RideStrong to offer cyclists united voice in NZ

28 November 2008, 8:23AM
Femme

More than one million cyclists will be invited to join a new organisation to give those on two wheels a voice in New Zealand.

The RideStrong movement will be dedicated to promoting a safe and enjoyable environment for all cyclists.

RideStrong was launched on the eve of New Zealand’s biggest recreational cycling event with more than 10,000 riders to take part in the annual Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge tomorrow.

The campaign will be led by BikeNZ with support from Raboplus, Perry Foundation and SPARC.

There are currently 1,270,000 New Zealanders of all ages who now ride. In fact more than 20 percent of New Zealanders are regular cyclists and there were 300,000 bikes sold last year, which is a third more than all new and imported cars registered.

“We ride to work or for work, we ride for fitness and fun and we race,” said BikeNZ Marketing Manager, Greg Hamilton.

“First and foremost RideStrong will deliver on the fundamental wants and needs of all New Zealand cyclists, to promote the rights of cyclists, have them respected and achieve a safer more enjoyable cycling experience. This is the strongest and most common need of every cyclist in New Zealand.”

Mr Hamilton said that cycling has become increasing unsafe for riders on New Zealand roads with the rapid growth of cycling popularity and with more and more traffic on the roads.

“A large and powerful membership group can achieve real change on many of the issues that are crucially important to New Zealand cyclists. It is patently obvious that New Zealand cyclists must create this change themselves – no-one will do it for them. RideStrong is that vehicle to become the voice of the New Zealand cyclist.”

Mr Hamilton said there is a cycling revolution in this country but attitudes towards riders and provisions on many of our roads does not allow for safe cycling.
“Last year we bought twice the number of bikes than we did six years ago. People are riding as a key way to keep active or to get to work or school.

“RideStrong will work closely with other stakeholders to achieve their needs.

“This programme represents a tremendous mechanism for the NZTA to promote cycle safety and a message to New Zealand drivers about sharing the road, as well as working with local councils to provide cycle lanes.

“It represents a mechanism for ACC and SPARC to encourage and communicate the message to get active and stay active, while it creates an opportunity for health agencies to promote a more healthy lifestyle for New Zealanders.

“And most importantly if provides a vehicle for all cyclist, no matter their ability, to have a voice in the future of cycling in New Zealand.

“Together we can create a safe and enjoyable environment for all New Zealand cyclists,”

For information: www.ridestrong.org.nz

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