Chainlinks - Summer cycling: what's it like out there on the road? - Cycling Action Network
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Chainlinks
Summer cycling:
what’s it like out
there on the road?
CHAINLINKS 2009 Issue 1, February
2009 ISSUE 1, February
newsletter of the cycling advocates network (NZ)
The work of
Editorial deaths in 2010 is a nice target? Not in
my book.
advocacy —
One of the most meaningful safety
measures that the authorities could
implement is reduced speed limits.
Many European countries have suc-
locally and
cessfully implemented area-wide 30
km/h in their towns and cities, with
nationally
crashes reducing by about one third. Next issue: articles by 1 April;
And the default rural speed limit of local group reports by 29th April.
100 km/h in NZ has always amazed
Down with Speed me, as I come from a country where a Due out May 23rd
rural speed limit is posted according
Axel Wilke, CAN Co-chair to the speed environment (and this
Another year has gone by. 2008 was a might change frequently). Many of our
good year, as we read in the media that rural roads in NZ were not designed
only 359 people died on NZ’s roads – for such fast travel, however the of-
the lowest road toll since 1956. In my ficial belief is that the speed limit is
opinion, this is by no means a good just a guide and the motorist will drive
news story. to the conditions. Statistics, however,
show that the crash rate reduces by 2%
In 2000, CAN submitted on the draft for each km/h speed reduction. Huge
Road Safety Strategy (RSS) 2010. I numbers of lives could be saved with
have just re-read the 19 page submis- more intelligent speed management. CAN: Cycling Advocates Network
sion, which was a most thorough piece PO Box 6491, Wellesley St,
of work (http://can.org.nz/rss-2010). In fact, the surprising 2008 drop in Auckland, New Zealand.
Most of our suggestions were not tak- road deaths has been partly explained Tel 04 972 2552
en up by government. For example, we by Ministry officials as being a result secretary@can.org.nz
asked for Sweden’s “Vision Zero” ap- of reduced speeds during the period of www.can.org.nz
proach to be adopted, which has at its high fuel prices.
core the concept that no road deaths
Officials have for some time been
Chainlinks
whatsoever are acceptable. chainlinks@can.org.nz
working on the Road Safety Strategy Editor: Miriam Richardson
The RSS 2010 the government did 2020. Our 2000 submission would Contributions manager:
publish in 2002 had 400 and 300 road make some useful background mate- Stephen Wood
deaths in 2004 and 2010, respectively, rial for them. n
as their targets. The first one we have Next Quarterly Issue: May 23
already missed, and it is my prediction Articles by 1 April
that we will also miss the second one. Local group items by 29 April
The graph below demonstrates this. Email content to:
But either way, even 300 road deaths chainlinks@can.org.nz
is morally unacceptable. Imagine any- Pictures: 1024 x 768 pixels preferred
body wanting to introduce a new tech- Advertising: patrick@can.org.nz
nology that would bring huge benefits
to society, but as a downside, there
Webpage
can.org.nz/chainlinks
would be a few hundred fatalities each
year – what are the chances of this The views expressed in
being acceptable? But somehow, 300 Husband of the year award, honourable mention Chainlinks are not necessarily
those of CAN.
CAN receives financial support from
Cover photo: Central Otago
©2009 Stephen Woods
ISSN 1175-9364 (print) 1174--3409 (pdf)
2 Chainlinks 1 2009
Highlights this issue
n Touring in Taranaki, this page
n What’s involved in cycle
touring, p18
n The social side of cycle
touring, p5
n Starting out with day trips,
p19
Taranaki Detour n Day trippping in Central, p8
Patrick Morgan n Frocks on bikes, p9
The back roads of Taranaki are a good way to distance n What IS cycle advocacy and
yourself from holiday traffic. Here’s a ride I took a few what will it do for you?, p16
years ago from Stratford along the Forgotten Highway be- n Join CAN and join your local
fore getting sidetracked by boggy farm tracks. group, p17
Taranaki is wreathed in cloud as I tuck Tahora Saddle. Elena, a Russian emi- n Bikewise month
into a hearty breakfast of home-baked grant runs it. She has a samovar by the n CAN news and actions, p12
bread, marmalade, applesauce, muesli, till and dolls by the counter. Poached
currant buns, and leaf tea made in the eggs and a cuppa for me. n Road safety — down with
pot. I’ve been staying with friends who speed, p2
The road takes me through the Ohura
appreciate the biker appetite. True n Sustainable transport in the
tunnel, which is signed ‘Hobbit Hole’.
country hospitality is a treat. North Wet of the USA, p4 n
I pause at an intersection to check the
From Stratford it’s a rolling 63 km east map, and talk to a young cow cocky,
on Highway 43 to Whangamomona. who gives me the lie of the land. De-
I cross three saddles. The railway ciding to forego the pleasures
follows the road most of the way, Taranaki is of Taumarunui, I point the
Contents
2 Editorial
but cuts through tunnels under wreathed in bike west again, down Moki
the hills. Trains have it easy. Rd towards SH40 at Kotare. 3 Taranaki Detour
cloud as I tuck But I change my mind again 4 Pacific Northwest sustainable
Lunch is taken at the school
at Huiakama. The trampoline
into a hearty after consulting the Ken- transport tour
netts’ mountain bike guide, 5 West Coast hospitality — a
makes a comfortable picnic table. breakfast reason to cycle
and set off for the Rerekapa
There’s a pit stop at Te Wera for a
Track. It starts near the Moki 6 Government news
ride along the arboretum track, featur-
Forest at a lush patch of regenerating 6 International snippets
ing 80 tree species.
bush, full of birdsong and the bones of 7 New Zealand roundup
Whangamomona is dead quiet. steam boilers used by woodsmen. 8 February Bikewise week
Historic building signs point to the grows into Bikewise month
The Rerekapa starts with an easy
former butcher, baker, Post Office and 8 A different Central Otago trail
cruise up a farm track. The going is
churches. The café is shut. Motor-
slower past a waterfall, over boggy 9 Frocks on bikes
bikes, old utes and a disused Welling-
animal tracks, and past the shabby 11 Marketplace
ton city bus bound for Happy Valley
Boys’ Brigade hut. Some sections are 12 CAN news and profile
are parked along the main street.
unrideable. It’s tough work carrying 13 Kisten Shouler joins the team
Horse trekkers have booked out the the bike through the slippery papa soil.
13 CAN trains the trainers
pub, so I check into a cabin at the do- Clingy seeds attach themselves to my
15 A brief history of cycle
main for a few dollars. Back at the pub leg hairs.
commuting
I look for milk. The woman offers me 2
Wonder where I’ll end up tonight? 16 Regional groups
litres, explaining it was about to expire
and go to the pigs. The pigs’ loss, my Route finding is a bit tricky once over 16 What is cycling advocacy?
gain. the saddle, pedalling through boggy 17 Join CAN
paddocks, but I eventually make it to a 18 Getting started cycle touring
Steady rain sets in overnight.
rusty old barn at Kiwi Rd. I’m thirsty, 19 Summer cycling
The next day dawns still and dry. I set but don’t like the look of the streams. 19 2009 Dates
off for Taumarunui. There’s an easy 19 Cycling conference 2009
hour to Kaieto Café, at the top of continues p12 19 On the web
Chainlinks 1 2009 3
Pacific Northwest Sustainable Some useful websites
n 700 photos from around the Pacific
Transport Tour Northwest: http://picasaweb.google.
co.uk/GlenKoorey
by Glen Koorey n ProWalk/ProBike 2008 con-
ference: http://www.bikewalk.
For many of you, North America The Pacific org/2008conference/
Northwest of
may not strike you as an obvious n Post-conference website for
USA and Canada:
place to seek sustainable trans- ProWalk/ProBike 2008, includpre-
British Columbia,
port enlightenment – this is the sentation: http://www.bikewalk.
Washington and
org/2008conference/vconference (my
“home” of the automobile after Oregon presentation mine’s in session 80).
all! was “in the neighbourhood”, I decided
But, while you may indeed find better also to check out some of the high- The best cycle routes I saw had no
sustainable examples in Europe and lights in adjacent Oregon state (home cycle facilities! “Bicycle boulevards”
other parts of the world, the pragmatic to Portland, Eugene, and a fantastic were common in a number of cit-
fact is that NZ derives much of its coastal cycle route!) and across the ies I visited. Generally they looked
transport inspiration and policy from water in Victoria, British Columbia like ordinary streets, usually within a
the likes of North America. (home of sustainable transport expert grid network. The key to their suc-
Todd Litman). All up, I spent two cess was the removal and calming of
Therefore, if you want to convince peo- packed weeks travelling about 2000km motor traffic along the routes, usu-
ple here to change their ways, you may by a variety of travel modes visiting ally through features such as one-way
have to try to win them over with “but dozens of interesting communities. entrances/exits, intersection splitters
look what they’re doing in the US...” and mini-roundabouts. These gave the
It is difficult to distil the many things
First, some background: Following the I encountered into a brief article, but advantage to cyclists, who maintained
visit to NZ by Bob Chauncey (keynote here are a few of the more pertinent unrestricted two-way connectivity
speaker for 2007 NZ Cycling Confer- cycling-related observations that could throughout.
ence), I was inspired to pay a visit in be useful for NZ: I don’t think I saw an urban bus that
return to the 2008 ProWalk/ProBike
The Town-making tour was a well- didn’t have bike racks on the front. Ac-
Conference in Seattle (Washington
organised non-stop affair, covering a tually, the one exception was Eugene’s
state, US) last September. This is
lot of different kinds of communities free EmEx Bus Rapid Transit, but
North America’s premier walking and
and providing access to a lot of the that’s because you could wheel them
cycling conference and I thought that
key people behind them. A common straight in the back. And that was
a visit could help to answer a ques-
theme was places wanting to reinvent pretty much the same for all “street-
tion that has been doing the rounds in
themselves, e.g. from being a “dormi- cars” and other light rail systems.
NZ — should we be holding combined
walking and cycling conferences here? tory” suburb to a place in their own continues p10
right. Generally this entailed mixed
Attached to this conference was a land-use and higher (not high) density
pre-conference “Town-making tour” living, walk/bike-friendly communi-
of communities around the greater ties and great urban design. The tour
Seattle area and Vancouver (British reminds us all that the first step to get-
Columbia, Canada), hosted by Dan ting more people biking is to get the
Burden of Walkable Communities. land-use right! A great way to learn
Some of you may remember Dan from by seeing and doing (and walking and Bikes on public transport everywhere
his visit to NZ last July. So I decided biking…).
to sign up for that as well. And while I
4 Chainlinks 1 2009
Intersection treatments along bicycle boulevards
West Coast Hospitality — Derek came across
to see if I was ok; be-
fore I knew it, bike,
a reason to cycle belongings and me
were off to the Hoki-
tika bike shop. What
Illona Keenan a lovely man — while
driving to the bike
One of the fabulous ways to use a bicycle is to shop he kindly of-
explore this wonderful country of ours. During offering me cups of tea, others chat-
fered me a place to
November I went on a 3 week cycle tour of the ting about their cycle experiences in
stay and even men-
various countries, people in cars tell-
West Coast, South Island. tioned what was for
ing me that cycling is how it should be
tea. I had to accept, especially with the
And I highly recommend a tour there, done (someone even said bravo!), and
offer of a bath — I was a bit cold and
of whatever length you can afford. My sneaking into a café that wasn’t open
shook up! After meeting his wife, Jane,
adventure started by being dropped for a coffee — bless!
who works as a stone
off by a tramping club van, a couple
weaver, making won- On top of all these
of kilometres north of St Arnaud, in
derful stone mats, and people interactions
Nelson Lakes National Park, a quick
a short tour of Hoki- there was the beauti-
ride down the hill to a nice bed. After
tika, I was into a hot ful scenery, consider-
trying to get used to pedalling with
bath and dry clothes ate motorists, great
cleats (I highly recommend practicing
and the wet ones were stories and wonderful
on grass) … I was off.
drying by the fire. One memories … and I
One of the things that I love about of the most memorable think I am fitter now
cycle touring is what the things seen moments was when too.
on the side of the road tell you about Derek was talking to
As a post script the
where you are. In Provence — sun- friends on the phone,
New Zealand Trans-
flowers, in Southland — giant escapee and mentioned that
port Agency are cur-
swedes, in Otago — Speights bottles “he had picked up
rently upgrading the
and going through the Buller Gorge I some roadkill on the
Arahura Bridge and
saw lumps of coal — which made me Arahura bridge, …
it will soon no longer
laugh! yes, she was a cyclist
be a road/rail bridge
from Wellington”. But
Another thing that I love and there will even
is the people you meet. One of the things the West Coast hospital- be a joint cycle/pedestrian facility on
ity went further the next
I had a couple of gems, that I love about day, when after picking it. n
but the best one was my
knight in a shining car, cycle touring is up my bike — with new
wheel — it started to hail.
by the name of Derek the things on the Derek said that
Hutchinson of Rimu, near
Hokitika. I had the hilar-
side of the road — I shouldn’t cycle
in this weather
ity of riding across the sunflowers, giant and if I stayed
Arahura Road/Rail bridge
swedes, Speights another night,
in the rain, unfortunately I he would cook
was going a bit fast… didn’t bottles, coal … whitebait for tea!
take the rails at the right angle You guessed it — I
and surprise surprise came off my had to stay another night. I
bike. Luckily I wasn’t injured, however would like to publicly thank
my rear wheel was banana shaped. I Derek and Jane Hutchinson
also needed a new helmet! While I was for welcoming roadkill into
working out that I was all in one piece, their house, and being truly
amazing hosts.
Other inter-
actions I had
included en-
joying people’s
congratulations
for making it
up the Crown
Range, people
Chainlinks 1 2009 5
International snippets ticket of 2009 (a seated one at that!).
It would seem like everything I could
have dreamed came true. I must say
India sprouts green Cycling 3rd most popular adult that this entire endeavour — acci-
In just one year, the Delhi Bicycling sport in the UK dents, frustrations, and pain aside —
Club of New Delhi, India, has grown was quite possibly the most positive
Interim surveys from 2007 suggest the
from one member to five hundred. thing I have ever been involved in. To
number of adults cycling for at least
Nalin Sinha, the original lone member, cap it off, I was able to sit with every-
30 minutes once a week (not includ-
says half of Delhi’s population trav- day people involved in the campaign
ing commuting or utility trips) has
els less than six kilometres per day, way up near the front of the crowd.”
increased by over 130,000 to 1.77 mil-
a distance easily covered by bicycle. lion people since 2005/6. Cycling is
The Times of India: http://tinyurl.com/ the third most popular sport amongst Pedal-power supercomputing
a6mfob adults after football and swimming In a demonstration of energy efficien-
and the second fastest growing sport cy, the University of Maine, Depart-
Cycling’s impact on climate after athletics. ment of Computer Science (USA),
unveiled the first cyclist-powered
change “green” supercomputer. Powered by
Fit as a Fiddle
Almost as much CO2 could be saved 10 cyclists, the eco-friendly super-
by doubling cycling (0.6 million tonnes The UK’s CTC has been awarded
computer successfully ran a program
per year) as could be saved by switch- funding to deliver a pilot cycling
demonstrating glacial melting for 20
ing all air travel from London to Scot- project ‘Fit as a Fiddle’ for Age Con-
minutes. http://tinyurl.com/pedalCom-
land to the rail network, according to cern. They will deliver cycle training,
puter n
The Committee on Climate Change basic bike maintenance courses and
report on interim targets to cut green- confidence building sessions, lead
house gas emissions. rides and organise a ride supporters’
course. Age Concern is targeting those
Government news
over 50 (Ed: !).
Supermarkets loan cycle trailers Recent publications from
A supermarket in England is trying Which group endangers
NZTA give a boost to
to encourage more of their customers
pedestrians the most… cycling
to shop by bike. During January and
February, 23 branches of Waitrose are Cyclists or drivers? According to UK Economic Evaluation Manual
loaning customers cycle trailers, so figures released in January there have
Updates to this manual,give increased
they can carry their shopping home by been 364,082 pedestrians injured by
composite benefits for cycling. Hope-
bike. Customers will then have three drivers over the last ten years, com-
fully this will result in some new cy-
days to return the trailers and large pared with 2,623 injured by cyclists.
cling projects being put forward: http://
canvas shopping bags. Waitrose Man- The same data shows that, as a pedes-
tinyurl.com/dbvc5g pdf 1.1mb
ager said, “shoppers using the trail- trian, you are 263 times more likely to
ers will probably get their food home be killed by a driver than a cyclist — A stocktake of walking and cy-
quicker than most, not to mention this despite the fact that cyclists and cling strategies
saving fuel and transport costs!” pedestrians often share the same space
and much of motor vehicle mileage is This was published October last year,
made on motorways, where pedestri- which shows that councils are taking
Terrorism and cycling advocacy ans are prohibited. significant steps forward in planning
When the MP for Central Croydon, for walking and cycling: http://tinyurl.
com/am6k3r pdf 300kb
Andrew Pelling, decided to take some Biking for Obama
photographs of dangerous cycle lanes In December, Californian Ryan Bowen Regional Land Transport
in his constituency, he was stopped began a cross-country cycling trip Programme Guidelines
and searched by police. According to to Washington for the inauguration.
the Telegraph, officers stopped him on Dubbed “Biking for Obama,” it was a These signal that greater emphasis
suspicion of being a terrorist because 6,400 km journey across the country needs to be placed on the planning,
he was taking photographs near East from Los Angeles, California to Wash- prioritisation and delivery of walking
Croydon station. ington. and cycling infrastructure projects.
The guidelines establish a hierarchy of
“I’ve crossed an entire continent on interventions to be used when devel-
London children get bikes my bicycle; received international oping regional land transport plans.
Sales of children’s bikes in London media attention for what I’ve done, The first two items in the hierarchy
were three times higher than 2007 in met countless amazing individuals are demand management, and walking
the run-up to Christmas, according to along my journey; been welcomed into and cycling: http://tinyurl.com/agm83t
a London bike seller. DC by Congressmen; got the hottest pdf 600kb n
6 Chainlinks 1 2009
NZ Roundup
Wellington News:
Ngauranga to Petone
safety measures
NZTA is making improvements along
State Highway 2 to ensure cyclists are
more visible. Green cycling zones have
been installed between Ngauranga
Gorge and Petone.
They are expected to clearly define the
path that cyclists use when travelling
along SH2 and help both cyclists and
motorists share the road.
Electronic cyclist-activated warning
signs will also be installed to alert mo- Cycle route to Petone crossing a side tad on SH2.
torists that cyclists are ahead.
BikeNZ launches Naked riding in paradise
RideStrong The World Naked Bike Ride is hap-
RideStrong is a new cycling pening in Golden Bay: on Saturday
Memorial ride community run by BikeNZ, March 14 there will be lots of fun and
dedicated to promoting a safe lots of prizes to be won
Welcome changes, long awaited and enjoyable environment for all
It is a global clothing-optional event
Changes to highlight the existence of cyclists.
that belongs to all earthlings that
cyclists on this cycle route are very
The RideStrong programme is centred advocate pollution free transport. A
welcome and long overdue. Police
on a community website ridestrong. balance to working on submissions,
Superintendent Steve Fitzgerald was
org.nz. Anyone will be able to sign up petitions, and policy design, and gets
killed at the Petone exit in June last
to the site to join the RideStrong com- excellent press for our issues. Naked-
year (and a truck driver appeared in
munity and have their voice heard, and ness is as optional as clothes: most
court in January charged with careless
by paying an annual fee of $24 or $49 participants do in fact wear clothes.
driving causing death).
you can get enhanced website access
A memorial ride from Parliament to “Unlike the recent Boobs on Bikes
and discounts and deals from suppli-
Petone roundabout was organised by which is a blatant marketing gim-
ers. [CAN welcomes RideStrong: read
cycling advocates to honour both Su- mick by an exploiter of women, the
CAN’s press release on p12]
perintendent Fitzgerald and Des Eyre, WNBR takes place in an atmosphere
another cyclist killed in the Hutt Val- of lighthearted meaningfulness and
ley the same week after being forced the body is honoured and celebrated
New maps for Auckland as the world’s most efficient form of
into the path of a truck by a careless
motorist opening their car door. cyclists transport” said Victoria Davis of Bicy-
cle Lanes in Paradise (BLIP), the local
Cycle Aware Wellington has been The Auckland Regional Transport Au-
cycling group.
working for over a decade for im- thority has launched a set of five free
provements for commuter cyclists regional cycle maps that allow cyclists “When we were first approached by
between Wellington and the Hutt, of varying ages and ability to navigate the global cycling underground, we
including the stretch between Wel- their own routes. Each of the roads on sought legal advice re the nudity bit,
lington and Ngauranga which is not the maps has been ridden by mem- and ascertained that it was not a crime
covered by these improvements. bers of Cycle Action Auckland and to ride one’s bicycle naked, providing
is graded in no ‘lewd or inde-
Greater Wellington Regional Council
terms of safety cent’ behaviour
recently adopted a Cycling Plan which
and whether takes place.” Vic-
includes actions to ‘improve driver
it is a quiet or toria added. n
and cyclist awareness’ and ‘encourage
busy route.
participation in cycling’. After strong moonbow@gold-
The gradient of
submissions on the draft plan from enbay.net.nz.
the roads and
cycling advocates, the Council has also
whether they
pledged to support the development
have a cycle
of the ‘Great Harbour Way’ — a route
lane is also de-
which includes this stretch of coastline.
picted.
Chainlinks 1 2009 7
February: BikeWise Week grows to Biking Goes Wild in
Taranaki
BikeWise Month Hold onto your handlebars: The Wild
West Bike Fest is coming to Taranaki!
BikeWise is a nationwide month of fun cycling events to encour- A variety of bike-themed events are on
age people to enjoy the summer sun and get out and about on throughout February to mark Bikewise
Month, to encourage people of all ages
their bikes. Last year over 100,000 people around New Zealand took to hop on a bicycle and have fun.
to their bikes to participate — so this year it has been extended to
Events include mountain bike orien-
the whole month. teering, a bike sell and swap meet,
mountain bike races (beginner and ex-
Mayoral Challenge 2009 and be in to win great prizes for your-
perienced), a women’s mountain bike
self and your team. Are you up for it?
In February 2009 New Zealand towns skills workshop, a downhill race, an
and cities compete for the title of Cy- Registrations can be made at any time after-dark mountain bike ride, Critical
cle Mad City by getting as many peo- from now until the end of February Mass ride , and the finale is The Stam-
ple as possible to follow the Mayor on but remember, the sooner you start pede: a leisurely costumed ride along
a fun bike ride. A point will be earned logging trips, the more chances you the Coastal Walkway. n
for each participant, and bonus points have to win great spot prizes!
http://tinyurl.com/BikingGoesWild
will be given for celebrities.
Go By Bike Day Helm-art
Bike Wise Battle On Wednesday 18 February 2009 New
Has your old bike helmet seen better
days? Take it to the Govett-Brewster
The Battle is back and bigger than Zealanders are encouraged to ditch
Art Gallery event in BikeWise month to
ever, running for the whole of Bike vehicular transport and ‘go by bike’ recycle it into a fantastic wearable art-
Wise Month 1–28 February 2009. instead. work and receive a new one in return
Just as in previous years, people will (age 8-12 yrs only!),
It’s easy to be part of the Battle. Just
get as many of your colleagues as pos- bike to their local event where they
sible to hop on a bike during the Battle will be rewarded with a scrumptious
period. They can ride wherever they healthy breakfast.
feel comfortable for just 10 minutes or
The events are co-ordinated
2 km. The organisations
with the highest per- Check in your by local and regional councils,
sports trusts, cycle groups
centage of participation local area to see and other organisations with
will win vouchers for a
scrumptious morning tea what is on. an interest in biking, and will
take place in over 50 centres
shout (and don’t forget
throughout New Zealand. n
the bragging rights!).
http://www.bikewisebattle.org.nz/
Register now for the Bike Wise Battle
A Different
Central Otago
trail
Stephen Wood
It was an idea conceived
while looking at some photographic cards depict-
ing local Central Otago scenery.
One of the cards had pictures of nine showed them the nine-pub card. They
historic hotels. When two friends were keen.
from Christchurch dropped in to ask
The three of us left home mid-morn-
for ideas for a week of cycle touring
ing to scoot up the rail trail to Lauder,
in Central Otago, I told them I had
to be there when the pub opened at
the ideal day ride as a warm up, and
8 Chainlinks 1 2009
11am. Then it was on to the White
Horse Hotel at Becks, and then up a
side road to St Bathans and the Vulcan
Frocks on Bikes www.frocksonbikes.org
Do you rock the frock? Do you
Hotel. There was a summer fete on Patrick Morgan participate in frock o’clock? Are
in the little village so we lingered a
There’s a new wave in the bike you forever sashed with your
while to look through the stalls and
buy lunch. From there, it was a fair combination lock? Have you
advocacy movement and it’s
drag out to SH85 and on to Wedder- abundant chain lube in stock?
wearing a frock. It is for women
burn and its tavern as we were riding Introducing Frocks on Bikes – a
into a slight head wind. From Wed- of all ages who love dashing
frockalicious way to avoid the
derburn we turned around, joined the clothes, bicycles, high heels and climate changing. Let’s frock the
rail trail and had a great downhill and
other glam accessories. planet!
tailwind run to Oturehua and the pub
there. We were expecting the tailwind Frocks on Bikes is a network of wom- where bikes predominate, women tend
to hold for the ride along the long Ida en — and a few supportive gents – to cycle as much as or even more than
Valley but it switched to a westerly, who have adopted the bike as a vehicle men. Women have a key part to play
slowing us down again. By the time for change. in encouraging more cycle-friendly
we were at the Poolburn tavern it was
Climate change festivals in Wellington cities. Research shows women cyclists
more evening than afternoon, we were
and Auckland in December hosted experience a few different barriers to
getting tired and were glad of their
Frocks on Bikes rides to highlight bik- men including greater concerns about
toasted sandwiches for tea. Then it
ing’s green credentials. safety. The social and fun aspects of
was over the hill to the art-deco Blacks
cycling are especially appealing to
Hotel at Ophir followed quickly by the Auckland organizer, Jasmine Cargill women.
Commercial Hotel in Omakau. It was said, “Frocks on Bikes is about foster-
getting late in the evening by then and ing a culture of cycling and showing Frocks on Bikes is part of a global
we arrived at the last pub on the list, people that bikes can be both everyday network of stylish cyclist movements
Chatto Creek, to find it had already and glamorous accessories. Cycling such as Copenhagen Cycle Chic and
shut for the night. I knew the proprie- in Auckland isn’t always easy but we California-based Riding Pretty.
tor well and so went want to show that cycling can be a Organisers received a $750 grant from
around the back safe, viable and even stylish option in the CAN / Living Streets Walking and
and asked if she’d the city. It can be fun, it’s good for you Cycling Micro-Fund in 2008, but most
sign our postcard as and it’s great for the environment.” of the work has been done by a net-
the other publicans
Frocks on Bikes aims to bring about work of volunteers.
had done.
momentum for better cycle routes in Frocks on Bikes rolled into 2009 with
It was a big day ride our cities, and demonstrate that there a January lunchtime ride in Welling-
— about 130 km — is a groundswell of people wanting to ton, and the next multi-city Frocks on
but a fun one. We ride. Riders may even lure SUV driv- Bikes extravaganza is planned for Go
went in and bought something to eat ers to thinking that actually, bikes are By Bike Day on February 18. Plans
or drink at all the pubs except the last. a more sexy and fabulous way to get are also afoot to celebrate Bike Wise
They all have their own history and around. month with a Frocks on Bikes pres-
character. Even though we’d only used
The idea was born at last summer’s ence at the Cuba Street Carnival, cycle
the rail trail for two small parts of the
Go By Bike Day, said Wellington co- training sessions and a weekend Froc-
journey, five of the pubs we visited are
organiser Jude Ball. knic ride in the Wairarapa country-
on the Otago Central Rail Trail and
side. n
the others would make excellent side
“Our aim is to cel-
trips from it. n
ebrate both the glam- 200 frocked bikers rode through
orous and everyday Wellington to Parliament at the 350
use of bikes. Biking Climate Change Festival in December.
doesn’t have to be
about lycra and
sweating. Rid-
ing a bike in your
everyday work
clothes or in a
pretty frock is an
ideal, safe and
stylish way to
get around the
central city.”In
European cities
Pacific Northwest Sustainable Transport Tour
continues from p4
Active warning signs for bikes
Oregon is the home
of active bike warning
signs, particularly on
its famed coastal bike
route. At every tunnel
or narrow bridge, there
would be a push but-
ton for cyclists to acti-
vate a flashing warning
sign to let motorists
know you were up
ahead. This cost-effective treatment has many poten-
tial locations in NZ where full widening is impractical,
including narrow winding roads with no shoulder.
The ProWalk/ProBike Conference was a fairly big af-
fair, with about 800 delegates; after all the activity of
the previous 10 days, it was almost a let-down to have
to sit down and listen to presentations. But there was
an interesting range and also a lot of excellent field trip
offerings throughout the three days. I gave a presenta-
tion showing many NZ walk/cycle-friendly features
and reminding them that it’s not just about walk/cycle
facilities. As for the merits of a joint ped/bike event…
well, I’m not convinced that it necessarily offered a lot
of extra benefit. Maybe for those who work in both
fields, but there did seem to be a distinct split of peo-
ple and sessions, with cycling somewhat dominating
both.
That’s just a snippet of what I saw; more useful web
links on page 4. It’s important to remember too that
most places I visited were developing broad-ranging
packages in terms of sustainable transport; not only
were they doing clever things for cycling, but also for
walking, public transport, land-use planning, and so
on. Doing it all together created a better general “vibe”
in the place for supporting these initiatives.
It seems an age away now (in fact I’m finally writing
this four months later on my next trip to the other
side of North America), but I will certainly cherish the
wonderful memories I had on my Pacific Northwest
trip. More pertinently, half a century after borrowing
many car-centric principles from the Americans, it
might be time to revisit them again and borrow a few
more ideas… n
10 Chainlinks 1 2009Market place
$45 / $55
Sizes: S M L
Reflective pack
cover
$25 / $35
Spacemaker $15 / $25
Hinged to fold when parked
Prices
Member / Non member
Three ways to order
1 :: Deposit money in Kiwibank
38-9005-0922435-01
:: Email order, contact and
delivery details to
shop@can.org.nz.
2 :: Send cheque to CAN,
PO Box 6491, Auckland
:: Include order, contact
and delivery details.
3 :: Credit card: can.org.nz/shop
Chainlinks 1 2009 11Taranaki Detour continues from p3
I set off on quiet Kiwi Rd, facing zero traf-
fic. There’s a sweaty climb past Makino
Executive
Forest and out to the other end of Moki
Rd. I scoff my last sultanas to power me
update
over Uruti hill, through the earth tun-
nel and back to farmland. I find a water
• held an end-of-year
party to wish Anne Gummer
tank at the ‘Uruti Country Club’ and gulp good luck for the birth of her
away. baby and to farewell Canadian
After the quiet roads it seems a shame to intern Christina Burns
• worked with BikeNZ on a joint
hit the speedy traffic of Highway 3. I am
tiring as I head for Urenui, but my luck
is in: Mike’s White Cliffs brewery is open
submission to Parliament’s re-
view of the Emissions Trading
CAN in the media
for refreshment. Scheme
CAN welcomes RideStrong
The motorcamp at Urenui is a welcome • looked at options for achieving Dec 22
long-term financial sustainabili-
sight after a long day pedalling. They
ty, including commercial activity The Cycling Advocates Network
squeeze me in to a whiffy caravan down
by the river. A shower, a feed and White • made funding application to the (CAN) welcomes the launch of
BikeNZ’s recreational member-
Cliffs mild ale restore some vigour, but Ministry for the Environment’s
Sustainable Management Fund ship programme, RideStrong.
the body is sore from lifting the bike. The
RideStrong is dedicated to pro-
sounds of the surf serenade me. • made funding applications to the moting a safe and enjoyable
Department of Internal Affairs’
I head off towards New Plymouth, plan- environment for all cyclists, who
Digital Strategy for the next
ning to head around the coast towards RideStrong notes, “for too long,
stage in CAN’s website develop-
Opunake. But heavy rain starts, and my have travelled at the whims of fast
ment and for a cross-NGO web
riding desire ebbs. traffic, slow bureaucracy and idle
platform (the former application
ignorance”.
A bunch of racing cyclists speed by. The has been successful)
3-day Tour of Taranaki is on. I wait near • participated in strategic plan- Cycling advocates support
the finish line to see my mates Jamie and ning for Bike Wise new cycling and walking
Peter go by, then head into town to find
the last bed at the backpackers. It feels
• started work on a CAN policy guide
on parking Dec 23
good to dry out. I have one set of dry
clothes left, but my shoes are soaked. I • participated in CAN’s first Bike- The Cycling Advocates Network
ability ‘train the trainers’ course
squelch off to the Govett-Brewster gallery congratulates the Ministry of
in Wellington
to see ‘Drive’, an exhibition devoted to the Transport on its recent release of
dubious pleasures of motoring. How long • co-ordinated meetings of the a new guide for improving cycling
till cars hang in museums as a reminder 2009 NZ Cycling Conference and walking facilities in New Zea-
of an old-fashioned technology, I wonder. Co-ordinating Committee land. Called “Raising the Profile
n • continued to add material to the of Walking and Cycling in New
CAN website Zealand: A Guide for Decision-
More info:
• held an Exec meeting on Dec 10 Makers”, the guide is the first of its
• began planning for the Exec/
Taranaki Heritage Trail SH43 leaflet, available type and represents a milestone for
from information centres in Taranaki New Zealand. n
Staff get-together in late Febru-
The Kennett Brothers’ guide, Classic New ary 2009
Zealand Mountain Bike Rides
• met withNZ Transport Agency
walking and cycling staff
• held regular monthly meeting
with Ministry of Transport of-
ficials (along with Living Streets)
• attended inaugural meeting
of Health & Active Transport
NGOs in Wellington
• followed up on the General Elec-
tion by writing to Stephen Joyce,
the new Minister of Transport
• prepared end-of-year accounts.
n
12 Chainlinks 1 2009Contact CAN
:: Chair,
Axel Wilke and Glen Koorey,
chair@can.org.nz
:: Deputy Chair, Illona Keenan, illona@can.org.nz
:: Secretary, Adrian Croucher, secretary@can.org.nz
:: Treasurer, Liz Mikkelsen, treasurer@can.org.nz
staff
:: Networking Project Co-ordinator
Patrick Morgan, patrick@can.org.nz
Wellington: 04 385 4967 / 027 563 4733
:: NetworkingProject Officer, South Island
Fiona Whero, fiona@can.org.nz,
Christchurch: 03 366 2645 / 027 449 1845
:: NetworkingProject Officer, Upper NI
Kirsten Shouler, kisten@can.org.nz
Auckland: 09 378 0953 / 027 449 1848 On-street instruction is a
Tues–Fri 9am–2.30pm key part of cycle training
:: CAN Administrator
Claire Metcalf, claire@can.org.nz
Wellington: 04 385 4967 CAN trains the trainers
:: Digital
Strategy Coordinator CAN’s cycle training project took a significant step forward
Andre Cymbalista, andre@can.org.nz
021 773 839
in December with the first workshop for instructors held in
Wellington.
some Executive roles Seventeen CAN members received NZTA subsidises approved organi-
:: Membership secretary, three days of training from expe- sations, such as local authorities,
Adrian Croucher, membership@can.org.nz rienced trainers Tabitha Langford, 75% for providing cycle training, but
:: Email
& DNS Server Administrator, Thomas Marilyn Northcotte and Patrick there are few trainers able to teach
Schwarz, thomas@can.org.nz
Morgan. Training is based on the the new guidelines. CAN’s workshop
:: Media
& marketing co-ordinator, new Cycle Training guidelines being is aimed at meeting this need.
Stephen McKernon, media@can.org.nz
developed by NZTA’s Cycle Training
More workshops are planned for Auck-
Other CAN roles Advisory Group.
land and Christchurch this year. n
:: e.CANeditor,
Adrian Croucher, secretary@can.org.nz
:: Chainlinks
editor,
Miriam Richardson, chainlinks@can.org.nz
:: Chainlinks
contributions manager,
Kirsten Shouler
Stephen Wood, chainlinks@can.org.nz
North Island Project Officer
:: Mailouts
co-ordinator,
Ritsuko Ogawa, mailouts@can.org.nz Kirsten Shouler has been ap-
:::Merchandiseco-ordinator pointed as CAN’s North Island
Karen Hunn, shop@can.org.nz Project Officer, based in
:: Awardsco-ordinator, Auckland. She takes over from
Gaz Sanvicens, gaz@can.org.nz
Anne Gummer, who is on ma-
:: Cycling
Conference Committee Chair
Magdalena Lorenzo magdalena@can.org.nz ternity leave.
Working groups Kirsten has a strong background
:: Model Communities:vacant as a project manager and in creat-
:: Research: Andrew Macbeth ing effective relationships between
:: Media/Communications/Marketing:
community interest groups and other
Stephen McKernon organisations. She has worked with
:: Information Centre: Thomas Schwarz Cycle Action Auckland on cycle
:: Digital
network and mapping projects, and
Strategy: Andre Cymbalista
comes to CAN from the New Zea-
More land Transport Agency.
local and national networks. I look
For the full list of CAN roles: forward to working with her.”
Project Manager Patrick Morgan says
can.org.nz/can-roles
CAN welcomes Kirsten. “She has Kirsten takes up her appointment on
Contact CAN: can.org.nz/contact a central role in strengthening our 2 February. n
Chainlinks 1 2009 1314 Chainlinks 1 2009
A brief history of cycle commuting Cycles (with cycle races) had appeared
in New Zealand in the late 1860s, not
long before the Land Wars ended. The
Part 2: The opportunity first cycle factory opened in 1876, the
same year all males over 21 were given
Stephen McKernon the vote. By the mid-1880s, there were
enough cyclists for local councils to
In the popular imagination of the early 1800s, mass personal trans- be regulating their behaviour. The car
port promises a much better life in the burgeoning cities. really didn’t feature till the first decade
But the inventor’s imagination is focused most on the problem of of the next century — two decades
away.
power supply. Without a horse, how can a person generate enough
power to move easily above walking speed? Look again. It’s a photo of wealthy
young men. Up to the mid-1880s, cy-
It’s a fresh, hot morning in 1885, and a with descriptions of hills, hotels and cling had been a well-off male leisure
group of uniformed cyclists assembles places of interest. Cycle touring had pursuit. Second-hand and cheap cop-
for a photo on the dusty upper slopes helped launch the new leisure pursuit ies of the bikes had made their way
of College Hill, Ponsonby, Auckland. of tourism (with some help from the into the lower classes, but cycling had
It’s the ‘Scorcher’ cycling club, proud railways). Racing fostered rapid devel- retained a strong male, elitist flavour.
representatives of a thoroughly mod- opment of technologies, venues, spe- In spite of all its successes, it hadn’t re-
ern phenomenon — the mass pro- cialised clothing, events, heroes and alised its dream of everyday personal
duced bicycle — and perhaps you can promotional stunts, such that cycling transport for all.
see the fierce pride in their faces. was a popular mass entertainment.
And cycling provided owners with a A year after this photo is taken two
Cycling had flourished in Europe and things would happen. First, the now-
radical new form of personal mobility
its colonies for over two decades. proven safety cycle — designed with
and frequent opportunities to display
The problem of power supply had wheels of the same size, a drive chain
the latest cycling fashions.
been solved by adding pedals to the and pneumatic tyres — would be
front wheel of a two-wheeled vehicle, All of this was achieved by the time launched in England. Second, the safe-
and the size of this front wheel grew the first motorcar patents were lodged, ty cycle will appear in New Zealand
rapidly to provide greater speed. The and some two decades before the car the same year.
result was the penny farthing, which appeared regularly in cities worldwide.
now ranged over every kind of terri- In fact, many car and aeroplane manu- Cycling worldwide was about to
tory worldwide. facturers started as cycle factories change forever. Women and the lower
as cycle technologies were the most classes would start cycling in huge
It had also achieved phenomenal com- numbers. Everyday cycling for all
advanced of their day. It made sense to
mercial success. Innovative factory would be realised, but in an entirely
put an engine on a bike frame and call
production methods had improved different world. n
it progress.
such that cycles were available in un-
precedented numbers. Cycling media, But there’s something the cyclists in
catalogue-based marketing methods, this photo couldn’t know.
selling techniques and world-
wide distribution systems were
so well-developed that a cyclist
in Auckland could buy the latest
English model in the year of its
release. The bicycle had become
one of the world’s first truly
modern products for mass inter-
national consumption.
Cycling was also socially suc-
cessful. Well-organised cycle
clubs had a strong culture, in-
cluding uniforms and their own
code of behaviour for bunch
riding. They had advocated
with local councils to improve
roads, road signage and road
user rules (albeit in their favour).
They had designed the first
detailed road maps, complete
Chainlinks 1 2009 15Regional groups
‘Critical Mass Bike ride’
planned by Rotorua Cycle
Action, 18 Feb Kapiti Cycling members sharing coffee at Harrison’s Garden Cafe at Pekapeka
during a ride from Paraparaumu organised by Liz in 2008. Liz, centre back.
The idea behind it all is to claim back
Sport Bay of Plenty to celebrate ‘Go Bycentrate on her other life interests.
the street and to reinstate the com-
Bike Day’. Cycling has been a major component
muting cyclist as an integral part of
of Liz’s life for very many
the traffic scene. The ride has been
planned to be part of the national Bike Thank you Liz — years. She started Otaki
Wise month.
Kapiti Cycling Cycle and Environmental
enjoy your Network (OCEAN) back
Kapiti Cycling Inc lost
one of its founder mem- “retirement” years!
The ride ends at the City Focus for a in the mid-90’s with a few
‘free healthy breakfast’ organised by like-minded friends. This
bers, Liz Mikkelsen,
group blossomed into Kapiti
recently when she resigned to con-
Cycling and then KCI when we gained
incorporation.
Why it is a good idea to support cycling advocacy We have always been an advocacy/
By a long time CAN volunteer lobby group and helped drive the
formation of the Millennium Cycle
So many good causes to support, why should you choose to support and Walkway — looking for tourism
CAN? Why donate your hard earned dollars or become a member dollars for the region and, we hoped,
and help us change the mindset of people from car dependency to as a SH1 alternate commuter route.
active transport choices? Liz then had a big hand in forming the
cycling component of the Cycleways
Why donate your hard earned dol- that you will be saving on your tax Walkways and Bridleways strategy
lars in a time of insecurity and need, and local council rates for road
to help us change the mindset of the maintenance and new roads. National
people in power from building more health costs will be reduced too. Ac-
roads and motorways to building cident reduction will reduce all the
cycling pathways, to promote cycling costs connected with crashes.
and to convince business to provide
facilities? n And then there is air pollution,
emissions, noise and the break-up of
Because helping us helps you communities connected with driving
and your family in so many instead of cycling.
ways! How? And yes, walking has all those ben-
n Better, safer cycling facilities will efits too, but did you know how much
ensure that you will feel good about faster you get to your destination on a
letting your child cycle to school bike? If you know – tell others.
and will save you dollars otherwise What we would really like you
spent on petrol and maintenance. to do is join us and tell others
n Better, safer cycling facilities about CAN and what we do.
through towns and on the highways n Join us at CAN on our website or
will make it safe enough to cycle to use the form at the right.
work and it will save you dollars
spent on petrol. Sometimes all that is n Wear our T-shirt.
needed is a 30 km/h speed limit to give n Send an email to our secretary, get for Kapiti which Kapiti Coast District
all the benefit at practically no cost. more magazines to hand to people Council has been implementing over
you think might be interested; the last few years and is currently in
n Television programmes to educate
the process of reviewing.
motorists how to behave around cy- n Give people our website address
clists will make the road safer. CAN is www.can.org.nz. Liz’s early commitment and enthusi-
lobbying the people in power for just asm for cycling has gained many ben-
that. n Make a donation on our website or efits for Kapiti’s cyclists. n
use the form at the right. n
n More people choosing the cycle
over the car to get to work will mean
16 Chainlinks 1 2009What is cycle advocacy?
How you can help
facilities such as showers, cycle cross-
ings, signals, road surfaces, car-driver
education, lighting, visibility, safety,
Join online
Cycling advocacy is the behind-
the-scenes work that inspires
black spots— these are the kinds of
things advocates know about and talk
or clip this form
local councils, government, about with those who can make the
Join online at
schools, businesses and trans- improvements.
www.can.org.nz/join
port agencies to cater for cy- At the national level CAN, the Cycling OR post this form to us with your
clists. Advocates Network, advocates for cheque:
cyclists with government and national
It’s the mundane end of cycling — but agencies. It also supports local advo- Name
without attention to details cycling cacy groups throughout the country.
can be discouraging, difficult or even Your support of CAN gives CAN more
dangerous. strength in its discussions.
Address
Cycling advocates are on the road; n Find out who your local cycling ad-
they have the experience, and know vocates are in the list below.
how cycling is working on a particular
n Join your local advocate group or
route, in a particular area or for a par-
pass on your experience to your local
ticular purpose. Phone
advocates.
Cycle paths, signs, cycle lanes, cycle
n Join CAN and or donate to CAN. Email
parking and storage, education, cyclist
Contact the local group nearest you Please email the e.CAN
Bike! Whangarei Palmerston North email news fortnightly.
Paul Doherty 09 436 0033 Cycle Aware Manawatu Please send me information
paul@cycletours.co.nz Julie Dalziel 06 357 6962 can.org.nz/mana- about ‘cycle safe’ insurance.
watu cycleawaremanawatu@yahoo.com
Cycle Action Auckland
caa.org.nz chair@caa.org.nz Kapiti Cycling
Occupation:
Barbara Insull 027 473 1831 Janet McDonald info@kapiticycling.org.nz
www.caa.org.nz www.kapiticycling.org.nz
How did you find out about CAN?
Cycle Action Waiheke Cycle Aware Wellington
Tom Ransom 09 372 3215 Alastair Smith 04 972 2552
ecologic@nettel.net.nz www.caw.org.nz info@caw.org.nz
We respect your privacy and will
Hamilton Cycle Action Waikato Nelson Tasman Bicycle Nelson Bays not give your details to anyone not
Rob Davidson 07 856 5217 Richard Butler 03 539 0355 affiliated with CAN.
rob.davidson@actrix.co.nz bnbnelson@gmail.com
Membership fees per calender year
Rotorua Cycle Action Bicycle Lanes in Paradise Golden Bay
Unwaged $15
Mark Dyer mdyer@canmaphawley.co.nz Victoria Davis 03 525 9298
Waged $30
moonbow@goldenbay.net.nz
Bike Taupo Family $35
Richard Balm 021 919 851 BikeWalk Marlborough
Supporting organisations $75
bike@biketaupo.org.nz www.biketaupo.org.nz Paul Millen pmillen@xtra.co.nz
Cycle Action Tauranga Bike West Coast Membership fee $.................................
Phil Browne 07 544 3123 philip@ksl.net.nz Jack O’Conner 03 768 0775 027 438 6285
Donation $.................................
bikewestcoast@yahoogroups.com
Cycle Aware Hawke’s Bay
Total $.................................
Bernie Kelly 06 356 3588 Christchurch Spokes Canterbury
bernandpaula@xtra.co.nz Matthew Cutler-Walsh 03 385 6306 Make cheque payable to CAN
spokes_chch@can.org.nz
New Plymouth www.spokes.org.nz CAN
North Taranaki Cycling Advocates Freepost 147092
Graeme Lindup 06 757 2062 South Canterbury Squeaky Wheel PO BOX 6491
north-taranaki-cycling-advocates@ntca.org.nz Jon Harris 03 614 8777 Wellesley, Auckland
www.ntca.org.nz jon.jan@xnet.co.nz
Or pay by direct credit:
Wanganui Bicycle User Group Spokes Dunedin Kiwibank 38-9005-0922435-01
Hadi Gurton 06 345 5048 Dick Martin 03 453 6667
radiohadi@hotmail.comz dmartin@ihug.co.nz
Chainlinks 1 2009 17Supporting Getting started in cycle touring
Organisations Stephen Wood
Summer is a great time to get out on the bicycle a bit more.
Abley Transportation Engineers Have you tried cycle touring?
Adventure South Ltd
ARTA It’s one of those things that’s best to The following table is a checklist for
Auckland City Council build up to in stages, getting used to helping decide what things you might
Auckland Cycle Touring Association recreational day rides , then perhaps pack and take on a day ride or tour.
Canterbury District Health Board trying an overnight trip or two before
Central Otago District Council tackling a bigger trip.
Crank It Cycles
Length Every ride Day rides Overnight trips longer trips
Cuthbert Ashmore Consultants Ltd
of trip
Cycle Touring Company Ltd
Cycle Tour Operators NZ Clothes riding extra warm Polypro/wool top more clothes to
Dunedin City Council clothes; top; rain or jersey (or 2) ; cope with wet,
Ecoassist Sustainable Solutions (shorts, jacket; knee- polypro long- cold? ; casual
Engineering Outcomes top, shoes, warmers or johns, polypro clothes for off
Environment Canterbury gloves) hel- longs? balaclava and the bike, spare
Francis & Cambridge met, light gloves; spare footwear
Greater Wellington Regional Council jacket socks
Ground Effect What to backpack, or add rear carrier add front pan-
Hamilton City Council carry gear saddlebag and panniers niers as well
Herriot & Melhuish Architecture Ltd in
Living Streets Aotearoa
Tools pump, punc- tire boot, spare bolts (for spare spokes,
Massey University
ture kit, spare tube carrier) ; chain chain links,
Mountainbiking Otago
MWH NZ Ltd tire levers, adjustable oil; duct or elec- cables, tools for
Natural High multi-tool or spanner, chain trical tape bottom bracket,
Nature’s Highway allen keys tool, spoke cranks, cone
Nelson City Council tool spanner
North Shore City Council Food food, water more food, more food, Containers or
Pacific Cycle Tours cooking energy food stove, billy, bags for food;
Palmerston North City Council spoon, bowl Frisbee (=chop-
Papakura District Council pocket knife ping board),
Pedaltours wooden spoon
Rotorua District Council
Sleeping sleeping bag &
Rotorua MTB Club
liner, sleeping
SafeKids
mat, tent
Sport Waikato
Tasman District Council Extras Money, sun- first aid kit; cord, clothes
Taupo District Council glasses, sun- lighter/matches; pegs; small ra-
Ultimo Clothing block; map, torch; toilet dio; bike bag?
University of Canterbury compass? ; paper, toiletries; water filter
ViaStrada camera, cell- pack towel
Vorb phone
Waimakariri District Council
This is just a guide to get you started, don’t hear from you, and being able to
Wellington City Council
so don’t think you’ve got to take every- cope with bad weather or emergencies
thing suggested. Every trip is differ- such as a bike failure.
ent. Is it back country or on roads?
One of the great things about longer
Will there be shops on the way? Are
trips is that they can be adapted as you
there houses? Is there cellphone cover-
go. If the weather is bad or you or the
age? What’s the best and the worst
bike aren’t working as well as planned,
weather you could expect? Are you
you can shorten days to suit. Even if
traveling alone or in a group where
you’re planing on camping, aiming for
you can share gear?
a commercial campground (or bet-
The more remote the area is, the more ter) gives you a dry place and a warm
you should be thinking as you do for shower, so it helps to know which
tramping, letting people know where towns have them. On a longer trip you
you are going and what to do if they might take a short
continues next page
18 Chainlinks 1 20092009 dates Getting started cycle touring
continues
On the web
Bike Month
break to catch up on rinsing or drying The bike snob offers a
clothes.
“Seal of Disapproval”
Business Bike Battle Build up to a longer trip, with day
“The front wheel
Mayoral Challenge trips ad then short overnight trips as a
“shakedown” test. you can get a feel for
and the frame
are locked to the
1–28 February how the bike handles differently with pole, and the rear
a load. If the idea of full touring seems wheel is locked to
Go By Bike Day too daunting, some of the most enjoy-
able cycling holidays are from basing
the frame. Done,
and done. The saddlebag is
Wednesday, 18 Feb yourself at one point and doing day ripe for the picking, though I’ll
rides from there, avoiding the need to give the owner the benefit of
World Naked Bike Ride carry large amounts of gear. n the doubt, since it’s possible
he owns an apiary and the
Saturday 14 March, Golden Bay bag is filled with bees.” http://
bikesnobnyc.blogspot.com.
Summer cycling Spot the difference
Cycling Stephen Wood
Work, living or recreation: sum-
Here’s an exercise in aware-
ness, can you spot the differ-
ence? (video) http://tinyurl.com/
Conference mer is a great time to experi-
ment with cycling.
spotDiff
The MOMBAT
2009 Work: Summer is an ideal time to try
riding to work. There’s less clothing
to cart along, and you won’t need to
The Museum of Mountain Bike
Art & Technology (North Caro-
think about lights. Experiment with lina) preserves and chronicles
New Plymouth different routes to find the ones with
less traffic and nicer views.
the evolution of mountain
biking. Over 250 mountain
12–13 November Short rides: Use your bike for short
trips, and go exploring:
bikes, hundreds of vintage
parts thousands of pieces of
literature. There’s a Bottom
New Plymouth has been confirmed • ride to the dairy for an ice cream or Bracket Museum; a Brake Lever
as the venue for the 7th New Zea- a newspaper Museum; a Crank Museum; a
land Cycling Conference. The con- Derailleur Museum …
ference will be held on 12 & 13 No- • ride to a weekend market www.mombat.org
vember 2009 (Thursday & Friday). • explore to find different routes you
The conference will be preceded by
could use — any off-road paths?
shortcuts? interesting places to ride
Return of the Scorcher by
a meeting of the Australian Bicycle by? Ted White
Council (ABC) on Wednesday, 10
Day trips: Get out of town for an A must-see for anyone who
November 2009. loves bicycles or has any inter-
morning, afternoon or day:
On the weekend following the con- est in transportation reform.
• ride to a country café or pub Telling interviews and first
ference (13 & 14 November 2009),
CAN will hold its annual CAN Do. • ride to a swimming hole class footage of bicycle use
• go exploring — in lifestyle block from the US to Amsterdam
A call for papers will be issued in areas or anywhere where there’s a to China. The Critical Mass
March 2009. Conference registra- choice of roads movement got its name from
tions will commence in July 2009. a fascinating scene in this
• try going off road — just explore, or documentary. 1992. More info:
If you wish to receive further infor- ask your local group where the easy http://tinyurl.com/scorcher1
mation at this point in time, please off road paths are.
You can download it in 3 parts
contact the chair of the organising
Check your bike regularly as .rar files:
committee.
http://tinyurl.com/scorcher2
• Are tires, brakes, chain and gears
There is information available on http://tinyurl.com/scorcher4
are in good working condition?
this website about the previous 6
• Apply some oil or lube to the chain, http://tinyurl.com/scorcher5n
NZ Cycling Conferences. n
and other moving parts. n can.org.nz/chainlinks/links
Chainlinks 1 2009 19You can also read
