Getting there - On Foot, By Cycle - Priority 1

A strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand transport

 
February 2005

Encourage action for walking and cycling within an integrated, sustainable approach to land transport

Walking and cycling - supporting and supported by transport demand management

Transport demand management (TDM) seeks to modify travel decisions so that more desirable transport, social, economic and environmental objectives can be achieved, and the adverse impacts of travel can be reduced. Examples of TDM tools include multi-modal network optimisation, road pricing, parking restrictions and travel behaviour change activities.

Ensuring that walking and cycling are viable, desirable transport options can support TDM activities and objectives.

At the same time, TDM activities undertaken within a broader sustainable transport framework can play an important role in increasing the desirability of walking and cycling in relation to car use.

Why?

 
Achieving the vision and objectives of the New Zealand Transport Strategy requires a transport system in which each mode of transport is carrying out the task for which it is best suited.

This requires all modes of transport to be fully integrated into transport planning and decision making.

For example, all road users share the same road network, whether it is accessed on foot, by private motor vehicle, by bus, or by cycle. Ensuring that the network works efficiently for all modes of transport and all users - cyclists and pedestrians as well as motor vehicle users - presents a significant challenge for those who plan, design, manage, maintain and fund the transport system. As modes of day-to-day transport, walking and cycling are likely to make a significant contribution in the area of shorter-distance travel, in and around local communities. Such travel accounts for a significant proportion of our household travel.

The ability of walking and cycling to contribute to the NZTS will be enhanced by transport planning and management that treats all modes of transport with the same degree of care, and addresses shorter-distance travel as strategically as it does longer-distance travel. The development of integrated local transport strategies and plans can provide an important context for the development of walking and cycling strategies.

Walking and cycling also stand to benefit from a range of broader central and local government work programmes in areas such as vehicle emission reduction, sustainable settlements and transport demand management (see box insert).

Desired outcome

 
Walking and cycling are effectively integrated into transport planning, strategies and policies, reflecting a commitment to providing a transport system that works for all modes of transport, and for local, as well as longer-distance, travel.

How?

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

• Transport policy and practice is based on the premise that the road corridor is shared by all travel modes, and that well designed and well managed transport systems should accommodate all users.
• The needs of pedestrians and cyclists are considered appropriately in general road improvement projects, and project design reflects best practice standards and guidelines for cyclists and pedestrians.
• The needs of cyclists and pedestrians, and the potential impacts on these groups, are fully considered as transport policies, standards, laws and rules are developed and reviewed.
• Regional land transport strategies seek to integrate walking and cycling into regional planning and address strategic issues related to local as well as longer-distance travel.
• Integrated local transport plans provide a context for the development of local walking and cycling strategies, and walking and cycling strategies emphasise integration of these modes of transport into mainstream transport planning, policies and practices.
• Transport investment policies and practices support an integrated approach to land transport, and delivery of effective regional and local walking and cycling strategies.
• Funding evaluation frameworks for road improvement projects recognise the full range of benefits related to walking and cycling.
• Transport demand management policies support an increase in the desirability of walking, cycling and public transport in relation to private motor vehicle use.
• Planning for public transport recognises the multi-modal nature of most public transport journeys, particularly the key role of walking and the benefits of increased integration of cycling into public transport journeys.

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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)