RaisingtheProfileWalkingCyclinginNZ, NZTA
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//-->Raising the Profileof Walking and Cyclingin New ZealandA GUIDE FOR DECISION-MAKERSACKNOwlEDGEMENtSRaising the Profile of walking and Cycling in New Zealand was produced bythe Ministry of transport in association with Brunton Grant Consulting.the Ministry of transport would like to thank all the individuals and organisationswho contributed to the project.ISBN 978-0-478-07238-9Printed October 2008Table of ContentsStructure of this guideThis guide for decision-makers is set out under the following sections:BenefiTS of walking and cyclingThis section discusses how walking and cycling can improve the liveabilityof our urban areas, help to integrate our transport networks, reducetransport emissions and improve public health.3currenT SiTuaTion in new Zealand8a national ‘snapshot’ of walking and cycling activity and safety is describedin this section, set within the historical context of the development of oururban areas and transport system.How To encourage walking and cycling18This section discusses the strategic actions required at the national, regionaland local level to ensure that more new Zealanders walk and cycle asa means of transport over the long term. it also outlines the initiativesthat regional and local government can implement in the short term toencourage walking and cycling. case studies illustrate recent local, regional,national and international initiatives.reSourceS37This section sets out links to resources that regional and local governmentcan use, to encourage walking and cycling in their towns and cities.Executive Summaryencouraging more walking and cycling has many benefits, both for our communities andfor us as individuals. evidence suggests that increased numbers of walkers and cyclistscan stimulate economic activity, promote accessibility and community cohesion, reducecongestion, improve safety, reduce transport emissions and improve public health1.These aspirations are reflected in theNew Zealand Transport Strategy 2008(nZTS).a key target in the strategy is to see an increase in walking, cycling and other active modesto 30 percent of total trips in urban areas by 2040. achieving this target will also contributeto other key nZTS targets, in particular to halve per capita greenhouse gas emissions fromtransport by 2040 and to reduce single occupant vehicle travel (in major urban areas onweekdays) by 10 percent by 2015.The government Policy Statement on land Transport funding sets out an intermediatetarget to increase walking and cycling by one percent per year to 2015. it is hoped that earlyprogress on the nZTS targets will set in place a trajectory towards a safer, more integrated,responsive and sustainable transport system.This guide shows how the benefits of encouraging and providing for walking and cycling canimprove the liveability and sustainability of new Zealand towns and cities. it discusses thesebenefits, provides a ‘snapshot’ of the current walking and cycling picture, and considers themany initiatives that can be implemented to increase the numbers of new Zealanders usingthese active modes for safe and convenient transport. case studies of walking and cyclinginitiatives and practical ‘how to do it’ information for regional and local government illustratethe guide.The principal audiences for this guide are decision-makers and key influencers ingovernment, particularly at the regional and local level. These audiences include electedofficials, managers, planners and road safety engineers2. Members of the public who areinterested in participating in regional or local transport planning will also find this guideuseful.The historical pattern of land-use and the development of our transport system to favourmotorised mobility have meant that fewer of us walk and cycle as a means of transportas much as we potentially could. That said, there is considerable potential to raise theprofile of walking and cycling. recent urban data indicates that walking and cycling maybe undergoing a revival for transport, particularly in light of recent petrol price increases.although this gives grounds for some optimism, there is still much that needs to be done tomake walking and cycling as forms of transport more convenient, safe and enjoyable.a shared commitment at national, regional and local levels is required that puts design ofvibrant, liveable urban areas at the forefront of encouraging walking and cycling; integrateswalking and cycling into regional and local transport planning; and has a comprehensiverange of initiatives to encourage walking and cycling that are self-reinforcing, integrated anddesigned for local conditions. This guide highlights some of the ways these objectives canbe met.2Benefits of walking and cyclingThere are many benefits to our towns and cities fromincreasing walking and cycling. This section considershow these active modes improve the liveability of ourcommunities by increasing economic activity and reducingcongestion, improving safety and personal security andincreasing community accessibility and cohesion. increasedwalking and cycling, particularly for short trips, also helps toreduce transport emissions and improve public health.iMProveS THe liveaBiliTy of our coMMuniTieS“Liveability refers to the environmental and social quality of an area as perceived byresidents, employees, customers and visitors. This includes safety and health (traffic safety,personal security and public health), local environmental conditions (cleanliness, noise andair quality), the quality of social interactions (neighbourliness, fairness, respect, communityidentity and pride), opportunities for recreation and entertainment, aesthetics and existenceof unique cultural and environmental resources (eg historic structures, mature trees andtraditional architectural styles).Liveability directly benefits people who live in, work in or visit an area, increases propertyvalues and business activity, and can improve public health and safety. Liveability is largelyaffected by conditions in the public realm, places where people naturally interact with eachother and their community, including streets, parks, transportation terminals and otherpublic facilities, and so is affected by public policy and planning decisions”3.The interplay between designing for liveability and increasing walking and cycling is self-reinforcing. a liveable community forms the conditions that encourage people to walk andcycle, while more people walking and cycling help to create a more liveable community.Photo courtesy of cycle advocates network3
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