My Account
In transport planning, there’s sometimes talk of a ‘transport hierarchy’, which puts the cheapest, healthiest and most basic modes such as walking and cycling at the top. Walking and cycling paths are the most cost-effective transport infrastructure for many reasons:
• they are low maintenance and durable
• they provide door-to-door direct access
• they handle large capacity with only marginal cost
• they can be convenient in both rural and urban environments with the right approach.However, even though significant connections can be completed at low cost compared with roading projects, when it comes to most transport budgets, actual funding for walking and cycling is a low priority. Budgets to support these humble age-old ways of getting around are comparatively tiny, hard fought for, often controversial, unnecessarily difficult, and yet ultimately, the projects are wildly successful.
Walking and cycling deserves better investment for a number of reasons. These ‘active modes’ are good for the environment – they burn fat, not oil. The only CO2 emissions they create are in accelerated breathing. They help reduce congestion. Note to car drivers: If you see a cyclist on the road and momentarily have to slow down to pass them, please be grateful, not angry – every commuter cyclist is one less car clogging up the road.
People who walk or cycle contribute to a healthier society by being fit and active. Some reports even say that human gait is associated with cerebral function, and in modernity as we spend less time walking, so is there an under-development of human mental capacity. You can certainly think better when you’re walking or on a bike. E-bikes provide a smart way of getting around, too. The E-bike market is bound to grow as they offer extended mobility for those who would be unable to otherwise ride.
Walk and cycleways need not be expensive especially using paper roads, easements, development contributions and reserves. Local ‘Greenways’ projects help make communities better connected, safer and more resilient. Economic activity is enhanced by walk and cycle-friendly design, people stop and spend more money by foot or bike. Paradoxically, walking and cycling for transport saves households money and can reduce the ‘need’ for multiple family cars. Meanwhile, walking and cycle trails around New Zealand increasingly stimulate all sorts of business growth, while facilitating low impact access to the most beautiful, and diverse, country in the world.
Rodney is already a popular destination because of our well-developed mountain-biking infrastructure in Woodhill forest in the south, and the emerging trail network in the north, as well as scenic roads for riding, and more. Visions, and practical examples of great cross-country, linked walk and cycleways, events and tours, reflect a walking and cycling culture that’s growing around Rodney and nationally. Walking and cycling makes mobility a celebration of freedom and fun, and should be celebrated in itself.
