Comments (2)

By Max, April 3, 2012

A recent online article in The Guardian highlights how cycle-unfriendly Auckland still appears to a visitor – and how few cyclists there are around, especially in our city centre (which ironically, probably has MORE cyclists than the suburbs).

While the article notes that we have made some gains in recent times, the gaps many of us still (have to) take for granted – like no cycle access on the Harbour Bridge – are described as striking people from the UK as rather obvious, especially in the face of our car-dominated transport system, and our population’s obesity issues.

The Guardian is one of the oldest major newspapers in the UK, and their online section is the second most popular online newsmedia source over there, with about 50 million monthly users. Wouldn’t it be great for Aucklanders (and a nice boost for Auckland’s tourist economy) if all those UK readers could in the future read a story about Auckland’s transformation to a more cycle-friendly city? Melbourne has already massively gained from such a transformation.

So how about a city of cycles – how about a city that has a New Zealand Cycle Trail route? That would take locals and tourists by bike from Auckland Airport to the City Centre, then on to the planned Waiheke Cycle Trail, and from there by ferry to the Coromandel? All these routes are on the drawing board with Auckland Transport and Auckland Council, and the needed cycleways are either planned or already built – we only need to act.

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By Max, April 2, 2012

Have a look at this great article about CAA’s committee member Rowan beating all other modes of traffic in a newspaper contest to get from central Remura to Britomart.

She ended up being slightly faster than the train and easily outdistanced the bus – while the car was left behind, idling in congestion! We knew that of course – but nice to have it officially confirmed every now and then

You may already know Rowan from our new large-as-life Cycle Action banner – here’s another photo from the photo shoot.

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By jenan, February 5, 2012

In the wake of the decision to throw out the charge against the driver accused – and now acquitted of – having caused Jane Bishop’s death on Tamaki Drive in 2010, an editorial in the Herald on Sunday today has offered one of the most reasonable ways forward. The key message is already contained in the succinct title, and in some of the exceprts below:

Lets take cycleways seriously

…What emerges clearly from this sorry affair is that the “pinch-point” piece of road where Jane Bishop died was an accident waiting to happen… …there was no margin for the error that, in this case, proved fatal.

…The idea that an audit of such danger spots on popular cycling routes (followed by their immediate improvement) should be simply the first step in setting up a comprehensive system of cycle paths around the isthmus may seem radical to many Aucklanders.

…Cyclists, in particular those who commute, are not obscure oddball hobbyists; they are the trailblazers of a transport future whom we should applaud and accommodate.

…the cycle culture that grew up in the early 20th century, when bikes hugely outnumbered cars, was swept away by a wave of increased car ownership in the prosperous postwar years. It was only furious public pressure after many cyclist deaths, and then the 70s spikes in oil prices, that forced the wholesale building of wide, isolated cycleways [in countries like the Netherlands].

It is well past time that we followed the Dutch example. It does not require great capital investment, just the appropriation of some existing carriageway, making dual-lane roads single-lane and cutting back roadside parking.

Cycle Action has long called for this kind of attitude. We are working hard to encourage Council to push forward with creating a Tamaki Drive – and a Regional Cycle Network – that is safe, consistent and high-quality. In short, a transport environment for cyclists that provides the ‘margin of error’ preventing mistakes from becoming tragedies.

The environment in which we interact is as important as the attitudes of motorists and cyclists. No one involved in the Jane Bishop crash – neither herself, the driver who opened the door, or the truck driver under whose wheels she fell – was on any rampart in any cycle culture war. A better cycle network could have prevented it all, and a better cycle network will yet prevent many future tragedies, if we get together and make it happen.

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By admin, November 13, 2011

Bikes for Life | Media Release from Cycle Action Auckland

13 November, 2011

Another Tamaki Drive Cycling Crash

Yesterday the Herald and Newstalk ZB reported that a cyclist was injured on Tamaki Drive after crashing with a car that stopped suddenly on the cycle lane on Kelly Tarltons’ corner. The reports say the motorist stopped to answer a phone call and the cyclist was unable to swerve to avoid the sudden blocking of his travel path.

The crash comes one year after a horrendous 5 day period when 5 cyclists were killed on rural roads and one on Tamaki Drive. Since that ghastly toll Cycle Action has been working with Auckland Transport to make Tamaki Drive safer, as it is used for over 1,100 cycle trips each day, and is the country’s most popular cycling route for commuting and sports cyclists. It also has 5 of the Auckland region’s 9 worst cycling black spots. Nearly 90% of these crashes were due to motorists’ inattention, failing to look and other avoidable causes.

Barbara Cuthbert, Spokesperson for Cycle Action Auckland has an urgent message for Auckland motorists. “Thanks to Auckland Transport, we now have lengths of cycle lanes on some of the most dangerous parts of Tamaki Drive. Parking areas for cars and boat trailers have been removed, because they have caused a ‘dooring’ death and broken limbs in the last year when cyclists have been knocked off their bikes. A new initiative is about to be announced by road cyclists to lead the way for safer travel on Tamaki Drive”.

“I am appalled by this lastest crash, and call on motorists to play their part. More people are cycling around all parts of the region as people use bikes to get to work, local shops or train for summer cycling events. These people include our neighbours and loved family members. Yesterday’s crash on Tamaki Drive left a cyclist with broken bones because a motorist chose to focus on a phone call. Parking in a cycle lane is a breach of the road rules.”

“Time and money has been spent in the last year to make Auckland’s roads safer for cyclists – and more is needed. But we also need motorists to look out for cyclists, and recognize we all have the right to use the road safely. A few seconds of your time is all it takes – think before pulling over in front of cyclists and leave space on the road to allow cyclists to use roads safely. Road crashes are seldom deliberate, but their consequences are devastating to you and others around you.”

Contact –Barbara Cuthbert, Spokesperson/Chair, Cycle Action Auckland-  TEXT or ph 0274 125 824

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By MarkR, October 28, 2011

One year down the track from the creation of The Super City, The Aucklander asked a panel of residents “how have the changes affected you and your area?” CAA Chair Barb Cuthbert was one of those interviewed. Barb commented…

“I definitely feel more of an Aucklander. Devonport in particular has been a winner because over half a million dollars has been invested in upgrading the wharf for the Rugby World Cup. I wouldn’t expect to see a change for individual suburbs within a year, as so much has been poured into the new centralised systems. This is a sound investment as it will pay dividends in the years to come.”

She feels Len Brown needs more support from the Government and Aucklanders.

“Len is working hard to spread himself across the region. He is doing a good job on big issues like cajoling the government into the vital projects like the CBD tunnel. The general population has to support him in the coming election. We need to give the Government the message that they can’t denigrate Auckland with cheap point scoring games. Auckland deserves collaboration, not big brother treatment from Wellington.”

She believes progress has been made already.

“The Auckland, Local Board Plans and Waterfront Auckland plans show the way to a future that will transform Auckland into an engaging space for its citizens. However I am appalled by the arrogant response from the Government to Auckland initiatives. It is ‘business as usual’ from Wellington – motorways to the far reaches of the region, support for more urban sprawl and ridiculous rhetoric over the CBD tunnel. Auckland got the super-city because it is the economic engine for the country. The sooner the government collaborates the better.”

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