And there it was..

The blogging assignment is coming to an end, whether the blog itself will is another story..
I hope it provided a few interesting insights and was food for thought for all who read it.
Thank you for your time.

The sources were:

http://www.sk.kk.dk

http://www.bicycle-trailers.co.nz

http://www.crumpler.co.nz

http://www.visitcopenhagen.com/

http://www.copenhagencyclechic.com/

http://www.sfbike.org

http://www.youtube.com

http://www.cyclesense.net

http://www.roadsafeauckland.org.nz

http://www.stuff.co.nz

http://www.vorb.org.nz

http://www.nzherald.co.nz

http://www.travelwise.org.nz

http://goodgear.co.nz

http://www.getacross.org.nz

http://www.caa.org.nz

http://www.transport.govt.nz

http://www.arta.co.nz

http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz

http://bikecommutetips.blogspot.com

http://www.copehagenize.com

-Ross

Getacross campaign needs you!

Dear bloggers,

So as mentioned in an earlier blog, there is a current petition going around. This is to add a cycle/ walkway over the harbour bridge with the upcoming widening. They're in need of another 2000 signatures to present it to the government. Please get behind it, and anyone else you can find.
To sign go to Getacross.org.nz.

-Ross

Case Study: Copenhagen.

Copenhagen - the cyclist's city. I thought I would include a small case study to show what can be done, with the right mentality and council support towards cycling. To anyone that has been to Copenhagen, you will understand what I mean. Cars are clearly outnumbered in the central city, and as far as traffic problems there basically aren't any. The bicycle is a key part of their culture, the council understands and promotes this.

Statistics:

Population: 500,000

Privately owned cars: 205,000

Cyclists and Moped users daily: 180,000 (that's 36% of Copenhageners, Auckland is currently on 7%).

N.B approximations, based on the 2005 census.

'Copenhagenize' is a new word emerging in the town planning sector world wide, and it is the idea of creating 'Cyclocentric' cities. Cities where the humble bicycle is the key form of transport, and the methods of planning enabling it to become the key form. Cycle lanes, Promotion, locking facilities and advocacy.

In Copenhagen this has paid off in many more ways. In the most recent cyclist report the local council conducted a study on the benefits of cycling, economically and healthwise for the state.

"2. One extra kilometre of bike lanes on a road:Building bike lanes on streets with an average of 2,500 bikes and 10,000 cars each day would bring 18-20% more bikes on the stretch of road.

Including a drop of 9-10% in the number of cars and 9-10% fewer accidents and injury.

- A saving of 246,000 DKK in the health sector.

- A saving of of 643,000 DKK in lost production.

- A collective fall in health, production and accident costs each year totalling 633,000 DKK.

- The extra kilometre would give 170,000 more cycle kilometres each year."

(Trafictec for the city of Copenhagen, 2006)

Heres a video series on cycling in Copenhagen, what makes it so effective?- Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5.

So Auckland one day? would it be possible? whats holding everyone back? and keep in mind that Copenhagen has been a very cycling friendly city for a long time.

-Ross

Bikepooling anyone?

For the social cyclist..

Cyclist safety

Slowly I'm discovering a key reason, especially in New Zealand, for the low numbers of cyclists on the road is safety. The cycle lanes are coming slowly, eluding many safety based problems. Along with the recognition of cyclists as road users by others (ie motorists). Problems still continue to arise though, and when they do often the results are NOT pretty. When cyclists are out on the road, what can they do to protect themselves?.
-The key thing is be Assertive, know what is always happening anywhere near you and predict what can/may happen. Just like when driving.
-Be seen, drivers (N.B. generalisation) aren't looking out for cyclists, turn to fluorescent colours. At night, always use lighting (required by law) and don't be afraid to light up like a Christmas tree. Multiple handlebar and helmet lights even, with the mandatory red lights on the back. Even if you don't need them, its visibility.
- Road rules still apply, red lights still mean stop.
- Try and stay away from the side of the road, especially where cars are parked. Car doors are effective stopping devices.

For further reading try this perfectly timed new article and series.

Other links include

-Travelwise

-Land transport NZ

-Road Safe Auckland

-CycleSense

Commuter habits are changing, for cyclists too?

So in this weekends Herald included an article on commuting. It looks as though it is not all bad,
.and that we are actually growing in numbers, slowly but surely...

Something a little different

In my travels I've stumbled accross this, could be fun!?.

Fixed Wheel cycling- San Francisco