City Council and Community Board Candidate for Riccarton / Wigram. 2021.
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 (as it is wherever utility cycling is well-established ) ? Yes
Would you give preference to a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining the right to curbside parking? Yes.
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? Yes.
-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. Yes I am aware of the number of pedestrians on the average suburban Streets, but within the inner City some caution need to be shown for mixed use footpaths. I am in agreement though.
'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 ? Absolutly Yes.
e.g. actively lobby for the acquisition of a fleet of utility bicycles for council staff to get around town on. Yes as Waitakari City does.
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 ? Have done. Just brought a new Bike. Yes.
Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle? Yes.
Why? / Why not? I have been our Community Boards strongest Cycling advocate for 15 years, and will continue to be. Cheers Mike Mora.
City Council and Community Board Candidate for Riccarton / Wigram. 2021.
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