Government by National threatens cycling

The Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) today announced the final results of its candidate poll, showing a quarter of candidates in this election support increases in provision for cycling.

CAN spokes person Stephen McKernon says "we have polled 520 candidates by email and 166 or 32% of these are pro-cycling. We adjusted this for all candidates (about 620) to give a figure of 27%, or a quarter of candidates."

"The poll shows candidates see cycling is more than just a single or marginal cause. Cycling stands for better roads, health, lifestyles and communities. These are also things all voters can value," says McKernon.

"Unfortunately the poll indicates cycling would suffer under a National-led government, as party policy does not emphasis sustainable transport, and only a small proportion of candidates are pro-cycling," comments McKernon. "Parties showing higher support are Alliance, Green, Labour and Maori," he says "so it is very possible that any government led by National (with its potential partners in government) would threaten advances for cycling."

"It is not CAN's intention to support one party over another, but the poll clearly shows where the pro-cycling vote can best be placed."

The poll results can be found on http://can.org.nz/elections and show which parties and which candidates in each electorate support cycling.

Ministry of Transport cyclists data indicates about 750,000 or 26% of voters are cyclists.

ENDS

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