New report gets NZ closer to cycle friendly communities

New report gets New Zealand a step closer to cycle friendly communities

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) welcomes the final report and recommendations of the Cycling Safety Panel.

The Panel has been tasked with developing innovative, comprehensive and practical recommendations for how central and local government can ensure road cycling is provided as a safe transport option.

LGNZ President, Lawrence Yule, praises the panel for approaching this review as a comprehensive national approach that does not just focus on the urban areas.

“Providing more and better cycle infrastructure will not be a priority for all councils, but the recommendations in the report do apply across all of New Zealand,” says Mr Yule.

LGNZ does, however, recognise that funding will be an issue for many councils.

“LGNZ welcomes the recommendations and agrees that improving the safety of cyclists is an important part of encouraging more people to cycle, however, different parts of New Zealand have different priorities and in some places funding will be an obstacle.”

“While we support initiatives to improve cycling safety additional funding will be needed to implement this,” says Mr Yule.

The Cycling Safety Panel was created in response to the 2013 Coronial Inquiry that investigated 13 cycling fatalities in 2012 and came to the conclusion that work needed to be done to investigate ways in which cycling on New Zealand roads could be made safer. As a result of the Coroner’s recommendation the New Zealand Transport Agency established the Panel.

About LGNZ and local government in New Zealand
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is the peak body representing New Zealand's 78 local, regional and unitary authorities. LGNZ advocates for local democracy, develops local government policy, and promotes best practice and excellence in leadership, governance and service delivery. Through its work strengthening sector capability, LGNZ contributes to the economic success and vibrancy of communities and the nation.

The local government sector plays an important role. In addition to giving citizens a say in how their communities are run, councils own a broad range of community assets worth more than $120 billion. These include 90 per cent of New Zealand's road network, the bulk of the country's water and waste water networks, and libraries, recreation and community facilities. Council expenditure is approximately $8.5 billion dollars, representing approximately 4 per cent of Gross Domestic Product and 11 per cent of all public expenditure.

For more information visit www.lgnz.co.nz.

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