Hagley/ferrymead candidate.
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?
-years ago chch was known as the ‘cycle city’ due to the amount of cycle users, its certainly quicker to get around the central city on a bike. However in terms of cycle use in the city at night time, I think there has to be a safety issue to be considered.
Would you lobby to rescind the law that compels cyclists to wear helmets in order to make it discretionary on the rider?
-no, I wouldn’t, I think the helmet law, ‘uncool’ as it may be, is a good law. Would you give preference to establishing a comprehensive network of cycle lanes over retaining curbside parking for cars?
-this is something that Aaron Keown (Chch City Vision) is very outspoken about, he always has something to say about it!!! I hope he emails you with his answer to your questions!!!
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 don’t really have a problem with elderly, or younger children using the footpath safely, I don’t think they race along as fast as a teenager or adult rider.
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?
-the school campaign to educate mid to older primary school children I think is very good.
Would you lobby for the installation of bike racks on ALL public transport vehicles ?
-I have seen the Pram racks used to hold bikes on buses around town, I think up to about 3 bikes can be safety carried on the front of the bus.
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 really only do recreation cycling, when I lived next to Burwood plantation, I would cycle through there daily.
Would you recommend that other people (children/ the elderly) cycle?
Why? / Why not?
-To be honest, children and the elderly would be the age groups that I would be most concerned about, regarding cycling (as a method of transport). Children (young mostly), because of their natural ‘daring’ and inexperience on road safety, and the elderly, for their slower reactions, and general, for want of a better word, frailty.
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