SPOKES CANTERBURY CYCLING NEWS - APRIL '07

Contents:
1. SPOKES AGM 23 MAY
2. VIEW FROM KYOTO
3. PETITION AGAINST CCC'S SLOW ROADS
4. THE FLYING SCOTSMAN
5. CONTENTS OF e.CAN 45 & e.CAN 46
6. DWT…DRIVING WHILE TEXTING
7. SPOKES RECREATIONAL RIDES - LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE...
8. BIG BIKE AUCTION ATTRACTS HUGE CROWD
9. NZ CYCLING CONFERENCE 2007 - CALL FOR PAPERS CLOSES SOON
10. HANDY TIPS: KEEPING ABREAST OF THE CARS VS BIKES DEBATE
11. SPOKES EMAIL LISTS
12. COMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
13. RECENT SPOKES ACTIVITIES
14. COMING SPOKES SUBMISSIONS
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1. SPOKES AGM
A date has been set with details to follow.
Do note in your diaries 7pm, 23 May with Cnr Bob Parker confirmed as guest speaker.
Feel free to spread the word and invite others along for a discussion with Bob.
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2. VIEW FROM KYOTO
We published a link to Alan Preston's weblog last year which contrasts cycling in
Kyoto in Japan with that in Christchurch last year : http://utilitycyclism.blogspot.com/ .
This has been picked up by a kiwi entrepreneur while he was on a trip to Japan and
China to buy bicycles that he saw described on the blog. Consequently he has
imported 1350 bicycles into New Zealand, only a couple of hundred of which are
mountain bikes. The majority are 16" and 20" folding bikes with no gears and other
gear-free 'ladies' urban street bikes with baskets and mud-guards which are suitable
for 'slow cyclists' who are using their bike to go about their daily activities. He is
confident that by making available, a wide range of low cost (yet stylish) alternative
types of bicycles, that he can help to (re)establish cycling as a universally
accessible form of transport in New Zealand's cities, even though he is aware that
the law prohibiting cycling on pavements will limit their utility here. Alan believes
that for cycling to take off in New Zealand's cities, the law prohibiting cycling on
footpaths needs to be reviewed and rescinded.
Check out:
http://www.okto.co.nz
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3. PETITION AGAINST CCC'S SLOW ROADS
75% of people who made submissions to the Council opposed the plan for slow
roads along Cashel & High Streets, and when a compromise plan was developed,
councillors rejected it (a 7-6 vote) in favour of adopting the plan as it was,
pre-consultation. So, the roads plan is all go, although Council has not conveyed
this to the people who submitted, so many people are unaware or unsure of what
is planned.
Paul de Spa has launched a petition as a way of conveying public opinion to t
he councillors. Contact him if would like you to help p [dot] despa [at] paradise [dot] net [dot] nz ,
by printing off the petition and gathering signatures, and by circulating the
petition amongst your networks of friends and colleagues:
"As the Council has claimed it is acting in the interests of retailers, I recently
surveyed local businesses. Two-thirds of the people I spoke with are opposed
to the council's push for roads through City Mall. They also have not heard
from the council since Christmas, when the decision was made."
"Council's plan to push roads through the Mall is a backwards step for a city in
which so many people are working to achieve a vision of sustainable communities
in a healthy environment. I believe we can gather several thousand names on this
petition and (in this local election year) force the councillors to revisit their decision."
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4. A FILM TO SEE - THE FLYING SCOTSMAN Opens April 25
The Flying Scotsman is a feature film based on the remarkable true story of
Scottish cyclist Graeme Obree. In 1993, and as an unemployed amateur,
Obree broke the world one-hour record on a bike of his own revolutionary
design, which he constructed out of scrap metal and parts of a washing
machine. The film has distinct similarities to the hugely successful film The
Worlds Fastest Indian with themes of ingenuity and triumph over adversity.
From a humble background in Ayrshire, Scotland, Graeme Obree (JONNY
LEE MILLER) always had to fight for survival. As a grown man, nothing had
changed. When his beloved bicycle shop went bust, Graeme had neither the
money nor the sponsorship necessary to realize his dream; to compete at
the highest level of world cycling.
But it was always clear from his complete passion for the sport and his
many local wins that he was destined for greatness. With the unwavering
support of his wife Anne (LAURA FRASER) ­ despite the fact that they had
recently had their first baby ­ and the help of his close friend and newly-
appointed manager Malky (BILLY BOYD), he persevered.
With the use of the work shop (and occasional mentoring) of a friendly and
peaceful minister, Baxter (BRIAN COX) - and of course his racing bike "Old
Faithful" Graeme was finally on his way to the Hamar Velodrome in Norway
and the chance to go for the prestigious World Hour Record.
'Hope made him a dreamer. Heart made him a hero.'
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5. e.CAN 145
-The email bulletin of Cycling Advocates' Network, NZ
Contents:
- New cyclist guide supports Going by Bike
- Shock at cyclist deaths
- MoT 'Choke the Smoke' campaign continues
- MAXX Bike and Ride broadens choice for Auckland cyclists
- Naked cyclists decry a bum rap
- 1.5m signs for Christchurch
- Job vacancy- exec director, Obesity Action Coalition
- South African government to hand out million bikes
- Chasing stolen bikes in San Francisco
e.CAN 146
-The email bulletin of Cycling Advocates' Network, NZ
Contents:
- Cyclists urged to light up
- New cycleways open in West Auckland
- Spend more on bicycle advocacy, urges Trek boss
- Sydney releases cycling plan
- Ride of Silence, 16 May 2007
- Google staff get on their bikes
- Mexican officials to bike to work
- Let them ride bikes: Parisians to hit roads
- Dutch cyclist, 81, hunts down shoplifter
- Weblinks
Go to www.can.org.nz/ecan/ to read contents of either e.Can above as well as
any others from the archive. If you wish to join CAN, see www.can.org.nz/join/
and remember that a portion of your CAN subscription comes back to Spokes
to help us carry out activities locally.
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6. DWT…DRIVING WHILE TEXTING
A NZ Herald online poll asked whether it should be illegal to use a
cellphone while driving... 80% of 1458 respondents said it should be
illegal;
http://dynamic.nzherald.co.nz/poll/pub/index.cfm?si=main.poll&cmd=pollre...
The issue has gained some traction in the USA.
The following article is from The Wall Street Journal:
http://online.wsj.com/public/article/SB117382745468236048-2rM_HKQoyuYyI_...
It discusses measures being considered in the US to combat the new
scourge of road users: other motorists "Driving While Texting" (DWT). We
need to see more movement from our politicians now, rather than a belated
law change being precipitated by another fatality on New Zealand roads.
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7. SPOKES RECREATIONAL RIDES - LAST OF THE SUMMER WINE...
The Season of Cycling for this summer ended last weekend with another
very pleasant Spokes Ride; ten Spokesters temporarily cast aside their
Easter eggs to take a leisurely cruise around the suburbs of Shirley. It
was a magnificently sunny afternoon for riding, with much delight
evident in finding various little creeks, reserves and other scenic
nooks tucked away within suburbia. Fortunately Coffee Culture at The
Palms was still open on Easter Sunday so that a few of the team could
then also indulge in a well-deserved drink afterwards!
For those who missed our recent rides, you can check out our website
www.spokes.org.nz for details of where we went. As well as some photos
of the proceedings on each ride, most rides also feature an annotated
map that you can download to give it a go yourself.
That's the Spokes Rides done for another summer, but we'd certainly be
happy to consider running a few over the cooler months too. The key
thing is to identify a willing guide and a locale full of interesting
features to visit, preferably via easy cycleways. If you can think of a
good route in your area for a ride, let us know! We'll be happy to help
organise a future Spokes Ride with you. Contact Glen at
spokes_rides [at] can [dot] org [dot] nz, ph.3317504.
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8. BIG BIKE AUCTION ATTRACTS HUGE CROWD
A belated report about the Big Bike Auction held at Canterbury
University on March 3rd as part of BikeWise Week. The interest in the
day was phenomenal, with over 1200 people registered to bid (in fact we
ran out of bid numbers!). Competition was fierce however as there were
only about 170 bikes of all shapes, sizes and "rideability" on offer.
Under a blazing hot midday sun, the auctioneers slowly made their way
through the pile and there were certainly a few bargains taken away
(although not as cheap as some of the students present would have
liked...)
Thanks to the team at Canterbury University, Christchurch City Council,
and Turners Auctions for their efforts in putting this together. Also
thanks to the various helpers who dispensed advice on bike-worthiness to
the public beforehand and then shifted all the bikes one by one during
the auction. Finally thanks to the trusty "bike doctors" from the Uni
Mountainbike Club who ensured that many bikes were sufficiently
roadworthy to get home afterwards.
With luck, we may do it again next year. But we'll want a lot more bikes
next time!
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9. NZ CYCLING CONFERENCE 2007 - CALL FOR PAPERS CLOSES SOON
Another reminder about the NZ Cycling Conference, on Thursday 1st -
Friday 2nd November 2007, at the War Memorial Centre, in Napier. The
theme is "Getting There By Bike" and we're looking for a wide range of
people to submit ideas for papers they'd like to present.
Whether you're a transport planner, health professional,
sport/recreation organiser, cycling advocate, elected representative,
researcher, or simply a cyclist (or not!), we'd like to hear from you.
Abstracts (up to 300 words) must be received by FRIDAY 20 APRIL 2007; go
to the conference website (http://www.can.org.nz/events/conf2007/ ) for
more details. Email your abstract to cycleconference [at] can [dot] org [dot] nz .
The conference organisers are also interested in hearing from potential
sponsors and exhibitors at the Conference. More details will be provided
later on options available, but feel free to register your interest with
Glenda Harding, Ph.(03)352-5598, email: glenda [at] hardingconsultants [dot] co [dot] nz.
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10. HANDY TIPS: KEEPING ABREAST OF THE "CARS VS BIKES" DEBATE
There's been a lot of correspondence in the newspapers lately about
cyclists' versus motorists' rights. One item that has been frequently
raised is the issue of cyclists riding two abreast (or more), when
motorists have been approaching. It's not surprising when cycling is
such a social activity that you should want to chat to your mates while
riding!
Many cyclists believe that the law is completely on their side with this
behaviour, as the Road Code (and the underlying legal Road Rules) allows
cyclists to ride two abreast. However the rules do not give cyclists the
right to ride two abreast in all circumstances. For example, they must
resume cycling single-file when passing to the right of another vehicle,
including a parked vehicle.
Also, when the slow speed of cyclists impedes the normal and reasonable
flow of traffic, they are required "as soon as it is practicable" to
move as far left as practicable to allow following traffic to pass. Note
that this doesn't mean you have to move over immediately, only when you
feel it is safe for you to do so and safe for motorists to be able to
pass you.
The rules also require cyclists to ride "in a careful, considerate
manner". Using this definition, holding up traffic by riding two abreast
on narrow rural roads is dangerous, inconsiderate and unlawful.
It's not all on the cyclist of course; motorists also have certain
obligations when sharing the road with cyclists. For example, ideally,
motorists should allow at least 1.5 metres space when passing a cyclist,
and wait for a clear space before passing a cyclist on a narrow road.
Motorists must also not drive at such a speed that they are unable to
stop in the length of road that is visible to them, which is
particularly crucial near blind corners. Spokes has good contacts with
the Automobile Assn, Road Transport Assn, and Combined Owner-Drivers
Assn and is looking to spread the message amongst their members about
their responsibilities when driving near cyclists.
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11. SPOKES EMAIL LISTS
Just a reminder about our email lists. Spokes operates THREE levels of
lists (powered by YahooGroups), all receiving this newsletter:
SPOKES_CHCH - low level of activity. We'll keep you informed of what has
been happening by regular bulletin. You will receive typically only 1-2
emails a month (e.g. newsletter plus a special notice). If there are any
issues you want to get involved in, that's great, but there are no
expectations that you have to.
SPOKES_DISCUSS - medium level of activity. More "feedback" than
"discuss", you will receive emails more often (sometimes 1-2 a week),
including project consultation notifications from Christchurch CC, and
draft Spokes submissions for comment. You will also receive all the
postings that are sent to SPOKES_CHCH. You can contribute to drafting
submissions, or may respond to project notifications as an individual.
You can be as active or as passive as you want.
SPOKES_CORE - high level of activity. This group comprises the members
who, at least from time to time, come to monthly meetings and usually
lead Spokes submissions and other activities. You will receive all the
emails that the other two groups receive and then some (typically 20-40
emails per month). This group also discusses any internal issues
regarding Spokes' operation.
At any time, you can decide to be more or less active and change your
membership class. You can either do this yourself by unsubscribing and
resubscribing, or contact Axel Wilke to arrange it for you
(Axel [dot] Wilke [at] can [dot] org [dot] nz).
As part of our plans to revamp our website, we're also going to be
switching to a new email-list system. The most immediate benefits will
be no more YahooGroups adverts in your emails, and the ability to
update your own details more easily - watch this space!
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12. COMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR
The Season of Cycling is over for the summer and the number of cycling
events is scaling down a bit over the cooler months. There are still a
few interesting events coming up soon:
GROUND EFFECT 12-HR DAY/NIGHTER MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE, SAT 14 APRIL, 10AM -
10PM
A not-to-be-missed event bringing together several hundred like-minded
mountain bikers. Simply ride as many laps of the 9km loop course in
Hanmer Forest as you can in 12 hours. You can ride solo or in a team, be
competitive or be relaxed. Email: blue [dot] dog [at] clear [dot] net [dot] nz or visit
www.bluedogevents.co.nz for more info.
BIKE BLAST 2007, SUN 22 APRIL, EVENTS FROM 9AM
Try out the new Waimakariri River Regional Park (McLeans Island). The
Bike Blast has 5km-30km ride options open to anyone over the age of 6
who wants to take part in a social mountain biking event. This event is
fantastic for children and families, with loads of spot prizes to give
out at the end of the event! See
http://www.barefootevents.co.nz/events/bb07.htm for further details.
FUNDAMENTALS OF PLANNING & DESIGN FOR CYCLING COURSE, TUE 1 MAY,
8.30AM - 4.30PM
For anyone who wants to understand what cycle planners and designers get
up to, a one-day training course is being held in Christchurch on Tue 1
May at the Holiday Inn on Avon. While mainly targeted to professionals
working in the area of cycle facility provision, there are also places
available at low cost for volunteers; anyone interested should contact
Spokes Chair Matt Cutler-Welsh. For more registration details, see
www.traffix.co.nz , or contact Sarah Johnson (sarah [at] traffix [dot] co [dot] nz).
Please note that early registration (much cheaper) close on Monday 16th , so make
contact ASAP if interested.
The Canterbury Mountainbike Club also has regular MTB SOCIAL RIDES; the
next one is on Sun 29 April covering Gerkins Track to Kennedys Track on
the Port Hills. Meeting place is Halswell Quarry, Cashmere Rd carpark -
phone Graeme on 352-2582 if interested in riding. Other coming locations
include Lake Forsyth/Reynolds Valley on Banks Peninsula, and night
riding at McLeans Island Forest, email canterbury_mtn_bike [at] yahoo [dot] co [dot] nz
for more info.
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13. RECENT SPOKES ACTIVITIES
In the past month Spokes, YOUR local cycling advocacy group, has been
busy with various initiatives:
- Provided Transit NZ's consultants with feedback on State Highway
cycling issues
- Have developed further our new website for release in May
- Held our regular "core group" monthly meeting
- Matthew Cutler-Welsh met with representatives from the CCC, Traffix and Mainland Cycling over improved provisions for signage to make cycling safer in & around Christchurch with the main issues being funding, accident "hotspots' and maintenance of cycle lanes
- Former Spokes Chair Paul de Spa has been busy first featuring on CTV
with Mike Yardley discussing recent cycle safety, and then in The Press
highlighting City Mall issues. Spokes Core member Glen Koorey also
featured in The Press, with an article on the safety of cycling.
If you'd like more details on anything mentioned, let us know.
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COMING SUBMISSIONS
- Kauri Cluster - Street Renewals - 30 April 2007. No real issues here
- Ferry Road and Humphreys Drive, Ferrymead Intersection Improvements - 30
April 2007. Some minor changes are to be requested on the plan for this busy intersection
- City Mall (see CONTENTS Item 3)
- Bus Priority Trials, Hills Rd. The Shirley/Papanui Community board has rejected the proposed plan that had a cycle lane to the left of the fence that separated cyclists from a parked bus. Not open to consultation at this stage but a letter is to be drafted expressing Spokes members' surprise at the board's action.
Go to www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay for more information
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Happy, and Safe Cycling,
Matthew Cutler-Welsh – Chair
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SPOKES CANTERBURY Inc - "A Voice for Cyclists"
- Post: PO Box 4536 CHCH
- Email: spokes_chch [at] can [dot] org [dot] nz
- Ph: (03) 942-2939
- Web: http://www.spokes.org.nz/
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Sign up to the Spokes email network - it's free!
- see http://www.can.org.nz/spokes_chch/spokes-emails.htm for details
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Join CAN (Cycling Advocates' Network) today!
- Email: secretary [at] can [dot] org [dot] nz
- Web: http://www.can.org.nz
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To report road hazards, potholes, broken glass, contact Chch City Council
- Phone: (03)941-8666
- Email: streets [at] ccc [dot] govt [dot] nz
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For reporting traffic light faults ring City Streets Signals Section
- Phone: (03)941-8622
- Email: Bruce [dot] Kelly [at] ccc [dot] govt [dot] nz
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For general city cycling comments contact Christchurch City Cycle Planner,
Michael Ferigo
- Phone: (03)941-8925 - Fax: (03)941-8864
- Email: cycling [at] ccc [dot] govt [dot] nz
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To contact Chch City Councillors refer to
http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Council/Members/
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To contact Chch Community Board members refer to
http://www.ccc.govt.nz/Council/CommunityBoards/
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For general regional cycling comments contact ECan Transport Planner, Nick
Bryan
- Phone: (03)365-3828x7328 - Fax: (03)365-3194
- Email: nick [dot] bryan [at] ecan [dot] govt [dot] nz
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For State Highway problems/comments contact Transit NZ 'cycling champion'
Tony Spowart, Chch Office
- Phone: (03)366-4455 - Fax: (03)365-6576
- Email: tony [dot] spowart [at] transit [dot] govt [dot] nz