Getting There - On Foot, By Cycle - Foreword
Last updated on
21/11/2008 11:42 a.m.
A strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand transport
February 2005
In 2002, the Government released the New Zealand Transport Strategy, the first national transport strategy to seek to integrate all modes and users of transport. Its vision:
"By 2010 New Zealand will have an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive, and sustainable transport system."
Achieving this vision requires getting the most from all modes of transport - including walking and cycling.
In New Zealand, we undertake more than a billion trips a year on foot, and at least a hundred million by cycle. That's a lot of trips. But the truth is, we don't walk and cycle as much as we used to in our day-to-day lives.
Getting there - on foot, by cycle sets out a strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand transport. It aims to ensure that we have supportive walking and cycling environments in New Zealand communities, that safety is improved for pedestrians and cyclists, and that people walk and cycle more as part of their day-to-day transport mix.
The benefits of this will be great. We will be a fitter nation. We will be helping to make our air cleaner and our streets less congested. Creating communities that are safer and more walk-and-cycle-friendly will help to ensure a land transport system that works for everyone.
The Labour Progressive Government would like to acknowledge the valuable contribution of the Green Party during the development of
Getting there - on foot, by cycle. I would also like to recognise the work of the Hon Paul Swain - the previous Minister of Transport, who directed the development of the draft Strategy that was released for consultation in 2003 - and to thank the many individuals and organisations who commented on that draft. It was heartening that most of you thought we were on the right track.
As the examples used throughout
Getting there - on foot, by cycle show, work is already underway for walking and cycling in New Zealand, providing a strong platform on which
Getting there - on foot, by cycle can build. However, more action is required.
Central government will take a leading role in the Strategy, and central government agencies will work toward its implementation. However,
Getting there - on foot, by cycle also recognises that much of the necessary action for walking and cycling will continue to happen regionally and locally. Given this, supporting and strengthening effective local action will be an early priority for Strategy implementation.
We look forward to working together with you to achieve our vision of a New Zealand where people from all sectors of the community walk and cycle for transport and enjoyment.
Hon Pete Hodgson.
Minister of Transport
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