29 June 2006

Transit 10-year plan unsustainable, says cycling group

Transit New Zealand's 10-year State Highway Plan, released today, pays lip service to environmental sustainability, says national organisation the Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN).

"In this plan Transit have shown that they still don't understand that they can't build their way out of congestion." said CAN spokesperson Robert Ibell. "The huge increase in road building planned by Transit will have huge environmental consequences that future generations will pay for."

"The only form of sustainability Transit give any serious consideration to is economic sustainability. Environmental concerns seem to be limited to run-off and noise, but legislation and New Zealand's climate change responsibilities require much more than that." said Mr Ibell.

"CAN is pleased to note an increase in investment in walking and cycling infrastructure from $1 million to $3 million a year." said Mr Ibell. "However, these improvements will be far outweighed by the extra traffic and higher speeds created by the road building programme."

CAN also noted that some projects included in the plan, such as multi- lane roundabouts and new passing lanes, may make things worse for cyclists.

ENDS

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