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

So how does Auckland shape up?

So how is Auckland today as far as cycling is concerned?. Auckland is a city with plenty of room for improvement, but the council's are understanding it is an area in need of improvement and plans have been implemented. Big ups to Auckland city council and Auckland regional council and there developments.

In 2006, approximately 7000 Aucklanders were hitting the streets every day on there way to school or work. Although it isn't quite 1.5 million, its a start. The current goal is to double that by the year 2016. They intend to make the city more cycle friendly through the addition of cycle lanes to the pre-existing network with a number of on and off-road cycle paths. There are also initiatives to create a better understanding amongst road users, you may have seen recently an advertising campaign 'look out for cyclists' reminding other road users that yes, we really do deserve 1.5m when passing and we approach faster than one would think. Also teaching cyclists to be visible and aware, for often they put themselves in avoidable danger. There have also been events such as bikewise week, promoting cycling as an option and rewarded those who are out cycling on a regular basis. It all makes it easier than ever before. They're even attempting to open a cycle lane/footpath over the harbour bridge allowing even those on the shore to benefit.

So why not?. Also, how does everyone feel about cycling? and cyclists?.

Problem?

AUCKLAND DOES NOT WORK!*
So what can be done about it? Subway? More roads? cycle lanes? Demolishing and starting again?. Cycle lanes would probably be the most viable option. Cost effective and reducing current strain on the road the causes gridlock between 7.30 and 9.30 every morning and 4 and 6 at nights. Big problem with this plan? the lanes would be empty and people would remain in traffic and in their cars. So what could be done? Why do people currently not cycle? how does talk of paying $3 a litre in petrol not deter all but those who rely on cars for their jobs?. just curious. Another question, how does everyone get to uni daily?.
*Purely personal opinion.

-Ross

Hello all!

Who else battles with traffic every morning? Why do we put up with it when there really is a better way. Cheaper, faster, no carbon footprint and a great form of excercise? impossible!. The chances are you've known about it since you were about 3. Yes, cycling! the awnser to all your daily commuting problems.

So in this blog I shall attempt to promote cycling as a reliable alternative for transport around Auckland, promote the problems cyclists face and look at cycling in various cities around the world to show what can be done with acceptance and encouragement.