My key issue is the revitalisation of the central city, which I believe is an issue that, if successful, will encourage people to get back on their bikes as a means of transport.
I live in the city and work in the city and this gives me the freedom to walk everywhere. I also own a bike and a motorcycle for when I need to travel further afield.
I have spent a number of years overseas and while in Europe, was amazed by the amount of bicycles. It seems that most people cycling in Christchurch, are cyclists who do it for sport and fitness. There seems to be few people that see the cycle as a legitimate means of transport (and with the added bonus of fitness and being a green option).
Here are my answers,
Would you actively pursue policies that would enable utility cycling to develop along the lines that have made it the transportation mode of choice for so many in Copenhagen?
Yes
Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider?
Yes – but sadly I do not believe this is an issue that can be affected at Community Board level
Would you give preference to establishing a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining curbside parking for cars?
I believe this issue should be judged on a case-by-case basis
Would you lobby to rescind the law which prohibits cyclists from using pavements
( at least as an interim measure for the years it will otherwise take to establish real separation from motorized vehicles)
to enable 'slow' cyclists ( e.g.the elderly )to take up utility cycling.
I believe this is an issue that the police mainly turn a blind eye to. Do you have figures on the number of people that are fined for this? This is an interesting question… I suppose you need to change the habits of a lot of cyclists so that tey would understand that they are sharing the space with the pedestrians and ride accordingly.
Would you actively work to set up a campaign to educate the pubic about and promote the types of bicycles and technologies appropriate to utility cycling?
It depends on exactly what level of involvement was required.
Would you lobby for the installation of bike racks on ALL public transport vehicles ?
Does this include taxis? And the tram? I believe that buses should carry bike racks.
Do you cycle yourself? - And if not at this stage in your life, what would it take to get you to take up 'utility' cycling in the future ?
Yes. I have cycled since not long after I learned to walk and intend to continue to do so for many years to come.
Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle? Yes
Why? / Why not? It is an effective, cheap mode of transport that eliminates a lot of the frustration of driving (parking, maintenance costs etc.) – plus you get the exercise that is missing in so many people’s lives (specifically children these days).
Johnny Moore
021 353 759
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