michaelcampbell

Michael Campbell

Independent Citizens for ECAN (Regional Council)

Thanks for taking the time to put together this very informative piece on cycling and the questions. My answers follow

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 – I have already set this out in my general policy statement – I am promoting all transport modes including walking, riding, use of buses and cars and trains. I am proposing to get trains running into Christchurch with bike sheds at every station and the option to carry bikes on the trains for short journeys once the longer journey is made e.g. if you came from Pegasus Town to Chch then were going from Addington to Riccarton Mall the final part of your journey would be made by bike

Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider? No – I saw the damage my brother-in-law endured from a cycle injury and only the helmet saved him from certain death (sorry)

Would you give preference to establishing a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining curbside parking for cars? Yes – number 2 on my agenda

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. No – if I am promoting (utility) walking we need separation for the pedestrian from bikes – I think we can get the bike lanes in quicker than you think

Would you actively work to set up a campaign to educate the pubic about and promote the types of bicycles and technologies appropriate to utility cycling? Absolutely – second item on the agenda after trains

Would you lobby for the installation of bike racks on ALL public transport vehicles ? As above – already on my agenda

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 go to the shop and elsewhere – my 3 boys also have bikes and take them to school etc

Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle? Yes because if you are fit enough to cycle you should

Why? / Why not?

Thanks for the questions and opportunity to answer

Michael Campbell

Independent Citizens for ECAN (Regional Council)

Christchurch East

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