Spokes December 2009 Newsletter
Spokes December 2009 Newsletter
Spokes December 2009 Newsletter
“When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking.”Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Seasons Best
With summer and vacation days nearly upon us may we be able to heed Sir Doyle’s words above.
Apologies
Last month’s newsletter had a number of technical problems in the electronic mailing. To those who received multiple copies and or a request for an acknowledgement of receipt; I apologise. Your editor is working with the service provider to eliminate these issues. As the recipient of well over 100 emails generated by these problems I can assure you I am motivated to set things right.
Papanui Road Bus/Cycle Lane
The new bus priority/cycle lanes on Papanui Road seem to be working very well.
Thanks to the Council for a project furthering both public and active transport. One pinch point, at Mansfield and Office Roads remains. The cycle lanes are on the plan, but it seems that parking and medians may be allocated the space. Spokes has, and continues, to work with council staff to eliminate this safety concern.
Ashley and Waimakairiri Bridges
These two narrow bridges are unsafe for cyclists, but no reasonable alternate routes exist. The new central government road funding priorities have scuttled plans for clip on’s. There are two petitions available to down load and sign. Go to: http://spokes.org.nz/article/old-waimakariri-bridge-clip-on-petition
Festival of Cycling, 5th and 6th December
Don't forget the http://www.festivalofcycling.co.nz/ this weekend. There are some interesting demo events to see - especially vintage and recumbent cycles.
Spokes Rides
Watch out for news on the Spokes summer Sunday bike rides. We are about to finalise dates, times and locations. Rides will be on the last Sunday of the month in January, February and March. Check the Spokes site for details.
Co$ting the Commute
According to a November 4th San Francisco Chronicle article, "Planners and transit buffs routinely make the case that Bay Area residents can reap benefits by living close to their jobs and the errands of the day.” A recent analysis revealed a monthly cost of about $500 U.S. to commute. It may be a bit cheaper here, but the car habit is an expensive one. Source: http://tinyurl.com/yelcuzk
Cycling England Phillip Darnton
Phillip was the keynote speaker at the National Cycle Conference in New Plymouth last month. He had a lot of common sense to share and some good research to back it up. Cycling is increasing but unlikely to become the dominant travel mode anytime soon. It can and does meet travel needs for a rapidly growing group in the UK.
London has seen cyclists increase by 38% since 2000 and cycle accidents have dropped by nearly a third. Safety in numbers, better provision for cyclists and an ongoing campaign to educate drivers have proven the value of active transport. Cycling is not even a political issue, with both the current and past mayor in support.
That said, 91% of children in the UK never cycle to school. Figures in New Zealand are not much better. We have several “Lost Generations” of children and young adults who know only being driven and driving.
Phillip stressed the need to find “cycling champions” among politicians and government staff to move cycling forward. We need to encourage some of those in Christchurch.
Some other basics include cycle networks that are complete, well designed to meet real needs and which allow cyclists of varying skill levels and experience to feel safe. Existing cyclists may be comfortable sharing the road, but we need to focus on the needs of those we would like to see take up cycling. They will need skills training and off road paths to build their confidence. Sustained promotion of cycling is also needed. Notice that there are still plenty of car ads, sporting events and radio personalities encouraging that transport mode.
Signage is also important. Maps are OK, but good signage meets the need of the moment where it is needed. State distance as travel time, not K’s; this tends to be less daunting and makes it clear to car drivers just how much time they are wasting sitting in traffic or how much they are paying to be 2 minutes faster than a cyclist.
Phillip related the advice of a Dutch person in describing the success of their cycle culture, start a long time ago and keep going. The sooner we start, the sooner we will have been at it for a long time.
Christchurch Transport Plan
The City has started the process of creating a 30 year transport plan. The idea is to integrate all the existing transport strategies, work out their conflicting bits and implement them. The completion date has been moved from June 2010, so as not to be an issue for the June council elections, to February 2011. It is seen as forming the transportation element of the 2012 Long Term Council Community Plan.
Spokes has been working with other community groups and Council staff on reviewing what has been produced to date. There is a generally recognized need for all road users to work together. The old business as usual approach of motorised users against everyone else has not served any of us very well. We all share the road, working together we can do it better and more safely.
Useful Cycling Routes North West to South Christchurch
This is an occasional series describing cycling routes around or across the city that are suitable for riders who generally prefer using quieter streets and off road paths. While there are lots of problems with cycling in Christchurch, there are also plenty of cycling opportunities out there for people of all levels of cycling skills. The key is to know where these are, and how to link them up.
If you have a particular route you use and think is worth sharing, please get in touch with the editor.
This month’s route runs all the way from North West Christchurch to South Christchurch at the Heathcote River. From here you can ride down the river, or make your way up onto the Port Hills. It is a great cross town route and is almost all off road paths and quiet streets, although there are a few busy road crossings. You can start the route anywhere along the railway cycle path that starts at Northcote Rd (soon to be extended to Hussey’s Rd). For a route description and map of this path go to http://www.seasonofcycling.co.nz/rides/getting-around/20-northlands-city
Get onto the cycle path and follow it all the way to the end, turn left into Kilmarnock St and follow this for about 400m to Hagley Park. This road is quite busy, but there are well marked cycle lanes (watch out for car doors). Once you are in Hagley Park turn right and follow the cycle path that runs alongside Deans Ave and cross Riccarton Avenue into South Hagley Park (this is a busy crossing, but there is a centre refuge). Carry on along the cycle path beside Deans Ave Park. After the old Blenheim Rd roundabout it becomes a gravel path – follow this path around the corner of the park and along beside Moorhouse Ave to the Lincoln Rd intersection.
You need to cross this intersection to Grove Road – the best way to do this is to use the pedestrian lights to cross from the park to the other side of Lincoln Rd (heading south), and wait in the cycle lane for the green light. Coming the other way is much easier as you can use the traffic lights at the Grove Rd intersection to cross directly to the park (although the phasing can involve a long wait).
Cycle up Grove Rd, and when you reach Church Square cross the road and follow the path round to the right side of the square to Collins Street. Follow Collins Street to the Brougham Street lights, cross and you are on Simeon St.
Keep going straight ahead on Simeon Street all the way to the Addington Cemetery (which is actually in Somerfield). Take care at the busy crossing at Milton Street (there is a crossing refuge a few metres to the south if required).
Cycle along the path through the historic cemetery and park and carry on straight ahead down Studholme Street crossing Somerfield St and on to Ashgrove Terrace. You have reached the Heathcote River! From here you have a number of options including cycling the quiet routes up and down the Heathcote River – see http://www.seasonofcycling.co.nz/rides/getting-around/14-heathcote-river . For a description of the route from Hagley Park in reverse see: http://www.seasonofcycling.co.nz/rides/getting-around/25-somerfield-city
“I don’t want to change.”
May explain the following statistics from the U.S.A. A Pew Research Centre poll found that a mere 36% surveyed believe that human activity is responsible for global climate change and only 35% see climate change as a very serious problem.
Speaking of Change
A new grass roots group has formed to take part in the June 2010 local elections. Check out http://www.itsourcity.org.nz/ Quite supportive of cycling and walking there could be a safer roading future ahead.
Bike Racks on Busses
Thanks to ECan for putting bike racks on busses. Most lines will have racks by mid next year. See http://ecan.govt.nz/news-and-notices/news/Pages/bike-carrying-racks-more-bus-routes-November.aspx for more information. ECan’s progress on this was recognized with their being a finalist in the Cycling Action Network awards.
ACC Levies for Bicyclists?
National Radio morning host Sean Plunkett has raised the question of bicyclists paying ACC levies. One has to consider that car drivers are the negligent party in most motorcycle or bicycle vs auto collisions. Add to this the health benefits, reduced pollution and congestion which riding your bicycle provides and the naivety of the suggestion becomes clear.
So why did Sean suggest it? According to the New Zealand Transport Agency 75% of New Zealanders have not ridden a bicycle in the past 12 months. People who cycle regularly are out on the fringe. It’s likely that it never occurred to Sean that cycling is a positive beneficial activity, and he is not alone in his ignorance.
Too often cyclists tell the horror stories of riding on poorly laid out streets in competition with over stressed and/or negligent drivers. They are true stories and they truly convince most people that only suicidal maniacs would cycle.
The next time you share your cycling experiences with a non cyclist, let them know what pleases you about cycling. The fact that it’s cheaper and often quicker then the car, that you have lost weight and feel better, that you have found nice routes through pleasant neighbourhoods.
Thanks to http://www.ridestrong.org.nz/rs/ for their article on ACC levies.
Video News
Spokes is considering making a video to promote cycling in Christchurch. People with appropriate skills would be appreciated. Contact newsletter [at] spokes [dot] org [dot] nz
Canterbury TV has had some cycling related items on their News Canterbury Tonight recently:
30th September 2009 Canterbury TV news, Spokes Paul de Spa on road safety and related topics after several accidents involving cyclists around NZ.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfM04ZSEJC4&feature=channel_page
27th October 2009 Canterbury TV news, about 6 minutes in is CCC's Terry Howes saying how good they are at providing for cyclists..... http://www.youtube.com/user/CTVinNZ#p/u/33/Vbckw0ck_N0
Bobbies On Bikes
28th October 2009 Canterbury TV news, first up on the programme is the grand introduction of Bobbies on Bikes team in the Square. Please note that they seem to be paying special attention to cyclists without helmets and riding through red lights. http://www.youtube.com/user/CTVinNZ#p/u/28/ngrvyhdKnUY
Spokes is in contact with the police to encourage them to also focus on vehicles parked in cycle lanes, running red lights and failing to yield right of way. Riding safely and in accord with the law is important. As cars are responsible for over 70% of cyclist car collisions and inflict far greater harm it is only appropriate to focus on their behaviour.
Environment Site
Local events and notes on local and wider environmental issues: http://www.environment.org.nz/
From Get Across Auckland
Prior to the unauthorized march across the Harbour Bridge by walkers and bicycle riders the New Zealand Transport Agency would not meet with those seeking to discuss options for meeting all transport users needs. After the event NZTA has been meeting with organizers to work on a plan for clip on’s to the bridge for cyclists and pedestrians. Progress is slow and uncertain but optimism is high. Support for another crossing of the bridge remains high too.
ECan’s Loss, Dunedin’s Gain
MaryRose Dovey recent ECan employee has been a long time asset for both ECan and active transport in Canterbury. Rose is now off to the Dunedin District Council to help them with their ambitious transport plans. Thanks, and good luck, Rose.
Newsletter Comments or Submissions?
Calendar Events, feedback or just a hello can be sent to newsletter [at] spokes [dot] org [dot] nz
"Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody."
Jane Jacobs The Death and Life of Great American Cities
“Next to a leisurely walk I enjoy a spin on my tandem bicycle. It is splendid to feel the wind blowing in my face and the springy motion of my iron steed. The rapid rush through the air gives me a delicious sense of strength and buoyancy, and the exercise makes my pulse dance and my heart sing.” Helen Keller
