palmerstonnorth

Palmerston North

http://www.can.org.nz/events/elections07/campaigns.htm

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?

PNCC has already taken a few steps towards this with its Manawatu Active Transport Strategy (2007), previously the 1998 Bike Plan. As New Zealand's acceptance of cyclists improves, perhaps changing the 'road user hierarchy' will succeed, similar to Boulder Colorado.

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 ) ?

Not within my current position at PNCC. My role is to encourage legislation that is before us.

Would you give preference to a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining the right to curbside parking?

I already removed over 50% of on street parking on one of the cities main streets, with success, last financial year. I hope that I will be able to do more of this as the Principle Cycle Network is developed to completion in the coming financial year.

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.

My understanding is that there is some room under local authority powers to sign areas to make them shared use space. You need to investigate this matter further before assuming that the legislation does not allow us to share space (i.e. pedestrian/cycles).

'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.

PNCC already has two utility bikes in its fleet. I understand that many other government authorities are trying to add bicycles to their car fleets. Your comments assume that nothing has been done to encourage commuter/utility cycling in NZ, again, I think you should research this a little more.

Would you lobby for the installation of bicycle racks on ALL public transport vehicles ?

The Manawatu Active Transport Strategy sets this as one of its objectives - but there are other agencies involved. Targets are yet to be set, but PNCC is already participating in this objective.

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 ?

Not for leisure. I cycle for work purposes, during the day, as a utility cyclist.

Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle?

Yes, without a doubt. I do already, for work and personal reasons.

Why? / Why not?

I hope my answers are useful - although, I must say that your questions assume that action is not being taken by local authorities. You should expand your research as government has set some strong goals that most local authorities are already actioning, that strongly support what you are advocating for.

Regards

Sandi Morris

Transportation Planner

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Pat Kelly.

Hi Alan - thank you for the web-site references and other details on "utility" cycling. It's not something I am familiar with, but I can appreciate your passion for it, certainly as an alternative to autodependency. Indeed, you'll note that I've answered all questions with a YES. However, I don't ride a bicycle very often, but I do enjoy riding a classic motorcycle. As such, I share many of the concerns cyclists have in respect to safety of riding a two wheel vehicle on public roads. Cheers, Pat.

Questionnaire on Utility Cycling for Candidates <http://urbanbicycles.googlepages.com/home>

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.

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? Yes.

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.

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 ? No, although I would be happy to take it up as a means of exercise.

Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle? Yes.

Why? Because it's a healthy activity.

Pat Kelly.

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Grant Seton

Palmerston North

www.gseton.com

Thanks Alan, for the Questions.

Even if I cannot answer straight away, it's very good to know the

angles and concerns you have etc.

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Michael Hill

Im will not get to your questionaire for some time, but I do cycle and

would support most idears that encourage cyclist in all ways. eg covered

cycling rakes at the best spots, the lido, make things good for cyclists.

Michael Hill

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