Cyclists hail new approach by NZTA

Cyclists hail new approach by NZTA

CAN is New Zealand's national network of cycling advocates. We work with government, local authorities, businesses and the community on behalf of cyclists, for a better cycling environment.

NZ’s principal cycling group CAN are today hailing NZTA’s ‘new approach’ to transport planning.

The NZTA’s three-yearly Statement of Intent document was published yesterday1 to a broad welcome from cycling advocates. The SoI highlights safer, more attractive urban cycling as one of its six key priorities, and emphasises the integration of different modes of transport. Additionally, it sets out to add another 10 million cycling trips in the three main cities by 2019.

‘This marks the first time NZ has set specific and ambitious goals to grow cycling, which is a historic step.’ said CAN interim spokesperson Will Andrews. ‘Cycling improves our health, reduces road congestion and gives people more transport choices. It’s great news whether you ride a bike or not. With benefit-cost returns of up to 8 to 12, the 1.5 million New Zealanders who ride bikes will see this Statement as marking a commendable new approach.’

CAN recently3 commended both the NZTA and Transport Minister Simon Bridges for earmarking up to $333 million for urban cycleways. Mr. Bridges will be ‘the best Minister that NZ cyclists has ever had’ if the projects can be delivered,’ - Andrews.

Other policies in the Statement-

• Predictable journey times for urban customers;
•
• Linking land-use with transport, which greatly reduces transport demand and spend;

• More large ‘high-productivity’ trucks, meaning that separation between freight and cyclists -whether by HGV management plans or by physical means- becomes more important.

ENDS

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