pauldespa
Candidate for Spreydon/Heathcote Councillor
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 – beginning with the simple step of investing more of our city transport budget into cycle facilities. At the moment it is about 1-2% - just under $1M per year. Reprioritising the budget to at least triple the amount invested into cycle projects would allow us to complete a safe, convenient network in under a decade.
My next priority would be more vigorous promotion of utility cycling – amongst all ages but especially school children and their parents.
Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider?
Hmmm… this one is political dynamite amongst cycling advocates! My personal opinion is that it should be riders’ choice – I base that on the fact that compulsory helmets have put many people off cycling (anecdotally, but stats bear this out). Having fewer cyclists on the road increases the overall danger for those who are still cycling, even though each individual will be safer with a helmet than without one.
So from a public health perspective I think compulsory helmets have had a negative effect – notwithstanding they have saved a few cracked heads, over all they have been detrimental to good health through contributing to less utility cycling.
However, rather than lobby to rescind the law I would lobby for a review of its effectiveness – and then work with recommendations from that.
[Please if you are going to reproduce these responses, make sure the whole of this one is quoted – no bits out of context! Thanks.]
Would you give preference to establishing a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining kerbside parking for cars?
Being able to park cars on the roadside is important, both for small businesses who need regular custom, and so as to not make roads just become all traffic flow – stationary vehicles can make for a safer more community focussed space.
So in many cases I would look for solutions that cater for all road users (and for the most vulnerable first and foremost) but that still retain some on-street parking.
But in other cases, something has to give. My voting record in 6 years on Spreydon-Heathcote Community Board will show that when the choice needs to be made between safer cycle lanes and kerbside parking (e.g. Strickland St, Whiteleigh Ave), I will go for the cycle lanes, for sure.
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?
It may be appropriate in some places, but I do worry about pedestrian safety, because bike culture in Chch is about going pretty fast, as it obviously is not so much in Copenhagen, Kyoto etc.
It’s a conundrum because to attract those cyclists who would ride more slowly we need to create slower safer environments, but the footpaths are narrow enough and one doesn’t want to crowd cyclists and walkers together.
So – where there is room (or we can make a bit more), then yes, bikes on pavements OK. Otherwise probably better to focus on safe bike-only paths where possible. Tennyson St is great but it did cost a fair bit – I’d like to see more like that where possible though – it was done in 2001 and is still the only one like it in the city.
But still my major focus in promoting cycling is to make roads safer for all users, through good on-road cycle facilities, slower traffic speeds etc.
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?
Happy to be involved. As I see it, only an endorsement role for a councillor, rather than core council business. But I agree with you it is a significant barrier. My modified mountain bike makes city cycling much more pleasant but (a) it took a fair bit of effort; and (b) it looks pretty dungy - need to treat myself to a new cruiser methinks!
Would you lobby for the installation of bike 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, pretty much every day – it keeps me sane!
Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle? Why? / Why not?
I would, cos although we don’t have a perfect network by any means, there are still lots of safe places for even less experienced riders to try out – Hagley park, along the rivers etc. And the Little River Rail Trail, when it finally connects to Chch (getting that done will be one of my major efforts as a councillor!)
More cyclists means safer roads, which will mean still more people choose to ride – so encouraging others to do it is very important, IMO.
All the best Alan, good on you for putting this out
Paul