22 November 2004
Media Advisory
Green MP to lead 'Critical Mass' cyclists in Auckland traffic

Green MP Mike Ward will lead a 'Critical Mass' cycle protest through Auckland's evening rush hour on Wednesday as part of his Kaitaia-to-Wellington trike mission.

"A Critical Mass is both a cycle ride and a grassroots reclamation of public space," said Mr Ward, the Green Party Spokesperson on Sports, Fitness & Leisure, and Associate on Transport.

"This action will highlight how bad roads are for cyclists and the need for an alternative route."

Mr Ward is riding through Auckland as part of a North Island tour aimed at highlighting transport, waste and community economic development issues. On Wednesday he is also meeting Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey and visiting eco-initiatives in the city. On Thursday, with his Waste-free Spokesperson hat on, he will be visiting a Mangere waste project.

"Getting out of planes and motorcars on to my recumbent trike lets me experience the lovelier initiatives around the country on a more intimate level than parliamentary life generally allows," he said.

The 61-year-old veteran of every Coast-to-Coast race is finding his 1300km cycle mission to be straightforward. He intends to deliver stories to Parliament from the people he meets along the way. This all follows his trike trip from Bluff to Nelson last April.

Mike Ward's Auckland Itinerary - November 2004

Wednesday 24th: Whangaparaoa - Waitakere - Auckland

10.30am: Visiting Swanson school environmental program or Swanson Historic Railway Station.

11.30am: Visiting Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood, Ranui.

1.30pm: Meeting Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey, Henderson

Critical Mass

4.00pm: Meeting cyclists at Henderson Station.

5.30pm: Meeting cyclists at Avondale Station. Then riding along New North Road, across Bond Street to Grey Lynn. Cycle Event Contact: transport@greens.org.nz .

Thursday 25th: Auckland - Mangere - Thames

9am: Visiting Pukaki Worm Farm & Environmental Trust, 83a Pukaki Road, Mangere, to discuss waste, organics, environmental education and community economic development.

ENDS

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