Subscribe to RSSGreens Attack Council Crackdown
The Greens say it’s absurd that the Auckland City Council is forcing cycle hire company NextBike to reduce the number of bikes available.
As revealed here at the weekend, the council is cracking down on the company’s cycles being left at places where there are no racks.
The NextBike owner has left a plea on the post for people to complain to the council’s transport chairman.
Greens MP Keith Locke says NextBike provides a valuable and cost effective transport service, which Auckland City Council should support.
“The real problem here is not too many bikes, but a shortage of bicycle racks. Providing bicycle parking facilities is a core responsibility of Auckland City Council, and a simple cost-effective alternative to providing for more cars.”
Racks that support two bicycles each cost the Council $1500 and have a minimal maintenance cost. They help to achieve the Council’s goal of increasing cycling and they reduce congestion, noise and pollution in the city centre.
“In contrast, Auckland City has set aside millions of dollars in its annual plan to upgrade the public Civic Square car park, which has over 500 parking spaces. There are an estimated 100 public bicycle parks in the Auckland CBD, compared with tens of thousands of car parks. “
A big increase in the number of public bicycle racks will save the city and the community millions in parking, road maintenance and congestion costs. “
The council is undercutting its own cycling strategy by stomping on an innovative, community-supported business,” said Mr Locke.
“Similar cities around the world such as Brisbane are actively investing millions of dollars in cycling initiatives, including bike share schemes.“Auckland City should be supporting this initiative, which costs next to nothing, and helps make the city more liveable and vibrant.”
2 Comments
Banks doesn’t care about the Greens, I am afraid.
What Mr Banks must care about is his councils Long Term Community Council Plan. Providing bike racks, allowing a public bike operator to use them in exchange for providing free trips on the bikes, sits comfortably in 5 of the 7 strategies outlined in the LTCCP.
In particular:
Transport choices
o Provides an efficient and sustainable transport choice (TC1)
o Demonstrates investment in public transport and cycling (TC1)
o Promotes chnages in travel behaviour that reduces need to build other transport infrastructure (TC1)
o Provides for healthy travel choices (TC3)
o Provides an innovative and affordable transport solution (TC3)
o Provides cycle stands (TC3)
o Working with other agencies that supports and adds to their investment in public transport (TC5)
Economic development
o Attracts and grows a tourism facility (ED1)
o Adds to vibrant town centers (ED3)
Lifestyle choices
o Partnership with others to invest in sports and recreational facilities (LSC2)
o Assists in creating a lively inner city (LSC3)
o Prepares Auckland for RWC 2011 and other major events (LSC4)
Quality built environments
o Helps to achieve a more sustainable urban environment (QBE2)
o Working in partnership with private agencies to undertake projects that demonstrate quality urban design (QBE2)
Sustainable healthy communities
o Partner to provide programmes that promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle choices (SHC5)
o Enhances facilities and town centers to increase accessibility (SHC3)