Sunday, January 31, 2010

Star Ride Hamburg



These pictures are from the 'Sternfahrt' (star ride) on the Köhlbrand Bridge in Hamburg, Germany. This demonstration for access to the bridge and better cycling facilities in general takes place annually on a car-free day in June. Couldn't find any participant numbers but it sure looks impressive. Note the absence of helmets and high visibility clothing.

The parallel to Auckland is interesting. At this stage the Köhlbrand Bridge is not open to bicycles and neither is Auckland's Harbour Bridge. The gradients are very similar. We have taken charge of our bridge once on a famed day in May 09, they do it every year as an organised protest. Maybe that's what we should do too.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

A survey with a difference

Yet another survey, but this one is different. It's not about 'Do you want a cycle path on the bridge?'

The cause has moved beyond this point. The question Getacross.org.nz is asking us now: 'What do you want your cycle path to look like?'

Looks like we just got a lot closer to what we want.

Yarra, Melbourne - Bicycle Commuter Haven

This councillor from Yarra, Melbourne makes a lot of sense. I wish we had more councillors like that in Greater Auckland. Yarra's bike share is going on 10% showing that people want to cycle, and political will mixed with the right measures will get cyclists' numbers up very quickly. I noticed that she is riding a power-assisted bike, the perfect commuter solution. Hilly terrain and distance are no excuse anymore.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Cycling on the Harbour Bridge

Hi,
I made a music video about cycling on the Harbour Bridge in Auckland.
At present, you cannot cycle across the bridge of course, but this simply has to change. More than 11,000 people have signed up at Getacross in support of cycling facilities on the bridge. On 24 May 09 approximately 5,000 people demanded access to the Harbour Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, and crossed the bridge in a protest march while celebrating the 50th anniversary of its opening. The video includes some footage taken that day.