Spokes August 2010

Copenhagen and Velo-City

Velo City is the pre-eminent international cycle conference. Have you ever wondered where people who support cycling get together to share research and inspirations? Would you like to read about best practices for encouraging cycling?

 This first link takes you to a web posting from Spokes member Andrew Macbeth who was fortunate enough to attend the world cycle conference Velo-City in Copenhagen. http://viastrada.co.nz/Velo-City_2010  

For those interested in the conference reports and papers this site will have them all available soon:

http://www.velo-city2010.com/  If you find any of special interest Spokes would welcome short extracts for future newsletters.    

Los Angeles Bicycle Paradise Blooming

Los Angeles City will spend $230 Million US on bicycle infrastructure by 2015. Having spent hundreds of billions catering to the petrol heads they have finally hit the wall. There is no more room for cars.

Cities & local authorities are proving to be better at taking action to reduce carbon output then national governments. As the ones responsible for actually delivering services they are being forced by reality to implement changes that might actually work. LA has joined Portland, New York, Toronto, London, Copenhagen, Paris and other jurisdictions in realizing the benefits of cycling. It is cheaper, healthier and cleaner.

Will it take “hitting the wall” for Christchurch to actually shift its focus and funding from roading as usual? It’s up to you. Let your electeds know what you want, over and over and over until they get it. 

Bumps in the Night?

With the new bus priority lanes on Colombo a number of people have reported problems with “high lipped dipped kerbs”

CCC has installed new footpaths and kerbing as part of the project. Where a drive way dips to the street, and at some intersections, CCC has left a 35 mm high edge. There have been spills reported by residents who crossed the kerb on the diagonal and tyre, tube and rim damage looms for those who cross them straight on at speed.

CCC has been contacted and stated that this is simply to be the standard dipped kerb city wide. They do not use it where footpaths cross streets as it would be an impediment to wheelchairs and prams.

Spokes will be meeting with CCC in the next weeks and we would welcome reports on your experiences with the new kerbs and other locations where you have encountered them. Please report to newsletter [at] Spokes [dot] org [dot] nz  

IceCycles

Inner City East Cycles is an ad hoc group supplying free bicycles to those who cannot afford to purchase one. Quarterly workshops are held to fix bikes and to distribute refurbished donated bikes. 

If you have an old bike to donate, would like to help out, or need a bike come to the next event to be held on Sunday 10/10/10, venue to be announced in the next Spokes letter. To make donations or help out email newsletter [at] spokes [dot] org [dot] nz   

Just How Fast Can You Walk?

Many of us have noted that the green man at signalized intersections seems a bit quick. How quick? Try 6 seconds of green, 6 of flashing and then to red. 12 seconds to cross the street?

It seems that cars do not like to wait, so hurry it on up. Do you ever get the feeling that traffic planners don’t really want to encourage non drivers on the roads, or even the footpath?   

Cyclists and Red Lights

Check out this blog for an interesting discussion.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/blogs/are-we-there-yet/3900954/Cyclists-and-red-lights

The U.S. state of Idaho has made it legal for cyclists to proceed through a red light after stopping and if the intersection is clear. They would not be allowed to impair pedestrians, cyclists or cars that have the green light. The thinking seems to be that it keeps cyclists moving, keeps them from having to hold up traffic when starting out from a red light and just might make cycling a bit more inviting to those stopped in their metal boxes.

Are we responsible enough for this? No doubt many drivers will cite horrific driving by a cyclist as proof that we are not. But wait a minute; are all motorists held responsible for the behaviour of boy racers or just plain bad drivers? Most people who cycle do so responsibly and safely, after all, cyclists rarely come off better in accidents. We can all be better.

This potentially good idea could also be used to educate motorists and cyclists alike. We all share the road, but how we best use it varies by the mode used. Cars have power, speed and better lighting. Bikes are nimble, fit in small spaces and are reasonably fast once under way. We all need to recognize each others rights, abilities and needs.

ASB Cycle Friendly Awards 2010

Part of promoting cycling is recognizing the good efforts made on cycling’s’ behalf. Spokes is affiliated with the national cycle advocacy group Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN). CAN have held a national award ceremony since 2003 and this year ASB Bank has generously offered support.

If you know of anyone who has been active, or of a project benefiting cycling, you can nominate them, or encourage them to self nominate for an award. There are 5 Avanti cycling jerseys to be awarded to those who nominate and winners of one of the five award categories will vie to win an Avanti Spirit bicycle. For more information check out

http://can.org.nz/asb-cycle-friendly-awards-2010

Just Who Is Spokes?

Spokes activists are simply people who value cycling and are willing to put in some effort to promote it. Any one is welcome to become more active. It is not hard. You can simply respond to something you have read in the newsletter, report on problems, concerns or even on positive experiences related to cycling. Spokes is run by a core group and has three major sub groups.

Spokes Core is composed of those members willing to take on a bit more. Core meets monthly and oversees Spokes initiatives.

Major Submissions tackles city, regional and national transportation planning and projects. A good opportunity for those who would rather work via email and find out what our government has planned for us.

Minor Improvements deals with smaller projects and makes certain that the needs of people who cycle are considered. This is the place to go if your street or neighbourhood is slated for a change.

Promotion and Information keeps Spokes advocacy efforts in the spotlight while building connections across the community. A fun group full of creative people.

Your helping hands would be much appreciated where ever you feel most comfortable. We usually have a good time while furthering cycling.   

Newsletter Comments or Submissions?

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