24 August ~Rob Thomas Media Release~

Unique billboard unveiled

Waitemata Gulf Auckland Council candidate Rob Thomas has put up his campaign hoardings, which features his signature look. Rather than the typical man in suit, Rob has taken a fresh new approach by wearing a high-visibility vest on a bicycle.

"The other billboards are stock-standard, and I wanted something that was young and vibrant, something that represents the energy of the inner-city."

Over 40% of residents in the inner-city walk to work and many others cycle. Rob has been cycling around Auckland for the last 18 years and still rides to work every day. "I love cities that are accessible for residents, and walking and cycling is a key part of that strategy," says Rob.

"The inner-city pedestrian crash map for 2007 to 2009 shows a worrying number of accidents. Walking and cycling is the most viable means of transport for people living in our ward, but it needs to be a safe option, " he says.

“Auckland's inner-city residential population is set to increase by 9,000 people in the next ten years and improvements to cycling and walking in the inner-city will benefit our growing population."

Rob has planned a cycling event this Saturday called The BIG Auckland Ride to increase the profile of cycling in the inner-city.

Forty cyclists are meeting at 9.30am outside the Leys Institute in St Mary's Bay. They will cycle along Ponsonby Road, K Rd and Grafton Bridge, through to Newmarket, down Parnell Rise, Beach Road and then finish outside the Central City Library.

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