Cycling
Cycling is recognised as a mode of transport that is non-polluting, energy efficient, improves people's health, fitness and wellbeing, is relatively affordable and allows reliable journey times. 
However, perceptions of cycling safety are very low in our region.This is understandable given 2007 cyclist casualties rose alarmingly to twice the Wellington Regional Land Transport Strategy target level. Considerable energy needs to be focused towards providing a safe and pleasant cycling environment that will encourage more people to cycle while reducing the number of cyclist casualties in our region.
The Regional Cycling Plan(382KB), adopted by the Regional Transport Committee in December 2008, identifies a range of actions and initiatives to achieve the outcomes for cycling set out in the Wellington Regional Land Transport Strategy.
Actions include:
- Improve the cycling network
- Improve cycling and public transport integration
- Provide for cyclists in land development
- Influence central government policy
- Seek adequate funding
- Support delivery of cyclist skills training programmes
- Facilitate information sharing
- Improve driver and cyclist awareness
- Improve information about cycling
- Encourage participation in cycling
- Improve cycling connections between local networks
- Support development of the Great Harbour Way
The lead agency for each action varies depending on responsibility. They include Greater Wellington, territorial authorities, New Zealand Transport Agency, NZ Police, schools and other agencies such as Regional Public Health. The effectiveness of the plan relies on a commitment from all key stakeholders. Local councils, in particular, will have a vital role in improving the cycling network.
Some territorial authorities also have their own cycling policies, plans and strategies. Find links to them here.
RLTS 2020 targets for cycling
The RLTS 2020 strategic targets of particular relevance to the Regional Cycling Plan are:
- Active modes account for at least 16% of region-wide journey to work trips (13% in 2006)
- Fewer than 110 cyclists injured in the region per annum (136 injured in 2009)
- 70% of people report a 'good' or 'neither good nor bad' level of service for the strategic cycle network (52% in 2008)