Burwood/Pegasus Councillor
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 indeed
Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider (as it is wherever utility cycling is well-established ) ?
Yes, I believe that we are responsible for our own lives, and if we choose not to wear helmets it is our choice. I would however make it compulsory for children up to 14.
Would you give preference to a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining the right to curbside parking?
I am not sure that this would be feasible with our reliance of cars. It is hard enough to find a park as it is.
However I do support a network of cycleways off roads, especially open roads and 70 km zones.
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?
-Before you answer this question, next time you're out driving, take note of how few pedestrians are actually using our pavements and keep in mind that there are places in the world where cyclists and pedestrians co-exist harmoniously in significantly greater numbers.
I would, although I nearly did hit someone the other night as i was biking on the footpath. Posties do use the footpath without too many accidents. I would limit it to children, the elderly and "slow cycling".
'Leaving it to the market to decide' is not working as virtually none of New Zealand's bicycle importers or retailers are taking the initiative to either promote or make available the types of bicycles and technologies which would make utility cycling practicable by a much broader range of people(e.g. the elderly ) or practical (e.g. for carrying children or shopping).
To ensure that fleets of utility bicycles become established throughout New Zealand's urban areas, would you promote or support a campaign that will create awareness of utility cycling technologies among the public to help to stimulate consumer demand ?
e.g. actively lobby for the acquisition of a fleet of utility bicycles for council staff to get around town on.
A start would be with large organisations to have fleets of cycles to be used for short trips.
Would you lobby for the installation of bicycle racks on ALL public transport vehicles ? Yes
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 ?
I do cycle almost daily but not in the rain these days- or strong southerly.
Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle? Naturally. Christchurch use to have a huge cycling percentage and is the ideal city to cycle in. There is a perception that it is not safe, which puts more vehicles on the road, making it less safe! More promotion of cycling to school would give kids the confidence needed and leads to a continuance of cycling in later life.
Why? / Why not?
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