Getting There - On Foot, By Cycle - Priority 2

A strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand transport

February 2005

Expand our knowledge and skill base to address walking and cycling

Why?
Achieving our goals for walking and cycling requires knowledgeable policy makers and a skilled workforce.

The transport sector - and other sectors, such as urban planning and design - can benefit from increased opportunities to learn about the needs of pedestrians and cyclists, best practice provision for walking and cycling, and how to effectively promote the use of these modes of transport.

Research is an important tool for expanding our knowledge base. There is a growing body of international research on walking and cycling, such as studies of the motivating factors and barriers around the choice - or non-choice - of walking and cycling for day-to-day transport. But there is also a need to undertake research specific to New Zealand. This research is likely to be funded from a variety of sources and to be undertaken from a variety of perspectives.

By some international standards, New Zealand specific 'tools' related to walking and cycling (such as technical standards, guidance documents and auditing tools) have been limited in nature. Work has begun to remedy this, beginning with the updating and expansion of technical standards and planning guidelines for walking and cycling facilities. There is a need for such documents to be consulted not only when specific facilities are commissioned for these modes of transport, but also as part of the design process for general roading projects or network planning.

Many walking and cycling initiatives are being developed in regions and communities around New Zealand - often in relative isolation. Increased opportunities to share experience from around New Zealand and to ensure that communities can also take advantage of international experience and innovation will enable communities to learn from the successes - and mistakes - of others.

Desired outcome
 A high level of understanding and expertise related to walking and cycling and an innovative, evidence-supported approach will underpin efforts for walking and cycling.

How?
International and local experience indicates that the following types of action will help to achieve this outcome:

• Walking and cycling are integrated into the training and on-going professional development of transport and road safety professionals, and of urban planners and designers.
• A comprehensive set of technical standards, guidelines and tools is available to support those undertaking work for walking and cycling, or work that will impact on walking and cycling.
• Promising measures and approaches as well as innovative designs for cycling and walking are regularly identified, trialed and evaluated for wider use.
• An active programme of research for walking and cycling is undertaken within a co-ordinated framework, and informed by collaboratively identified priorities that are practical and relevant to the needs of users.
• Local, national and international research and best practice experience is actively promoted and exchanged, and practitioners are provided with ready access to guidance and advice to address walking and cycling.

   

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• Walking and Cycling as strategy launched  

Download the:

• Strategy Document (PDF v7.0, 2156kb) 
• Questions and Answers (PDF v7.0, 35kb) 
• Report on Consultation (PDF v7.0, 200kb)