Bike Lane Ends: Where to from here?
How could cycling play a role in helping solve Auckland’s traffic congestion? Make your thoughts known to the Auckland Council via the Auckland Plan. Submissions are due by 31 May. You can do it on-line here.
Dear Len Brown,
A liveable city is one in which its residents are able to move about and interact with one another easily and conveniently. To that end, the health and well-being of a city can be measured by the number of people using a bicycle as a transport tool.
Auckland is a car-centric city. The default transport option for the majority of Aucklanders is the private motor vehicle. Auckland’s sprawling urban environment encourages motor vehicle use. This sprawl needs to be contained. Reduce car parking provision and increase the price of remaining locations to reflect the real cost. At the same time, continue developing a fast and efficient public transport system that can be integrated with cycling. Park and ride by bicycle rather than car.
The financial, health and environmental benefits that everyday cycling brings to a city (in personal and collective terms) have been well researched and documented. But still, as few as 1% (+/-) of trips in Auckland are done by bicycle. So why is that? We definitely don’t need more research into the benefits of cycling. But we do need specific data that will reveal why people choose not to cycle.
Some believe it is the helmet law that is the barrier. Or, maybe it’s Auckland’s topography and climate. Find out what the concerns are and address them. Getting people in Auckland to use bicycles for short, local trips has got to be easy, once the right questions are being asked.
A growing number of Aucklanders are seeing the merits of riding a bicycle and speak of a desire to try cycling. Rising fuel prices are inviting the public to look for alternatives. But the media is full of stories that reinforce the perception and reality that cycling is dangerous and only for the foolhardy. It’s no surprise; the road culture in Auckland is one of speed and intolerance.
There is a severe lack of specific cycling infrastructure to make cycling safe and convenient. A painted line on the side of the road will not encorage people to try cycling when cars are zooming past at high speeds. And what about the other forgotten infrastructure? Where do you park your bike when you arrive at your destination? Cycling for transport is still not seen as a valid option.
In some cases a few minor and relatively inexpensive tweaks could remedy the perception issues and make cycling accessible to a new group of people who are not currently cycling. School students would be an obvious target and their presence on cycle paths would bring enormous benefits to our community as well as relief to many parents.
Start presenting an image of cycling as an everyday activity that is practical and normal. Cities with successful cycle cultures are full of wheeled pedestrians. They ride bicycles that are comfortable and suitable for short, local trips. The internet is an amazing resource for inspiration. Take a look.
Sell the utility image of cycling (a pedestrian on wheels) as opposed to the sports image that is prevalent in Auckland. If stuck for ideas, emulate the car industry. It does such a great job selling something that kills and destroys. In comparison, selling cycling should be as easy as a cycle ride in the park. Riding a bike is cool, fun, sexy and above all, practical. The target audience needs to be the people who are not currently cycling. The priority should be to address their needs.
The people who are currently cycling will continue to do so. They will just become safer and more content and be willing to invite their friends to give it a go.
There are a growing number of cities around the world that have moved on from the car-centric model. Auckland could be the next. A city full or people wheeling themselves around by bicycle is part of the solution to make Auckland a great place to live and play.
Cycling in Auckland needs to move beyond the margin of error. A mixture of boldness and creativity is needed. Make it the new reality.
Cycling. It’s as easy as walking, but faster….
