Getting There - On Foot, By Cycle - Priority 6

A strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand transport

February 2005

Improve networks for long-distance cycling

Why?

While most walking and a high percentage of cycling is undertaken locally, we must also consider the needs of cyclists who are involved in longer-distance cycling, often outside urban areas. Longer-distance cyclists can include cycling commuters travelling between communities, those involved in cycle touring or who are training for cycling and multi-sport events, and a growing number of cycle tourists.

Although a few long-distance off-road cycle tracks have been developed in the South Island, most longer-distance cycling occurs on the open road network, including the state highway system. This raises safety issues that are reflected in road fatality statistics for cyclists - more than half of road fatalities for cyclists occur on the open road network.

There is strong interest from the cycling community in the development of regional cycling networks and in linking these to form a national network. A national network is seen as providing a highly visible project that focuses attention on cycling, as well as providing for the needs of long-distance cyclists. Development of long-distance cycling networks can involve upgrading on-road cycling facilities on key routes to improve access and safety for cyclists, as well as developing key off-road long-distance cycling facilities to provide alternatives to on-road routes.

Strong linkages with public transport carriers (such as trains and coaches) can also be important, particularly for cycle tourism.

One issue for a national cycling network in New Zealand is that, compared with places like Britain, our network may need to use more busy roads, including state highways. This could raise the costs associated with developing the network and require careful prioritisation of routes.

Desired outcome

The transport network will, over time, provide increased and safer opportunities for longer-distance cycling.

How?

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

• The role of long-distance cycling within the general mix of cycling activity, and within the transport mix is identified. Current and potential levels of cycle tourism, competitive and event cycling, long-distance commuting and cycle touring in New Zealand are clarified.
• The potential for a national cycling network and the costs and benefits associated with achieving this, are investigated.
• Regional and local cycling strategies reflect the full range of cycling activity that occurs in their area, including longer-distance cycling as appropriate.
• National cycling technical standards and service guidelines address open road cycling and development of long-distance off-road cycling routes.
• Linkages are strengthened between cycling and long-distance transport operators such as train, ferry, air and coach lines and their terminal operators, with the aim of encouraging bike-friendly policies, practices and facilities.
• Funding partnerships between communities and a range of sectors that stand to benefit from long-distance off-road facilities are explored.

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