Spokes Canterbury January 2010 Newsletter

Spokes Canterbury January 2010 Issue
 
Bicycling is a big part of the future. It has to be. There's something wrong with a society that drives a car to workout in a gym.       Bill Nye, Science Guy      

Southwestern Recreational Ride

Sunday 31st January 1-4pm (including cafe afterwards!)Meet at Armagh St entrance to Hagley Park by 12.50pm (will return near here at ride’s end) This ride will generally entail quiet streets and pathways suitable for less confident cyclists, with plenty of stops. Younger cyclists are welcome, so long as they are accompanied by a caregiver, and they should be OK with riding for long periods of time.    

Spokes Core member Glen Koorey will lead cyclists on a quiet ride from town first out west through Riccarton to Upper Riccarton, then head south through Middleton, Spreydon and Addington before returning back to town for a casual debrief over a cuppa. Along the way, Glen will discuss various Council projects past, present and future affecting cycling.  Bring a drink, some nibbles, your camera, and suitable protection from the elements (hot or cold). Further details (including a map) will be posted at a later date on the Spokes website. See you there!      

Harbour Bridge Cycle/Pedestrian Crossing

 Some of you may recall the earlier reporting here on the Auckland Harbour Bridge debate. NZTA had ruled out adding a cycle/pedestrian clip on due to costs and technical challenges. Over 5,000 people illegally crossed the bridge in May after being denied the opportunity to cross it legally as part of the 50 year birthday celebrations. In response:   

*  NZTA has confirmed that a cycle/pedestrian clip on is feasible    And that they are open to funding options like a toll

*  It will be on the City (best view) side

*  It will be under the bridge (so no impact on traffic lanes)

*  It has room for walkers and cyclists and lots of security and safety measures

*  It can be built in time for the Rugby World Cup   

Check out this youtube music video "Cycling on the Harbour Bridge": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXxqApsFMNIand visit www.getacross.org.nz for more information.        

Bike Wise Month

Bike Wise Month will be back in February 2010 with a huge selection of fantastic, fun-filled, safe cycling events for all kiwi’s to enjoy. The goal is to help people get on a bike. Be it riding to work, the shops or kids going to school we can all do our part. Consider riding to work with a co-worker who needs some support and encouragement to break the car habit. Perhaps you can even get your employer to sign up on the Bike Wise site. http://www.bikewise.co.nz/ Bike Wise Month, 1-28 February 2010   Go By Bike Day, Wednesday 17th February 2010   Bike Wise Challenge (formerly Battle), 1-28 February 2010       

Bike Racks on Busses          Someday   TODAY! 11.1.10

RACKS ARE NOW FITTED TO THE FOLLOWING ROUTES:

35, 90, 92, 77, 11, 14,15, 18, 21, 28

PLEASE CONTACT SPOKES AND METRO INFO IF YOU ARE LEFT STRANDED ON ONE OF THESE ROUTES DUE TO LACK OF RACK OR SPACE ON A RACK.

All new bikes on buses bus routes were to have had racks by 2 November. That has not been implemented and it may be a few months before it is. You can check out http://www.metroinfo.co.nz/bikeRacks_Main.html for more information, but it is not always reliable. Dropping them an email metroinfo [at] ecan [dot] govt [dot] nz letting them know that you would like racks on all busses on all routes, or specifically routes you would use, can only help. Include ecinfo [at] ecan [dot] govt [dot] nz  in your address box so ECan will be sure to know that there is a need for following up on promises made.   

Spokes is in regular contact with Ecan over this issue. Cyclits are too often given assurances which are not followed through on. Spokes has made progress in getting the racks on busses required, but it will take support from the broader membership to see the promises implemented. Please be polite and let them know how it would help you to get around.       

New Christchurch Cycling Route Map

Spokes has been working closely with the City to improve the cycle map. The new city council cycling route map now identifies some quieter routes along with routes on busier roads that would suit more confident riders. It is unclear if printed copies will be made available. You can always express your interest in having printed copies, along with on road signage in support of the map by emailing info [at] ccc [dot] govt [dot] nz?subject=Contact%20us   A draft version of this map was up on the CCC website, but has now vanished. So email and ask for a link. It was a 7 MB download.   

Risky Cycling Responsible for 2% of Accidents

The UK Guardian reports that a government study of cycle/car collisions finds cars overwhelmingly at fault. Cyclist’s running red lights & stop signs was cited as the cause of serious injury about 2% of the time. Dressing in dark colours at night was found a contributing factor in about 2.5% of incidents. Lack of proper lights contributed about 2% of the time.  25-40% of cyclists injured were struck by a car from behind. Overall adult cyclists were cited as at fault about 17-25% of the time. The need for better driver training, reduced road speeds and enforcement of existing road rules is clear. Full article: http://tinyurl.com/y8rbeyk       

But It’s Not Really Driver’s Fault – Sort Of

A genetic study has found that about 30% of Americans have a gene correlated with poor driving. They start out poorly and struggle to maintain what skills they have. So share the road with the bus, we all need to get around safely. Full article: http://tinyurl.com/ykv5upk      

UK Advocating 20 MPH Speed Limit

Following the lead of successful 20 MPH zones in London the UK Road Safety Minister is encouraging Councils to apply the limit on all roads with high numbers of cyclists and pedestrians.  Full article: http://tinyurl.com/yan5f5f       

Bigger Trucks and Night Time Driving Damage Health

Road based freight has long argued for larger trucks and night time delivery as a means to lessen their environmental impact. A new study has found that its mainly smoke and mirrors, along with baseless assumptions and poor research. Perhaps you can get your MP to follow up on the following article before National’s newly approved larger trucks hit the roadway. Full article at: http://tinyurl.com/ykvnlfr     

Spokes Activities

Spokes has recently submitted on behalf of cyclists on the proposed Madras St. Renewals - cycle lanes and the High Street tram way project and cyclists needs. Spokes has also been working with the Christchurch City Council on the Christchurch Transportation Plan and with Environment Canterbury’s Regional Land Transport Strategy Development. Both of these are 30 year master planning documents and we are keen to see cyclist’s needs planned for and met in the near future. This will not be an easy ask as the current trend favours roading for motorised transport. We will keep you up to date.       

Newsletter Comments or Submissions?

Calendar Events, feedback or just a hello can be sent to newsletter [at] spokes [dot] org [dot] nz      

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