initiatives to get more people onto bikes, public transport and feet and out of cars, but it will take a major change in community attitude. Nevertheless, I will do what I can. Thanks for your email.
Regards
Nicola Holman http://www.nicolaholman.blogspot.com/
=======================================================================================
Kate Wilson.
Thank you for the links to the blog site. The Copenhagen video was excellent and certainly we need to start looking at some of these issues in Dunedin.
I am a a Trustee of the rail Trail so do take some of this stuff seriuosly but i am also a rural dweller and have some difficulty knowing how I could link this in middlemarch - but mosgiel is an ideal place for it.
Many Thanks for your efforts. regards Kate Wilson
=======================================================================================
Cr. Lee Vandervis
Dear Allan,
How many of your suggested 23 websites do you seriously expect us to visit?
How many of your questions do you expect sincere and considered answers to?
How do you justify spamming Dunedin local body politicians from Christchurch at election time?
What do you think of the view that walking/running are much more natural forms of exercise than cycling, and that prolonged wiggling on cycle seats may be responsible for a variety of injurious physical, mental and hormonal changes?
If you answer my questions satisfactorily, I will consider another look at yours.
Kind regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis
Good afternoon Lee.
If you answer my questions satisfactorily, I will consider another look at yours.
Kind regards,
Cr. Lee Vandervis
"How many of your suggested 23 websites do you seriously expect us to visit?"
Thanks for counting all the links !
"How many of your questions do you expect sincere and considered answers to?"
That's up to you . I've had a pretty amazing response from a lot of Candidates, many of whom claimed to have not known about 'utility cycling'.
The most valuable link is the YouTube Video from the Copenhagen City Council on how they have nurtured utility cycling to bring it up to about 35% mode share of transport and they are aiming at increasing that to 45%.
I know Dunedin and I can see there is CONSIDERABLE room for improvement with regard to facilitating cyclists in the low-lying areas.
The questions I ask are designed to elicit which candidates are most likely to understand the issues that underlie the importance of reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels
and the role that utility cycling can play in this."How do you justify spamming Dunedin local body politicians from Christchurch at election time?"
I'm sending responses to Cycle Advocates Network, even at this late stage, in order that voters who need to be informed of who is most likely to be active and effective in working for their interests. We're expecting a record low voter turnout here at a time when
there are some extremely important issues that need some serious attention. see: rationale
"What do you think of the view that walking/running are much more natural forms of exercise than cycling, and that prolonged wiggling on cycle seats may be responsible for a variety of injurious physical, metal and hormonal changes?"
I'm not interested in cycling as a form of exercise and having lived for 10 years in Japan
where I cycled extensively every day, as does a large sector of the population,
I am unaware of these negative effects you speak of.
In Japan I was super-fit and trim because cycling was an intrinsic part of my life.
Not so here,- too many restrictive laws and appropriate bicycles are unavailable here.
Thanks for the opportunity to respond .
ALan Preston.
( Christchurch)
========================================================================================
Back home