Feel free to provide your own answer to this leading question.
It may appear to some that a #wheeledpedestrian cuts a lonely figure in the local cycling landscape. Overwhelmed by the dominant speedsters and sports junkies. That may be the true in a physical sense. However, just because we may be few and far between in this part of the world, the power of the internet means that it is impossible to feel lonely. The world is full of #wheeledpedestrians and they love to share their stories and images. We hang out in spirit. It may not perfect but it’s the next best thing. The exciting and enticing world of cycling for transport is just a mouse click away.
One of the world’s most well known #wheeledpedestrians, a superstar of the utility cycling world, is currently on a fact finding tour in Melbourne, Australia. Those of you with a keen eye on the world of utility cycling will know that that person is Amsterdamized. One look at his website and I want to don a stylish hat and head off for a ride on a heavy Dutch bike.
On Wednesday, January the 4th at 7:05pm, New Zealand time, Marc of Amsterdamized will be talking on Radio New Zealand.
He will be interviewed about Dutch bike culture and how it compares to New Zealand’s efforts. It will come as no surprise to most, that the New Zealand utility cycling scene compares very poorly to those of many European countries. What are the barriers to getting a vibrant city cycling culture up and running in New Zealand? What will it take to engage politicians, bureaucrats and the public in the desire to build a cyclized city?
And typically, Australia are already ahead of us in this department. While New Zealand cities like Auckland continue to feed The Death Star, Australia is looking to the experts for inspiration and making steady progress. And it is interesting to note that the Dutch cycling rennaisance did not come easily. There was an enlightened appeal for cycling infrastructure from the masses.
A few #wheeledpedestrians scattered throughout the country does not make a revolution, unfortunately.
Cycling. It’s as easy as walking, but faster….
Good call on the heads up… Radio NZ have a good history of highlighting the relative vacuum fir cyclists in NZ. They are also good at doing podcasts of their broadcasts if you can’t hear the original. Looking forward to it.