September 2010 Spokes Newsletter

“A well-organized society is one in which we know the truth about ourselves collectively, not one in which we tell pleasant lies about ourselves.”            Tony Judt

Spokes nominates Bikes on Buses for Cycle Friendly Awards

Spokes has nominated Environment Canterbury's (ECan) Bikes on Buses programme for the ASB Cycle Friendly Awards, which will be presented in Wellington on the 29 October.  The nomination for the Avanti Award for Best Cycle Facility recognises the ground breaking work that Metro (the public transport arm of ECan) has done in implementing the first system for transporting bicycles on buses in New Zealand, and their commitment to trialing and implementing the project.

Folding racks capable of carrying up to two bikes are currently fitted on the front of all buses on 14 Metro routes within greater Christchurch. Normal passenger fares apply, but bikes travel free. More bikes on buses routes will be implemented when routes come up for contract renewal.

Bikes on buses have significantly improved integration between cycling and public transport use in Christchurch.  It allows people to “mix and match” their transport options and to start and finish their journeys by bike while transporting cycles over longer or more difficult parts of their journeys. It also provides alternative cycle transport options when it’s wet, or where health, mechanical, or emergency issues arise. The racks have proved particularly popular with residents and visitors to Lyttelton, as the only viable cycling routes to and from this area are extremely indirect and involve steep climbs.  They have also enhanced access from the city for people wishing to mountain bike on the Port Hills.

New River Road crossing at Stanmore Road

CCC have installed a new crossing island for cyclists and pedestrians on Stanmore Road at the intersection with River Road.  This will assist cyclists wishing to use the otherwise excellent and quiet Avon River Link route up and down the Avon River (Route 7 on the cycling guide map - you can find a description and map of this route here ). 

Previously there could be problems with crossing Stanmore Road on this route, particularly during peak traffic periods, as waiting traffic banked up back down Stanmore from the Avonside Drive lights.  CCC have not often been receptive to our ideas and suggestions on cycling improvements, but this is one situation where they have, so the responsible council staff should take a pat on the back for this one!

Bike Rack Fortune to be Found

Are you a designer, engineer or artist with a yen to design good looking practical bike racks? Australia is looking for entries and is offering $10,000 first, $5,000 second and $2,000 third place prize money. Details at: http://tinyurl.com/2fh95w6

Councillors Finally 'Get' Cycling

Thanks to Megarillo's Musings ( http://megarillo.tumblr.com/ )for this from Wellington.

"This was reported by Tom Hunt in the Dominion Post Diary today: “It seems feminine wiles may still be an effective tool of persuasion - even in local body politics.

Temperatures rose during a Wellington City Council committee meeting yesterday as councilors Rob Goulden and Brian Pepperell fell under the charm of a young [thanks Tom] Newtown woman. Megan Salole made a submission in support of lowered speed limits along the “Golden Mile”. She said crashes between vehicles and cyclists usually resulted in injury for the latter.

To highlight their vulnerability, she asked Mr Goulden to touch her skin and describe its texture. “Very soft, though slightly cool to touch,” he reported.

Council initiatives supporting cycling would result in good-looking young women riding on bikes around the city, Ms Salole said. This prospect must have appealed to Mr Pepperell, who responded: “I think its a very good idea to have lower speed limits when beautiful women are on their bikes.”"

I suppose we need to use what we have at hand to make our streets safer. Thanks to all the women cyclists who just may be the key to safer cycling. Do I have any volunteers for making oral submissions in the future?

Bikes are No Gamble

The city of Reno Nevada, USA has reached the limits of gambling. Cognizant of citizens desire to cycle rather than to drive and, seeking to promote cycle tourism, cycle lanes are springing up all over.

Local officials have also embraced "Complete Streets" which meet all road users needs. Cycling is seen as an economical way to reduce traffic congestion and strengthen communities while giving residents safe travel choice.  http://tinyurl.com/29gwszd

Local Elections in October

We strongly believe in participatory democracy, social justice and fair play. Therefore we urge members to vote in the up-coming local government elections in October.

But we want you to make an informed choice. So Spokes will be polling candidates for their support of cycling. A special pre-election newsletter will go out in mid-September with the results.

People who ride bikes are encouraged to support candidates who support cycling. It has been hard going for Spokes over the last few years and a more supportive government would make a big difference in improving the cycling experience, safety and infrastructure.

In the meantime there will be meet the candidates meetings held all around the city.

Here follows an incomplete list of candidates meetings until 17th Sept. Taken from The Press on 27th July. Check our http://spokes.org.nz website for updates that we will post as they come to hand.

Wednesday, 8th September: Sustainability-themed mayoral forum, organised by Sustainability Otautahi Christchurch and Canterbury Workers' Educational Association, Christchurch Girls High School auditorium, 7:30pm 

Friday, 10th September: TV interview with Bob Parker, TBC. 

Saturday, 11th September: Disabled Persons Assembly election forum, 10.30am to 12.30pm. 

Monday, 13th September: Wainoni Avonside Community Services Trust mayoral and councillor candidate meeting, 1:00pm to 3:00pm. 

Tuesday, 14th September: The Press mayoral debate, details TBC 

Wednesday, 15th September: Community groups mayoral councillor forum, Christ Church Cathedral, 7:30pm. 

Wednesday, 15th September: Social issues mayoral debate, TBC 

Wednesday, 15th September: Wainoni Community Services, TBC 

Thursday, 16th September: Youth issues mayoral debate, Unlimited (236 High St), 4:00pm to 6:30pm. 

Friday, 17th September: Newstalk ZB debate with Parker and Anderton, 10:00am to 11:00am. 

Friday, 17th September: Lyttelton Meet the Candidates, Winchester St Rec Centre, 7:30pm. 

Cycling as a Priority

"At no point should we entertain accommodating automobile traffic better before we even provide the minimum required pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. There may be reasons we are forced to compromise and accept less than the required walk- and bike infrastructure, but we should never start from that compromise position, and any road (re)design must be done with a view towards greatly increased walking and biking (so, avoid things like raised/landscaped medians, etc.)."

From: Cycling: Mobility for Equity Google bike there.

Bike for Beer to Support Music

The third Marchfest, Nelson’s ‘hip harvest hop festival’ featured a bicycle-powered music stage  where volunteers from the audience pedal to contribute to the power supply - and can win a bike or a beer tab for their efforts.

Too bad we only heard about this after the event. I am certain that many of us would have been happy to help.

Check out http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/CU1004/S00130.htm for more info.

Bike Power for Plastiki

Cycle power also contributed to the voyage of the Plistiki, the catamaran made of 12,500 plastic bottles which sailed from San Francisco to Sydney. Turbines were powered, at least in part, by cycling.

Check out http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10659298 

Your Own Bicyle Powered Catamaran?

The weather is improving and the water will soon be inviting. You could take to it on your bicycle. Check out these DIY plans for a cycle powered catamaran.

http://www.vintageprojects.com/boats/bicycle-boat.html 

The Recycling of the Cycling Culture

National Radio's Ideas programme explores the growing trend towards utility cycling - that's cycling which is neither primarily for sport or recreation but simply an every-day mode of transport.

Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule talks about plans to turn Hastings into a model cycle-friendly city; Jason Penny of Island Bay's Mamachari Bikes which is importing secondhand Japanese bicycles by the container load, tells Ideas he hopes the bicycles will inspire people to adopt a Japanese-style approach to using bicycles for every-day use, and historian Iain Boal takes the long view and talks about the rise and fall and rise of utility cycling. http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ideas/20100801

Note: mama = mother, chari = the sound of a bike bell (ching ching to us)!

Ideas for 1 August 2010 Listen to this programme (duration: 51′22″). and/or Download: Ogg Vorbis MP3.

James Dyson Awards - The Copenhagen Wheel

Developed by a small team of students at the SENSEable City Lab, MIT, The Copenhagen Wheel is a new emblem for sustainable urban mobility that improves the cycling experience, offers a cost-effective transportation alternative to cars and fosters a community of cyclists in cities. Smart and responsive it transforms existing bicycles quickly into hybrid electric-bikes with regeneration and real-time sensing capabilities. Its hub not only contains a motor, batteries and an internal gear system - helping cyclists overcome hilly terrains and long distances - but also includes environmental and location sensors that provide data for cycling-related mobile applications.

See http://www.jamesdysonaward.org/Projects/Project.aspx?ID=1119&RegionId=0&... for more information.

Long Commutes Kill

A study on car dependent communities shows that there are more ways to die then car accidents in car centred communities. Check out: http://tinyurl.com/2dckqzr 

Walking Site Fun

Looking to move to a walking and cycling friendly neighbourhood? Simply curious how your neighbourhood rates as a good place to get around without a car? Check out: http://www.walkscore.com/     and enter an address for a walking score and list of amenities and shopping within walking distance.

Candidates Take Note - Christchurch has a Future

"'The Twin Cities are gradually but surely becoming a central hub in the national bike economy,' reports Minnesota Business in a recent story, 'Inside Minnesota's Booming Bike Economy.' Independent bike shops, parts manufacturers and distributors, frame builders, and other direct bicycle businesses account for an estimated $315 million annual revenue, according to the story. That’s jobs, GNP, and local vitality that can support other businesses like advertising, accounting, design, commercial space and more. Moreover, it’s a piece of the macroeconomy that will likely continue to flourish. We all benefit from this economic activity whether or not we log miles on two wheels..."
-- Joan Pasiuk, Director of Bike Walk Twin Cities

http://tinyurl.com/2wgzhv2

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