Chainlinks - It is all happening in New Plymouth - join us at the CAN Do the conference and on the road! - Cycling Action Network
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chainlinks
It is all happening
in New Plymouth —
join us
at the CAN Do
chainlinks 2009 issue 3, october 2009
the conference
and on the road!
ISSUE 3, October 2009
magazine of the cycling advocates network (nz)
Editorial For this reason, we hope that many CAN
supporters will get to this year’s NZ Cy-
cling Conference and CAN Do work-
Chainlinks 12 December
Chainlinks workers are going to the
The Power of the Bunch shop in New Plymouth in November ( ).
The conference theme is ‘communities, cycling conference and the CAN Do,
The Tour de France has rolled past again; connections and the economy’. Meeting so the next issue is being prepared in
and while people focus on the Contadors, people and attending the presentations two bursts, and therefore with strange
Schlecks and Armstrongs, the riders will extend your connections so you can deadlines. But it will be a wonderful
themselves acknowledge the teams that help your community and the economy and interesting issue, so bear with us!
work for them. Any road cyclist appreci- even better. Similarly, if last year’s CAN
ates the power of the bunch, where riders Do is anything to go by, you’ll be re-
take turns leading while others draft energised and better informed.
behind. That’s the And when you get home from
Taranaki road sign
Cycling advocacy works the same power of the Conference, remember
way, because it’s largely a vol- the ‘Network’ part of CAN.
unteer effort. Although CAN is collaboration — We’re just a phone call, Articles by 14 October
blessed with fantastic staff, they working together email or web-posting away. Local group content : 14 October
can do only so much. We need If you have a problem, with ‘stop press’ items: by
many people to work together, to make the chances are that someone Sat, 21 Nov, 5pm.
taking their turns on various tasks job easier for in CAN has met a similar one
Conference articles:
for the betterment of cycling. If we and can point you towards an
everyone answer. Spend your time riding Sat, 21 Nov, 5pm
don’t spread the load — and take
occasional breaks — burnout results. on wheels rather than reinvent- If you want to review and discuss
ing them. any editing done on your submis-
So, when compiling CAN’s Annual Re-
That’s the power of collaboration —
sions you need to be available
port, it was heartening to see the great
work being done around the country. A working together to make the job easier
Sun 22 Nov, 1–5pm.
notable feature of this year’s report (p12) for everyone. A case in point: the CAN
is the huge amount of activity among lo- Executive wrote this editorial collabora-
cal groups, particularly compared with tively, with input from our staff and office
last year. CAN’s networking efforts are holders, using our website tools. Many
paying off: we’re empowering groups to hands make light work! n CAN: Cycling Advocates Network
talk to their local agencies, to make sub- PO Box 6491, Wellesley St,
missions, to run promotions and to raise Auckland, New Zealand.
the profile of cycling. Tel 04 972 2552
secretary@can.org.nz
Conference + CAN Do + cycling in Taranaki www.can.org.nz
Registered Charity no.: CC36909
Two local riders have described for us rides we can do before, during or after the
Conference and CAN DO in New Plymouth in November.
Chainlinks
ISSN 1175-9364 (print)
Both Alan Chapman’s road rides, below, ISSN 1174-3409 (online)
and Graeme Lindup’s MTB rides will be of this circuit was used as the National chainlinks@can.org.nz
available as a pdf we can print and bring Road championship course. Editor: Miriam Richardson
with us to New Plymouth. Contributions manager:
NP Inglewoood Tarata Waitara (may include Stephen Wood
Road Bike Rides Taranaki Bertrand Road Bridge). This ride features
the gas & condensate fields Mckee &
Alan Chapman Mangahewa operated by Todd En- Next Quarterly Issue: December
ergy, a tunnel and historic Kaimata and Contributions articles 14 Oct,
Out eASt Tarata. There are no shops between In- Email content to:
NP Inglewood SH3a Block — 40 km Loop glewood and Waitara. This is a favourite chainlinks@can.org.nz
ride starting on SH3, past Egmont Village ride and highly recommended. Pictures: 1024 x 768 pixels preferred
and the road up to North Egmont. SH3a Advertising: patrick@can.org.nz
NP Inglewood Tarata Purangi Saddle to end
takes you from Inglewood out to the coast,
of seal and return via Waitara — a wonder-
rejoining SH3 to return to New Plymouth via
Bell Block.
ful ride in the the isolated and undulating Webpage
terrain between Tarata and Purangi Saddles, can.org.nz/chainlinks
NP Inglewood Pukerangiora Hill, via Ev- an out and back route to the Purangi Sad-
The views expressed in Chainlinks are
erett Road NP — 70 km Ride from New dle. I ride this starting from Inglewood and
not necessarily those of CAN.
Plymouth on SH3 to Inglewood, then return to Inglewood, a thoroughly enjoy-
a loop through some typical Taranaki able distance of about 70 km. Cover photo: Helm Art, New
countryside — flat, rolling and hilly. Part Plymouth, ©2009 New Plymouth
p8
District Council.
2 Chainlinks 3, October 2009
Contents
Great Urban Rides for Auckland: 2
2
Editorial
Road rides in Taranaki
an imaginative proposal 3
3
4
Great urban rides for Auckland
Bikes on public transport
Government news
A proposal to transform Auckland 5 Forgotten Highway
into a cycle-friendly city 6 International snippets
6 Re-cycling cities
Pippa Coom and Julian Hulls From Liveable Arterials Plan 7 New Zealand roundup
Cycle Action Auckland and Nextbikes Tourists will take tours or rent bikes to 7 Cyclists get serious about
think so, and have developed a pro- explore on their own. climate change
posal to transform Auckland into a With the maturing of the Auckland cycle 8 Cycling Conference 2009
cycle-friendly city. Their idea would network, upgrades and more cycle lanes 9 CAN Do 2009
create an asset for tourists and will appear. Eventually, Great Urban 9 Riding to New Plymouth
Aucklanders, complementing the re- Rides will have supporting infrastructure 11 Riding the talk: Hugh Wilson
gional Great Rides that have captured such as racks, lockers and public toilets. 12 CAN Networking Project
the Kiwi imagination.
In the proposal, Auckland’s
Can ‘Great’ and Cycle Action Auckland and 12/13 CAN news & contacts
Nextbikes have submitted 13 Being cycle aware
Great Rides will provide ways ‘Ride’ be linked the concept to the Ministry 13 Hinewai and carbon credits
to explore Auckland’s culture,
history and entertainment by
with cycling in of Tourism, and are looking 15 New Plymouth cycle promotion
to Auckland City Council to
riding from the central city. Auckland? 16 Regional group news
develop it with some of the
Kelly Tarlton’s, the museum, the Ministry’s $50 million for Great 17 Join CAN
zoo and Ponsonby Road will welcome Rides. Soon, Aucklanders could be using 19 Flashing signs to protect cyclists
cycling visitors. Carefully chosen routes Great Urban Rides and recommending 19 On the web
will introduce tourists gently to New Zea- them to visitors. n
land cycling before they head off on other
Great Rides.
The new rides will meet local needs
too, taking advantage of Auckland’s Bikes on public transport in Wellington
long gentle ridges and coastline. Three Wellington’s public transport will only folding bikes, so Wellington commuters
compact, circular Great Urban Rides are be bike-friendly to a degree, but the will soon be poring over the Brompton
already part of the proposed Regional Regional Council has left the door and Birdy catalogues!
Cycle Network, connecting with schools, open for improvements. In July, Wellington Regional Council’s
shops, universities, libraries, the CBD and
The region’s public transport is excellent, Transport and Access Committee consid-
the hospital. Many other routes can be
but tricky to use in conjunction with cy- ered a report that recommended no bikes
developed, for example to the airport or
cling. Wellington buses can’t take bikes, on buses (arguing that a survey showed
around Project Twin Streams in Wait-
and the introduction of free bikes on no demand), but said that free carriage of
akere City.
trains has been a mixed blessing because bikes on trains should continue. Cycling
Stage One of the proposal can be com- guards enforce a limit of two bikes per unit. Aware Wellington’s Alastair Smith told
plete within six months. Logos and the Committee that overseas transport
direction arrows will identify the routes, Hope is on the horizon, in the shape of
services are less rigid about bikes, and
which will also be available online and as the new Matangi train units to be intro-
that fears of danger are unfounded. He
printed maps. Each ride will be named; duced in 2010. They’ll have space for two
said San Francisco’s BART service carries
for example ‘Ponsonby Heritage Ride’ or bikes in a double unit, or six if operators
bikes in train carriages with no special
‘Waitemata Harbour Ride’. The most dan- allow use of wheelchair space. That’s the
provision, and that out of 500 million
gerous roads and intersections will have good news.
journeys over five years BART reported
cycle lanes. A simple, cost-effective and The bad news is the probability that pas- only six incidents involving bikes.
flexible rollout will quickly attract many sengers will get priority over bikes, and
Councillor Paul Bruce argued for allow-
users without large capital cost. that at peak hours the trains won’t take
ing bikes inside buses at off-peak times,
As improvements like the Rugby World bikes at all. Also, old trains will still be in
and for a trial of bike racks on the Karori
Cup walking corridor and the SH 16 use, so a cyclist won’t know if she can get
bus route. His fellow committee members
Cycleway Central Auckland connection her bike aboard a particular service. And
were sympathetic, but decided to allow
come to fruition, routes will become even when train services stop to allow track
further investigation of bikes on buses
safer. Riders will gain confidence as their maintenance, the buses that replace them
only when NZTA changes the rules on
positive experiences and numbers grow. can’t carry bikes.
GWRC report on bicycles vehicle dimen-
Aucklanders will use the routes for events on trains and buses, and However, all sions to allow
such as Music in the Parks, perhaps with cyclist survey: http://tr.im/ trains (and bike racks on
‘riding buses’ like walking school buses. gwrcreport (pdf ) buses?) will buses (expected
http://tr.im/gwrcsurvey probably carry in 2010) n
(pdf )
Bikes in a mock-up
of a Matangi unit
Government news over the 294 m Hapuawhenua Viaduct, squeezed national funding of many other
© The Kennet brothers
through Whanganui National Park and areas of transport spending including cy-
cross the iconic Bridge to Nowhere. Users cling. Each region has had to accommo-
would then take a jet boat ride down the date this by altering their own priorities.
Whanganui River to Pipiriki and cycle to Nationwide, there is still $50 million over
Whanganui along the Whanganui River the three year term of the programme
National Cycleway Great Rides Road. Most of the trail network is already for cycling projects, but this is a lot less
In July it was announced that the in place. Completing it involves upgrad- that had been hoped when regions first
initial focus of the National Cycleway ing two track sections, the Mangapu- started drafting their RLTPs before the
project will be on developing a series rua-Kaiwhakauka Track in Whanganui last general election.
of “Great Rides” and that seven proj- National Park and the Old Coach Road Details of the National Land Transport
ects had been identified as potential (Ohakune to Horopito) in Tongariro Na- Programme, as well as Regional Land
“Quick Start” projects. tional Park. Transport Programmes for all regions
Each project is subject to detailed techni-
St James Trail The proposal is to can be found at http://tr.im/nztainfo
develop a 50 km “great trail” mountain
cal investigations and robust feasibil-
bike experience, providing a mix of trails New Road safety strategy in the
ity studies before being confirmed as a
through beech forest and grassland val-
Quick Start project. It is hoped that con-
leys, in the upper Waiau Valley. Hanmer pipeline
struction on these can start this summer.
Springs is the major stepping off point The government released a discussion
$9 million of the $50 million has been
for the trail. A well formed road links document which outlines key road safety
allocated for the quick start projects.
Hanmer to the start of the trail, and it issues, and proposed actions for address-
Hokianga to Russell This is a 90 km links easily with the established Rainbow ing them. This document is available on
trail from the Hokianga Harbour through trail to St Arnaud, and through Moles- www.saferjourneys.govt.nz . They sought
to Opua/Russell , through 11 towns and worth Station to the Awatere Valley near public feedback with submissions closing
settlements, including historic sites from Blenheim. on Friday 2nd October. The comments
before the New Zealand land wars. The and views the Ministry receives will be
first section to be completed would be
Southland Around the Mountain
used to develop the final strategy, Safer
12 km of an old rail corridor between
Rail Trail This is a 175 km cycling trail.
Journeys, to be released this December.
Participants would cross Lake Wakatipu
Kaikohe and Okaihau. This will be a guiding document, identify-
from Queenstown on the TSS Earnslaw,
Hauraki Plains Trails This involves ing a mix of interventions for improving
cycle through Walter Peak and Mt Nicho-
two linked rail trails. The first is from road safety. See http://tr.im/cansub for CAN’s
las Stations, along the Von Valley to Lake
Paeroa to Waihi via Karangahake Gorge Mavora, then follow the Oreti River and submission
and includes historical gold-mining ar- from Mossburn along the old railway line
eas. The other is Paeroa to Thames, on a to Lumsden. Future cycle trails could be The Road User Rule Amendment ‘09
disused railway line with access to areas developed form Lake Mavora to Te Anau, There will be some changes to the Road
of ecological significance, and historical from Lumsden to Invercargill/Bluff and User Rule coming into force on 1 No-
sites. Development of an initial portion of from Lumsden For further details, vember 2009. There are five that relate
this trail is suggested at this stage. to Gore/Catlins including maps: specifically to cyclists but, as road users,
Waikato River Trail The trail will be Coast. http://tr.im/cyclewaynz the others will affect us as well.
100 km long and follow the Waikato River
• Cyclists will be permitted to do a hook
and five hydro-lakes from Atiamuri to National Land Transport turn at an intersection unless a sign
Horahora. Thirty kilometres of trails are
already open, 23 km are built but yet to Programme keeps money tight prohibits it.
be opened and 6 km are under construc- for cycling • There will be an exemption from arm
tion. The remaining 41 km are sections signalling for cyclists going right at a
Over recent months many local groups roundabout – where signalling is not
from Waipapa Dam to Lake Karapiro and will have been making submissions to
Whakamaru to Mangakino. These sec- practicable.
their proposed Regional Land Trans-
tions are rich in geological and cultural • Cycle lights must be visible for 100
port Programmes (RLTPs) which outline
history. metres rather than having to ‘light up
funding for transport projects within
the road for 100 metres’.
Central North Island Rail Trail their region for 2009–2012.
The proposed 60 km cycleway runs from • There has been a maximum distance
These regional programmes must fit into
Pureora (off SH30), southwards toward of 50 metres set for vehicles using a
the National Land Transport Programme
Ongarue and Taumarunui (SH4), mostly special vehicle lane to turn left.
(NLTP) which is governed by the Gov-
on DoC land. The area has a rich histori- ernment Policy Statement on Land • Clarification on priorities for shared
cal, cultural and natural heritage. The transport priorities. The Government paths as some users were not sure of
route would incorporate the Ongarue Policy Statement was revised in May their obligations. Even though some
tramway, including the Ongarue Spiral, 2009 to have a much stronger emphasis users may have ‘priority’, no one can
and remnants of the historic logging on things that are seen to contribute to unreasonably impede the movement
industry. productivity and economic stimulation. of other users.
Mount Ruapehu to Whanganui Consequently, the NLTP assigned extra More: http://tr.im/canrules | http://tr.im/ltnzrules
The route would cover 245 km, start- funding on building new infrastructure in n
ing on the slopes of Mount Ruapehu, the State Highway network, and this has
4 Chainlinks 3, October 2009
Riding the Forgotten World Highway
Cathy Sheehan
Riding into a misty valley with a
row of pig hides drying on a fence,
it’s astonishing to plunge into the
brooding countryside of the Vincent
Ward movie, Vigil. For three days I shall
see no shops or ATMs and few vehicles
or people, but plenty of horses,
sheep, cows, wild goats, turkeys and
parakeets. The remote road from Taumarunui to Stratford is a favourite of motoring
writers and Harley-Davidson riders. But what’s it like for cycling?
The bitumen runs out, but a steep section
up the Waitaanga Saddle is sealed— I’d Cathy Sheehan rides the Forgotten World Highway
be walking otherwise. The worst gravel of
Club’s Thames Chapter (motto: ‘Growing only guest. Unfortunately I’ve brought
the trip follows: a slurry of drifted stones
Old Disgracefully’) are dining. They’ve al- too little cash and am too late for the
and sand that has me crunching on foot
ready raised and toasted their flag on the EFTPOS or dinner at the pub, which
on steeply-cambered bends. I look for-
main street. On my return, Woody and shuts at 6 pm on Sundays. Mortified, I
ward to a cool drink in Ohura, but not
a friend are celebrating Earth Hour with slink away, heat my emergency meal and
one shop remains in business there. The
drinks by candlelight under a starry sky. go beerless to bed.
wide, deserted main street, the sagging
verandas, boa rded windows and On the 58 kilometre journey to The next day brings in quick succession
peeled paintwork announce a town the thrill Whangamomona, the climb to the the Whangamomona and Pohokura Sad-
that’s outlived its early twentieth first of the day’s two saddles soon dles: climbs through
of the appears. I steel myself for a Tour cool ferny podocarp
century logging origins. The food
market advertises pies, sandwiches road less de France-style ascent, but am sur- forest with a peaty,
and drinks, but it closed in 2005. prised to reach the Paparata Saddle peppery smell and bird
travelled quickly and descend into a gorge song. From the top of
All the same, in the late afternoon
sunlight, Ohura charms me with its
is hard to with hanging gardens on limestone Pohokura Saddle I strike
bluffs. Compared with yesterday’s out towards the coast
neatly painted fire station, com- resist slush and stones, the 16 kilome- rather than continuing
munity hall, well-groomed bowling
tres of gravel are like the smoothest on SH43 to Stratford.
green and Cosmopolitan Club. The grid
tarmac. On the map, the first
of streets has a mixture of tidy houses
The climb to the Tahora saddle is steep part of Junction Road
and gardens and sections with shacks and
and hot, but manageable. From the top looks tar-sealed; but
house-trucks. The relaxed, hippie feel
are views to Mts Tongariro, Ngauruhoe, in real life it’s made of
makes the town seem populated by happy
Ruapehu and Taranaki, and of Maori pa ground sandstone; and
refugees from a too-busy world.
sites. However, the steep driveway to the worse, it keeps going up. But the thrill of
As I photograph the dereliction of the the road less travelled is hard to resist. A
hilltop Kaieto Café and its owner’s refusal
main street, a woman emerges from what top-dressing pilot dumps fertiliser on the
to give EFTPOS cash are the cruelest
was an auto repair shop, asks if I need hillsides — I hope he isn’t doing stunts to
anything and invites me in for a cup of impress me.
tea. Her name is Lizzie, and she has a
The road to Makau and Puranui and past
wonderland of second-hand perfume
the McKee gas facility is traffic-free with
bottles, vintage clothes and fabrics, farm
interesting patches of bush (including one
machinery, bakelite appliances, china and
with egg-baited traps for kiwi predators);
glassware. She suggests I try Woody, the
but by the time I reach Onaero Beach at
artist across the bridge, for a place to stay.
5.30 pm I feel as if I’ve been going uphill
I’ve noticed his barn studio, bright flags,
all day. The camp-ground manager’s hens
painted wood carvings and croquet pitch.
respond to my hunger plea with fresh
Sure enough, he makes me welcome in parts of my day.
eggs to go with my noodles. Sunset on
one of his cabins from the former Ohura A swooping descent brings pasto- the iron-sand beach is beautiful, and I’ve
Prison. ral countryside and the railway line to really earned the $40 cabin with sheets
I eat at the Cosmopolitan Club, where Whangamomona. The buildings here are and pillows.
members of the Ulysses Motorcycle older than Ohura’s but in better condi-
The final day is a short hop, mainly flat—
tion; and the legendary Whangamomona
until Mt Messenger, the steepest hill of
Pub is the heart of the self-declared
the lot. Nevertheless I’m soon back at
Whangamomona Republic. Instead of
the car, and the adventure is over apart
paying $110 for dinner, bed and breakfast
from the drive back to Auckland via the
there, I take a $20 cabin at the commu-
Forgotten World Highway to pay the
nity-owned campground, where I’m the
Whangamomona camp-ground fees.! n
Chainlinks 3, October 2009 5
International snippets Safety in numbers hits the UK
Official UK government figures just out
found it unfriendly to walking and biking,
but during the week I began to appreci-
ate the efforts that the city is making.
show an increase in the number of people
Bike Futures cycling.
Five years ago it had virtually no facili-
ties for cycling, whose modal
conference, Cycling levels have reached their share was only 1%. Now, cycle
Melbourne, highest point for 17 years — cou- lanes, cycle symbols, sharrows
15–16 October pled with a record low for road (shared-lane markings), ad-
fatalities in the UK. vanced stop lines, contra-flow
Bicycle Victoria
Department for Transport reports cycling and bike parking are
will host the first
show that cycling increased by on most streets and intersec-
annual Bike Fu-
12% (measured in total kilome- tions; many of these needed
tures conference
tres cycled) at the same time as a only paint. In a short time, cy-
this October. Bike
substantial fall in cycling deaths, cling in Brussels has achieved
Futures ‘09 is dedicated to the people
down from 136 to 115, the second a 5% modal share.
who will transform our communities into
bike-friendly, economically thriving and lowest level ever. http://tr.im/safetyINnumbers Each day of the conference had a theme.
sustainable environments. ‘Re-cycling cities’ looked at the charac-
EC commits to ‘re-cycling cities’ teristics of tomorrow’s cities and the role
This conference is the first in an annual
of bikes in urban mobility. Key messages
series designed to assist national and The European Commission, the Euro-
included allocation of road space for
local leaders, planners, designers and pean Economic and Social Committee
bikes, cycling as a return on investment,
builders respond to the critical demands and several mayors from EU cities have
the importance of the journey as an expe-
brought on by the explosion in growth of signed the Charter of Brussels — a com-
rience, increasing safety for multi-modal
bike transportation and recreation across mitment to promoting and investing in
mobility, the reliability and speed of cy-
Australia. infrastructure for cycling.
cling and the issue of bike parking.
Keynote speaker is Niels Tørsløv, Direc- The pledge came at the end of the Bel-
‘Benefits of cycling’ was concerned with
tor of the Traffic Department at the City gium-based Velo City conference in May
the advantages of city cycling. Messages
of Copenhagen, where he has guided the which focused on ‘re-cycling cities’ — the
included investment in urban cycle poli-
massive and unprecedented development role of the bicycle in urban transport.
cies, cycling for health, reducing pollu-
of their bike transportation environment. The Charter saw the creation of a par-
tion and easing congestion.
http://tr.im/bikefutures liamentary intergroup for cycling in the
European parliament, and also confirmed ‘Communication and Marketing’ was
Over a million use UK national that a European Bicycle Officer would be about using bikes for daily travel. Speak-
appointed in the EC. ers pointed out that a city of cyclists is
cycle network daily http://tr.im/recyclecitiesnews n friendly, that cyclists respond to provided
386 million trips were made on the UK infrastructure, that cycling should be
seen as cool and that cyclists and walkers
Re-Cycling Cities
National Cycle Network in 2008, Sustrans
has revealed on the first day of the UK visit cities and spend there.
Bike Week. We spent the morning of the fourth and
The sustainable Gerry Dance final day at the European Parliament
transport charity
UK cycling learning how Europe is promoting and
‘Re-Cycling Cities’ was the theme of
said that it was the levels at their the World’s Greatest Bicycle
facilitating cycling. The target is
first time in the 14- Conference papers a 15% share of cycling in the modal
year long history of
highest point Conference, Velo-City 2009
are available at split for 2020.
in Brussels. The conference velo-city2009.com
the Network that it for 17 years attracted to the capital of the Conference delegates took a train
had seen more than E.U. more than 800 leaders Gerry Dance is a to the flourishing, beautiful and
one million journeys every day. Half were from government, academia
Principal Policy
lively city of Ghent to experience
made by bike and half on foot, according Advisor on Walking
and the private sector, and its many cycle tours. I chose the
to the charity. and Cycling in the
from non-profit, community NZTA.
‘Green lungs of Ghent’, a tour
Of the 386 million journeys: 17 million and advocacy groups from all through the city’s green spaces.
to school ; 96 million to work. 134 mil- over the world. Ghent, with a population of 239,000, has
lion journeys were made by people that the largest area of 30km/h speed zone in
I arrived in Brussels shattered, late on a
could have used a car, but instead chose Europe (about 1400 streets) and allows
Saturday evening after travelling for 42
to use the 12,000-mile long contra-flow cycling in 95% of its one way
hours. My first impression was
network. streets. The city’s modal split is car 46%,
that it is just another big city with
bicycle 20%, public transport 23%, foot
“It is gratifying to see this lots of buildings, people and cars.
7% and motorcycle 3%.
increasing and sustained Belgium’s Minister of Transport
use of the National Cycle reinforced this at the conference Brussels and Ghent are similar to New
Network,” enthused Sustrans by saying ‘Brussels is the capital Zealand cities. Their centres have nar-
CEO Malcolm Shepherd. of the car’. However, Brussels is rower streets and higher density, but
http://www.bikebiz.com committed to transforming itself their suburban streetscapes are like ours
to a bike-dominated culture. I and New Zealand. n
6 Chainlinks 3, October 2009
NZ Roundup New groups in the Cyclists get serious
Queenstown — Lakes district
There is a newbie group on
about climate change
the block in the Queens-
CAN joins the 350.org movement
town – Lakes area, provision- 350ppm is the safe upper limit of CO2 in
ally called the Walking and our atmosphere — we’re at 387, and ris-
Cycling Alliance Wakatipu ing. 350 is the movement calling for a fair
(WACAW). We welcome global climate treaty that gets us back to
Otaki Bridge protest: the 100 km/h zone starts on this busy SH1 bridge more people to be part of get- the safe zone. On
which is too narrow for safe cycling ting us up and running and Saturday October
wheeling. Contact: Robin Rawson 24 Aotearoa is par-
miromiro@ihug.co.nz | (03) 441 1200 ticipating in an in-
Call for action in Otaki Some Central Otago cyclists have started ternational event
Otaki cyclists are campaigning for a forming a local advocates’ group with where a whole se-
50 km/h speed limit on State Highway three keen members already. There’s talk ries of activities
1 where it crosses the Otaki River just of putting a group of cyclists in the Blos- happen, as many
south of the town. som festival parade. If you have a passion as possible video
to help make cycling happen in Central streamed live to
Motorists tooted their approval for a
Otago and want to be kept in the loop: New York to tell
decreased speed limit as thirty adults
Contact: Stephen Wood, the political lead-
and children at the behest of OCEAN
stephen@centralkennels.co.nz | (03) 447 3789 ers meeting in Copenhagen in December
(Otaki Cycling Environment and Access
what the acceptable CO2 limit is to stop
Network) stood with signs at the north
BikeNZ launches 1.5m to survive catastrophic Climate Change. Lots of peo-
end of the bridge.
ple are doing events to mark this day e.g.
Otaki’s Deputy Mayor Ann Chapman challenge Christchurch is launching Frocks on Bikes
said, ‘The community board has regu- BikeNZ is appealing to the New Zealand (frocksonbikes.org.nz ).
larly contacted NZTA, only to be told public for support and to sign the ‘1.5m to CAN had stickers designed to support
reducing the speed limit on the bridge survive’ petition at ridestrong.org.nz. this movement — they are available free
did not fit within national standards. It’s “Would you stand on the edge of a busy from CAN at http://tr.im/350stickers
totally barmy.’ road with your back turned towards a 30
Protest organisers Harry Hall and tonne articulated truck as it drives towards
Elisabeth Mikkelsen say, ‘We assume you at 100km/h, knowing it’s going to pass
that NZTA’s reply has to do with there within a metre of you?” they ask. This is
being no houses or businesses near the what cyclists, who now number over one
bridge’. However, they say NZTA should third of the population, face every single Kashi Leuchs is serious about getting cy-
consider that: the south end of the day. BikeNZ is asking for 1.5m when pass- clists up and riding to support action on
bridge has welcoming portals; the Otaki ing a cyclist to become law. climate change. His website 350riders.org
Gorge Road, used by children and adult helps co-ordinate cycling events for cli-
cyclists, joins SH1 only 200 m south mate change. You can get a sticker to
of the bridge and could become part secure to the front of your bike with the
of the National Cycleway Project; Te number “350” on it.
Horo (about 4 km south) has an exist- in Christchurch
ing 80 km/h speed limit that changes to Do you have a local cafe that would
100 km/h only 1 km south of the bridge; Spokes Canterbury members are support- help distribute these? Email Kashi
ing the launch of the Christchurch Chap- if you do. Also, a cafe may want to
and the existing 100 km/h limit may
ter of Frocks On Bikes as part of the 350. provide cyclists with some great bike
deter tired motorists from using the
org international day of climate change ac- parking facilities. Kashi has drafted a
nearby rest area.
tion. The launch is on Labour Weekend, template letter the cafe can use.
Harry and Elizabeth say the 80 km/h Saturday 24th October (2–5pm) at Victo- 350riders.org
limit should extend from Te Horo to ria Square. There’s a City cycle promenade www.350.org is an international movement
Otaki Gorge Road, where it should re- leaving Victoria Square at 2.30pm, ‘Catch to raise awareness of climate change. As
duce to 50 km/h. They also point out that that Train!’, ‘Catcycle’ — think fashion cyclists we can help by bringing this im-
Pukerua Bay, also on SH1, has a reduced parade, featuring fantastic newly imported portant number into the streets and onto
speed limit although it is not built up. ‘Dutch style’ bikes and Chalky Digits’ the trails . n
They say, ‘We want our children to clothing plus interesting fashion categories
cycle to school and adults to be safe to (such as rejigged skirts/dresses), entertain-
ride recreationally. Ideally, we’d like to ment, and spot prizes including clothing,
be able to cycle off SH1 all the way to baskets, and a lovely retro style recycled
Paraparaumu. NZTA should look at the bike. There will be food stalls and coffee.
merits of the proposal and consider the The MC is social media guru and environ-
cost of its inaction.’ mentalist, Kaila Colbin of Missing Link.
Continues p18
Chainlinks 3, October 2009 7
Communities, Connections and the Economy Advanced Planning and
in focus at the 2009 cycling conference Design for Cycling
The conference will be preceded by an
Now, more than ever, cycling has The economy Given the current
Advanced Planning and Design for Cy-
the potential to play a key part in financial climate, everything that we do
cling course on 11 November. ViaStrada
the economic development of New should provide sustainable economic
Ltd is offering this course to follow on
Zealand. The 7th New Zealand Cycling development. Cycling can demonstrate
from their Fundamentals of Planning
Conference aims to bring together a that in a variety of ways, in reduced oil
and Design for Cycling course. The
wide range of people who share this dependence, better health balance sheets,
course will focus on intersection design,
vision and can make it happen. economic revitalisation of small commu-
including on-site visits and design exer-
nities, and so on.
The conference will cises. n
Through a combina-
New Plymouth
cover a number of
themes. tion of plenary ses- TARANAKI RIDES continued
Communities Cy- sions, presentations, NP Inglewood Midhurst Ratapiko Kaimata
cling can enhance the
viability of local com-
12–13 Nov and networking, par-
ticipants will explore
NP 90 km (Starting in Inglewood 50 km,
about one and half hours) includes a ride
munities, by providing these themes.
sustainable access to
key services. Communi-
Register now The Conference will
be held at the TSB
through a peaceful valley and past a small
Hydrocarbon production station.
cyclingconf.org.nz
ties can also tap into the Lepperton Blocks — Access Lepperton
Showplace, a spectacu-
social, environmental lar venue located on
from either SH3 or SH3A This is one of the
and economic benefits locations where the NP Cycling club holds
New Plymouth’s main
that cycle networks Full programme details online street. race meetings. Any number of circuits can
bring with them. be ridden from here out and back, all on
More than 40 speak-
Connections There is quiet country roads.
ers from New Zealand and overseas have
a continuing need for completing physi- been invited to speak. New Plymouth
cal cycle networks, be it a national cycle-
way or a local commuting route. At the Other events include the Advanced Plan- Here are two lunch time ride, under 1 hour.
same time, the many sectors that affect or ning and Design for Cycling course, the
Cycle-Friendly Awards, an Exhibitors’ From Spotswood (South Road, New Ply-
are affected by cycling also need to bet- mouth) ride on SH45 through Omata vil-
ter connect, including transport, health, welcome function, and a conference din-
ner, to be held at Puke Ariki Museum. n lage and turn left onto Hurford Rd, left onto
tourism, education, environment, sport,
Pheny Rd and left onto Barrett Rd to return
recreation, and economic development.
to Spotswood (or you may wish to repeat
Cycling conferences are hosted every two years at a different venue around New Zealand. the circuit). p9
The 2007 conference in Napier was attended by 150 people.
CAN Cycle-Friendly Awards 2009 n NZ Transport Agency award
for best cycling promotion
n NZ Transport Agency award
Tauranga City Council
for its ‘Kids Can Ride
- For Life’ programme,
The Associate Minister of Transport,
Hon Nathan Guy, on behalf of Minister for cycle-friendly commitment by a busi- Bike Central for cyclist
of Transport Hon. Steven Joyce, will ness services and facilities at
present the Cycle-Friendly Awards at n ViaStrada award for cycle-friendly Britomart Transport Cen-
the NZ Cycling Conference 2009. commitment by a public organisation tre, Land Transport NZ and the Ministry
n Taranaki Regional Council Award for of Health for Bike Wise Week and Robert
The awards, celebrating achievements cycling champion of the year. Ibell for chairing the Cycling Advocates
that promote cycling and create cycle- Network.
Winners will receive uniquely designed
friendly environments in New Zealand,
bicycle bell trophies and certificates, and The awards ceremony will take place on
are for projects undertaken or completed
one lucky early nominator will get a $150 12 November from 5 to 6 pm, at the TSB
in the 18 months ending in June 2009.
Ground Effect gift voucher. Theatre, TSB Showplace, Devon Street,
Categories are:
Last year’s Cycle-Friendly Award winners New Plymouth. For more information see
n Avanti award for best cycle facility
included New���������������������������
Plymouth District Coun- www.can.org.nz/awards n
project
cil for its Foreshore Coastal Pathway,
Cycling advocates coast into New Plymouth
for the CAN Do 14–15 Nov
Fighting climate change, reducing traf-
Register now
fic congestion, staying healthy, build-
ing superb cities and weaning our-
selves off fossil fuels: issues are coming
at cycling advocates faster than traffic
Bikes rule: cycling advocates at CAN
Do in Christchurch, 2008.
on Ponsonby Rd.
CAN Networking Project Manager
can.org.nz/2009-can-do
Patrick Morgan says cycling advocates
avoid burnout, set CAN’s future goals,
Riding to New Plymouth from around New Zealand can learn
much from each other, gain inspiration
and of course ride bikes.
and ideas. The CAN Executive will lead a workshop
Stephen Wood
on future directions for CAN. With a new
“That’s the reason CAN invites all advo-
Are you cycling to the November government, new transport priorities and
cates together. Every year we gather to
Conference and CAN Do workshop in more players in cycle advocacy, it’s timely
ride, share, celebrate, and face the chal-
New Plymouth? to refocus.
lenges of being a cycling advocate.”
Distances from Wellington and Auckland A lunchtime ride, led by North Taranaki
On 14 and 15 November, New Plymouth
are similar, but the ride from Auckland Cycling Advocates, will showcase what
hosts the CAN Do — Cycling Advocates’
takes a little longer. Metro trains are a New Plymouth has to offer for cyclists.
Network’s annual workshop. CAN Do
good option to exit the cities, while rail to follows the biennial NZ Cycling Confer- CAN is providing food and subsidis-
Palmerston North or Hamilton will save ence, also in New Plymouth. ing travel for CAN financial members.
a day’s ride. The cost is $70 per member. Some local
CAN Do is a chance for CANners to help
groups will sponsor their members to
How far/long to New Plymouth? shape the future of CAN, learn, celebrate
attend.
our achievements, gossip, ride bikes, and
Start Km Days generally have a good time. After CAN Do there is an optional two or
Auckland 365 6 three-day ride along the Forgotten High-
CAN Do includes workshops and presen-
way 43 (p5), through Whangamomona
Wellington 352 5 tations on the UK and Australian cycling
and ending at Taumarunui.
scenes. Local CAN groups will share
Hamilton 241 4
their successes and challenges. Advocates For further information contact Patrick
Palmerston North 234 3 will plan how to lower traffic speeds, Morgan, CAN Networking Project Man-
Rotorua 308 5 ager. n
Taupo 305 5
Taumarunui 193 3
TARANAKI RIDES continued NP Okato return — 54 km Ride further from
From NP ride up Carrington Street (urban Oakura on SH45 to Okata, passing through
Whanganui 162 2 Tataraimaka with its old dairy factory, a
route 4) and at roundabout right onto Car-
Look at ways to avoid State Highways rington Road. The circuit commences at common sight in Taranaki.
and make your ride more interesting. Hurworth Hall and is formed by Hurworth, NP to Okato, Pukeiti Carrington Road
For example, from Wellington you could Frankley and Carrington Roads. It is usually return to NP From Oakura an excellent ride
take the Akatarawa road to Waikanae or ridden across Hurworth Rd, up Frankly Rd to up Oxford Rd to Carrington Rd between
detour through Wairarapa. the Pouakai Wildlife reserve and return on Kaitake and Pouakai mountain ranges. On
From Auckland, consider leaving SH 1 Carrington Rd. Carrington Rd you’ll find Pukeiti gardens,
south of Pukekohe and rejoining it at famous for their collection of Rhododen-
Ngaruawahia. From Te Kuiti, you could
Out west
dron. Carrington Rd finally leaves the bush
follow SH 4 to Taumarunui and the ‘For- NP Oakura return — 30 km SH45 south line with a magnificent panorama of New
gotten World Highway’ (SH43). People from New Plymouth through Omata, Tap-
Plymouth and North Taranaki, returning to
coming from Northland, East Cape or the uae Hill (at the bottom of the hill on the sea-
New Plymouth. Many of the roads off SH45
South Island have more options. ward side is the site of old flax mill which is
lead up to Carrington Rd to make shorter
Happy planning! worth a look — see the remains of the weir
loops.
under the bridge over main road). p15
Chainlinks 3, October 2009 9
10 Chainlinks 3, October 2009
Biking the talk: introducing conservationist Order your specially-
Hugh Wilson designed safety vest
Steven Muir and Fiona Whero in CAN colours
Hugh Wilson is one of a rare
breed of CAN members who Stand out
use neither the Internet nor
a computer. He manages the
in the midst of the worst weather,
1250-hectare Hinewai Reserve busiest traffic, dullest motorists
on Banks Peninsula, where na- and gaudiest bunch of road cyclists.
tive bush is regenerating. Much
effort goes into pest control,
track building and maintenance $90 (members)
and ‘border control’ (keeping
$110
Hinewai gorse off neighbouring
boundaries).
+ gst
SML
The recently-released DVD movie
‘Earth Whisperers — Papatuanuku’ is about ten visionary New Zea-
landers whose shifts in consciousness are healing our environment.
One of them is Hugh Wilson. The disc label shows Hugh with his
famous white beard (though not his equally famous smile) and also a
photo of him cycling on Banks Peninsula. It calls him a tree farmer, but
that’s an understatement considering Hugh’s love of native plants and
animals, the number of books he’s written and illustrated and the many
awards recognising his work in botany and conservation.
Hugh has been riding a
Car-repelling
bike since he was five,
message on the back
and loves it. He enjoys
the simplicity and chal
chal- Lightweight, wind
lenge of cycling, and proof, mesh-back,
envi-
appreciates its envi High-visibility
ronmental and health Rear reflective stripe
benefits. As a youngster
— before helmets — he Full length YKK zip for rapid
on-road deployment
crashed a tricycle into a whaling pot at Timaru’s Caroline Bay and was
badly concussed. He began wearing a helmet before it was compulsory, Three rear pockets for tidy
after a cycling colleague’s helmet protected her in an accident. storage of comestibles and
paraphernalia (third arm not
Now in his mid sixties, Hugh rides weekly from home 180 vertical
included).
metres up, then 630 metres down to Akaroa. The return journey with
20–25 kg of groceries is slower but enjoyable, he says. He also com- Made in NZ to NZ sizing.
mutes the 100 km to Christchurch, using the Little River Rail Trail to
avoid traffic and take him closer to the birds on Lake Ellesmere.
transform yourself
He’s had a few run-ins with drivers. One squeezed him badly on an
over-bridge, and Hugh tried to engage him in conversation at the next into a living advertisement
lights. The motorist ignored him, so he tapped on the window. At this, for the advantages and pleasures
the driver jumped out and tried to strangle Hugh in the middle of the
road, swearing profusely about touching his precious car. Hugh es-
of everyday cycling.
caped when the light turned green and drivers started tooting.
Undaunted, he tried the same ploy another time, when a driver danger-
ously invaded his space. When he politely asked her how many other
can.org.nz/shop
cyclists she’d tried to kill that day, she jovially admitted to around 20!
Hugh avoids riding in cars. An exception was when he was clearing
shop@can.org.nz
pines from the reserve and a rock pinned him by the legs for two hours.
After being helicoptered to hospital with crushed legs and a cracked
THE SMALL PRINT CAN are offering the vests on a pre-
rib, he begrudgingly accepted a ride home. Another time his bike rim
paid basis for the first print run. We are asking you to pay
split, shredding the tube. and wait until enough orders are received to allow vest-
He was debating what to makers Ultimo to print them cost-effectively. We don’t
do when a neighbour ar ar- know how long it will take for you to get your vest, but we
Continues p13 plan to have yours to you within two weeks. If you place
an order, we will keep you notified of progress. We guaran-
tee your order will beChainlinks
fulfilled or3,your
October 2009
money 11
refunded.CAN Networking Project marks Executive Activities
another successful year Planning & Development 2009/10
NZTA Networking Project planning/
budget/contracts; ChainLinks proc-
After a year of changes — the ess review; developing CAN Fund-
Government, the state of the economy, raising staff position; commissioning
CAN personnel — CAN Co-Chairs Axel CAN website upgrade contract; CAN
Wilke and Glen Koorey see a positive strategic planning workshop; commer-
shift in the mood of the country towards cialisation workshop with Living Streets
cycling, and a significant growth in the Aotearoa.
culture of cycling in New Zealand.
Event Organisation 2009 NZ
Key achievements of the Networking
Cycling Conference; 2009 “CAN Do”
Project include contributions to:
workshop; 2009 Cycle-Friendly Awards.
n Developing a national cycleway network,
initially through planning under the aus- Local Group Support NZTA Net-
pices of the Hikurangi Foun- n Promoting the Gemini Cycle Friendly working Project Annual Report; LTCCP
dation and more recently as a positive Awards which set a benchmark of excellence submissions and presentations; bikes on
a result of the Government’s in provision for cycling. buses trials.
announcement of a NZ Cycle-
shift
n Contributing to growth in the number Promotion/Campaigns/Media
way programme. towards of local bodies with cycling or combined Marketing of new CAN vests; Glass
n Helping to develop a na- cycling walking/cycling strategies, many of which campaign development; CAN inter-
tional cycling culture through have been developed with input from CAN views on Radio NZ, Radio Rhema
public discussion of cycleway networks, members. regarding national cycleway, new Road
Auckland Harbour Bridge crossings, shared n Local groups have reported many sig- Rules, etc.
pathways and cycling safety. nificant achievements over the year which CAN Policy Development Com-
n Running the CAN Do 2008 in Christch- demonstrate the power of networking and pulsory 3rd Party Insurance for Motor-
urch brought groups together from around the value of group resources including a ists; Fuel Taxes; Health & Fitness; Speed
the country to share experience, ideas and 3,500-signature cycle safety petition pre- Limit Tolerances.
resources. sented to the (former) Ministers of Trans-
port, Police and Road Safety, a successful Meetings/Representation Darien
campaign to reverse cuts in the Wellington Fenton and Darren Hughes (Labour
CAN’s Networking Project, which funds CAN’s
staff in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, City Council cycling budget, Frocks on MPs); Kevin Hague (Green MP); Angus
aims to strengthen the capacity of national Bikes and many others that have featured in Davidson (Min of Tourism national cy-
and local groups to participate in transport this magazine over the last 12 months. n cleway project manager); Colin Cramp-
planning and decision-making. The project is ton, Ian Gordon, Ernst Zollner (NZTA
funded by the NZ Transport Agency. Each year Group Managers); Supt Paula Rose (NZ
Police HQ); monthly with NZTA walk-
Being Cycle Aware:
CAN reports on Project achievements.
ing/cycling staff; bi-monthly with Min-
istry of Transport staff; Cycle Training
Workshop and resource kit Advisory Group; Bike NZ staff/CEO.
Donations deductible Being Cycle Aware is a half-day road safe-
ty workshop about issues that face cyclists
Feedback/Submissions Draft
Land Transport Rule (Vehicle Dimen-
on your tax return every day. It involves practical cycling in
real road conditions, guided by experi-
sions and Mass Amendment); Driv-
ing Rules regarding cycle lanes in
Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) is now
enced cyclists, with facilitated discussion Road Code; Kahurangi National Park
a Registered Charity (number CC36909).
and feedback to review the experience. Management Plan Partial Review;
It took a long time, but we got there. There The resource kit for Being Cycle Aware, Draft Traffic Control Devices manual
are many things we would like to be able developed from the experience of Cycle (Direction, service and general guid-
to do around the country to help espe- Aware Wellington in running a workshop ance signs); Pedal cycle safety standards;
cially new groups to spread the word about for traffic police, makes it simple for any 2020 Road Safety Strategy preliminary
cycling. Every year we allocate an amount group to do the same. While the origi- feedback; Bikewise funding support;
for local groups to apply for funds towards nal workshop was for police officers, the NZTA Proposed Key Research Areas;
something they are especially good at: map resources will suit local authority staff, CAN submissions development process.
making, doing short films or events or cam- councillors or bus drivers with minimal
paigns. This amount has necessarily been Presentations CAN Networking
adaptation. Mixed audiences are possible Project to NZTA staff, Wellington. n
small, but with your help we can do more too.
and do it better.
The resource kit is at http://tr.im/cancyclea-
Thank you to all who support us with your ware. For more information or for help in
membership dollar. organising a workshop, contact Patrick
Elisabeth Mikkelsen, Treasurer n (details p13). n
12 Chainlinks 3, October 2009Contact CAN Cycle Skills Training Hugh Wilson continues from p11
rived with a bike rack on his car, and pragmatism
:: Chair, Axel Wilke and Glen Koorey,
chair@can.org.nz Update Anne FitzSimon is
the CAN CTAG Rep
ruled. Two or three car journeys in the last ten years
is good going!
:: Secretary, Adrian Croucher, secretary@ Anne FitzSimon Two or three
can.org.nz
Hugh uses a mountain bike for
Many are wondering what’s happening
:: Treasurer, Liz Mikkelsen, treasurer@can.
its low gears and stability on car journeys
with Cycle Skills Training. The Cycle gravel, but in the Reserve and in
national parks he prefers to walk. in the last ten
org.nz
Training Advisory Group (CTAG) has
initiated the NZTA Cyclist Skills Train-
STAFF
He explains that Hinewai is not years
ing Instructor Project to establish a na- a recreation area but a conserva-
:: Networking Project Co-ordinator tionally recognised qualification, train- tion reserve, with tracks primarily for management;
Patrick Morgan, patrick@can.org.nz ing and Quality Management System
Wellington: 04 385 4967 / 027 563 4733 and maintenance is higher when bikes use the tracks.
which will support Cyclist Skills Train- But parks that are set up for mountain bikes are fine,
:: NetworkingProject Officer, South ing providers to deliver safe and effective Hugh says.
Island
programmes, focusing on three areas of
Fiona Whero, fiona@can.org.nz, Hugh wishes that more resources were put into
Christchurch: 03 366 2645 / 027 449 instructor competency: managing safety,
cycling infrastructure. He cites the struggle to fund
1845 cycling proficiency and teaching.
the Little River Rail
:: NetworkingProject Officer, Upper The project outcomes include: Trail, when vastly more
NI • A clear specification of the com-
Kisten Shouler, kirsten@can.org.nz
funding goes to roads
petencies required to qualify to cor-
for cars. We must cor
Auckland: 09 378 0953 / 027 449 1848
provide Cyclist Skills Training. rect the imbalance if
:: CAN Administrator
Alex Revell, admin@can.org.nz • A qualification that is achievable cycling numbers are to
Wellington: 04 385 4967 and supported by stakeholders.. increase. n
• Training and credentialing proc- Hinewai has many volvol-
SOME ExECUTivE ROLES
esses for instructors which are unteering opportunities
:: Membership secretary, for anyone who’d like to
recognised, understood and can
Adrian Croucher, membership@can.org.nz get their hands dirty on
be effectively implemented by
:: Email& DNS Server Administra- track maintenance or
providers of Cyclist Skills Train-
tor, Thomas Schwarz, thomas@can.org. you may like to offset
nz
ing.
some carbon. Arriving
:: Media
& marketing co-ordinator, The project aims to be complete manda-
on bike is not manda
Stephen McKernon, media@can.org.nz by June 2010: the project plan and tory but you earn you
Technical Advisory Group begin in lots of extra brownie
OTHER CAN ROLES September. n annu
points. For $5 annu-
:: e.CANeditor, ally you can subscribe
Andre Cymbalista departs
Adrian Croucher, secretary@can.org.nz to Pipipi, which will keep you abreast of happenings at
:: Chainlinks
editor, Hinewai and has lovely sketches of fauna and flora by NZ’s
Miriam Richardson, chainlinks@can.org.nz leading botanist.
Andre Cymbalista has resigned from the
:: Chainlinks
contributions manager, CAN Executive. He and his family have Contact Hugh at (03) 304 8501 or write to Hinewai Reserve,
Stephen Wood, chainlinks@can.org.nz
decided not to return to New Zealand
Long Bay Road, RD3, Akaroa.
:: Mailouts
co-ordinator, from their native Brazil. Andre was the
Hinewai and carbon credits
Ritsuko Ogawa, mailouts@can.org.nz
main energy behind the upgrading of
:::Merchandiseco-ordinator CAN’s website as the project manager
Karen Hunn, shop@can.org.nz
for our Department of Internal Affairs-
:: Awardsco-ordinator, funded Digital Strategy Initiative. That Hugh Wilson
Gaz Sanvicens, gaz@can.org.nz
project was delivered successfully on As governments lurch ponderously to confront
WORKING GROUPS time and within budget — a rarity in the the terrifying threat of human-induced climate
world of IT! change, brought about by rampant abuse of fossil
:: Model Communities:vacant
:: Research:
Under Andre’s direction the CAN website fuels, Hinewai Reserve finds herself in a curious
Andrew Macbeth
acquired significant new features, with lots situation.
:: Media/Communications/Market-
ing: of potential for collaborative working. The Carbon sequestration by growing forests offsets car-
Stephen McKernon new website has proved to be a wonderful bon-dioxide emissions from transport, enery genera-
:: Information Centre: Thomas resource, though naturally it is a work in tion, agriculture and industry. Alas, if we carry on as
Schwarz progress, with improvements to its appear- usual, reforesting the entire land surface of the planet
ance and usability in the pipeline. would not alone save us from rising atmospheric
MORE Andre’s energy, ideas and enthusiasm carbon dioxide levels produced by burning carbon
For the full list of CAN roles: will be much missed in CAN. Andre, sequestered over millions of years. And planting a few
can.org.nz/can-roles Carine and Lina have settled back hap- trees can be an easy salve on guilty consciences, per-
Contact CAN: can.org.nz/contact pily in Brazil, with baby number two on haps inhibiting lifestyle changes we need to make.
the way. We wish them all the best, and On the other hand it is potentially part of a solution.
hope to see them back in New Zealand It can also provide a monetary
some time in the future. n Continues p15
Chainlinks 3, October 2009 1314 Chainlinks 3, October 2009
tARANAKI RIDeS continued Round the Mtn upper
DOwN SOuth road Wiremu Road
120 km A popular short-
Stratford to Whangamomona SH43 THE er ride, and very beauti-
FORGOTTEN WORLD HIGHWAY 126 km return ful views being quite
Go South from New Plymouth on SH3 some
close to the mountain.
46 km to Stratford. Turn onto SH43 pass-
ing through Toko, Douglas, Strathmore, Te Round the Mtn via
Were and Pohokura. At Whangamomona Opunake Eltham 150 km
you will find food and drink at the pub; This is the traditional
view their historic photos and chat to locals. route for the annual
Whangamomona has its next Republic Day race and fun rides.
on January 22, 2011. It also has an interest- From NP ride SH45 to Dawson Falls is accessed from Stratford
ing mountain bike circuit, see details on The Opunake, then just South of Opunake turn on SH3, Opunake Road and Upper Manaia
Bridge to Somewhere. onto Eltham Road to Eltham through Te Kiri Road, and is well signposted. A very interest-
and Kaponga. There are views of the Kapuni ing lodge along Swiss lines provides food
Hawera to NP via SURF HIGHW AY SH45 — Gas and Condensate production station.
100 km Make your way to Hawera, a moder- and drinks and accommodation. Also check
From Eltham, return to New Plymouth on out the small hydro electric scheme.
ate sized township in the south of Taranaki.
SH3 passing through Stratford and Ingle-
From here ride the Surf Highway SH45 along
wood. Access to the Stratford Mountain house is
the coast through Manaia (the home of from Stratford via Pembroke Road where
Yarrows the bakers), Opunake, Oaonui (the Round the Mtn via Opunake Hawera 180 km you may purchase food and drinks and ac-
Maui Gas and Condensate production sta- An extension of the round the mountain commodation. This is also the access to the
tion, with a visitors centre), Okato, and lovely route. Rather than turn at Opunake, remain mountain’s main ski field, a walk of approxi-
Oakura with its popular beach and New on SH45 riding through Manaia (the home mately 30 minutes from the top car park.
Plymouth. Many rugged surf beaches and of Yarrows the bakers) to Hawera. Return on
small towns to pass through. SH3 to New Plymouth passing through Nor- North Egmont mountain house is accessed
manby, Eltham, Stratford and Inglewood. from Egmont Village via Egmont Road. At
CeNtRAl the top there is a DoC visitors centre with
Triple Peaks Mountain Climb A challeng- café. Great views (on a fine day) of the North
Many will have ridden the round the moun- ing ride for the road cyclist is the ride to Taranaki coastline
tain circuit (Egmont National Park) over the and ascent of the three main roads into the Download the pdf from
and the summit
years. It can be ridden in either direction, National Park, thoroughly enjoyable. They CAN http://can.org.nz/article/
of Mt Taranaki. n
but it is traditionally ridden anti-clockwise could also be ridden separately. taranaki-rides-09
via SH45 through Okato. Three routes are Alan Chapman is a member
most popular. of NTCA.
Hinewai carbon credits, from p13
incentive for landowners to allow mar-
Apart from the financial help this gives to
the reserve, we have another reason for New Plymouth District
going along with the arrangements. There
ginal lands to regenerate naturally into
native forest, providing large spin-off
is much talk in New Zealand of plant-
ing thousands of hectares of exotic trees,
Council and cycle promotion
gains for conservation and biodiversity. The council is active in getting more
mostly Pinus radiata, across wide swathes people cycling more often.
For the last few years the Maurice of marginal land to absorb carbon and
White Native Forest Trust, help meet New Zealand’s emission Within our council we have a Workplace
which owns and manages the reduction targets. This is may Travel Team who meet regularly to im-
nearly 1300 hectares of Hinewai well do, but only at enormous prove conditions for all sustainable trans-
Reserve, has drawn useful funds cost to conservation and port users. National and local cycling
from carbon sequestration pay- native biodiversity-a strik- initiatives are encouraged with signifi-
ments contributed by businesses ing reminder, if one were cant participation by our staff. Council
aiming voluntarily to reduce needed, that Homo sapiens is facilities are monitored and upgraded as
their “carbon footprint”, and brokered by the arch blunderer when it comes to required, we have increased bicycle stor-
Manaaki Whenua/Landcare Research. attempts to “manage” its natural habitat, age, a new drying room for wet gear and
The payments have been based on care- Planet Earth. In registering for the Per- towels and we have recently implemented
ful mapping and measurement of carbon manent Forest Sink Initiative, we hope to new slow speed signs around the council
dioxide uptake by Hinewai’s extensive put natural regeneration of native forest car parks.
regenerating native forest. at the forefront of the agenda. Hinewai In 2007 the New Plymouth District Cycle
Now that the Kyoto Protocol is in force, is a significantly sized and (dare I say it?) Strategy was adopted by council with
Landcare Research is assisting us to reg- magnificent example of the process. three main objectives:
ister for the Government’s “Permanent Meanwhile we continue to move about n To improve cycle safety through net-
Forest Sink Initiative”, allowing our Trust on our own two legs and well-maintained work improvements and education.
to sell annual fully-accounted carbon bicycles, with occasional long forays by n To increase the role of cycling as a vi-
credits on a national, and possibly inter- public transport. n able mode of transport.
national, carbon market. Continues p18
Chainlinks 3, October 2009 15You can also read
