1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

Helps with the reduction of traffic within the city, as well as pollution. Its also healthy

2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

I think New Plymouth has very good foot traffic areas that are well maintained

3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

I believe that that it is a mixture of good common since by both pedestrians and drivers.

4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

Yes

5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

They are well designated in the high flow traffic areas with cycle lanes and underpasses.

6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

No

7. What would you do about these barriers?

I don't think that there are such areas however we would need to find out if there were any and look at the available options

8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

No

9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

-

10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

Yes

11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

I think that its a good idea, people need to be more aware of the options.

12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

More sunshine, there are great walkways along the New Plymouth coast that offers great views and is a great place to do both.

13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?

By creating and extending the areas in which to do both

14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

??

15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm

Yes

16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

When I get a chance, I try and do both. (Weather Permitting)

1.       What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and
(b) cycling
as a form of transport in your area?
 
(A) walking requires no equipment and promotes the good health of the walker;  walking generates no net carbon dioxide emissions if the walker eats organically grown food
 
(B) cycling is the most energy efficient form of transport ever invented and generates very little carbon emissions
 
2.       How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
(b) cyclists
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
 
(A) average. Speed limits in the city are too high. Pedestrians are subjected to increasing levels of poisonous traffic fumes. Footpaths are generally satisfactory. Expenditure on overbridges is largely unwarranted in this district.
 
(B) average. Compared to other regions of the country New Plymouth is doing better than many, but there is still far too much emphasis on what is good for cars and nowhere near enough emphasis on what is good for people. 
 
3.       Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists? I most definitely support lower speed limits, especially where traffic is in close proximity to unprotected people.
 
4.       Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?  Yes; unfortunately many are in the wrong places and are geared to tourism and leisure, rather than daily living.
 
5.       How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other. Mostly adequate. No noticeable difference between them.
 
6.       Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use? Yes
 
7.       What would you do about these barriers?  Change the local rules
 
8.       Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible? No. only in very short term emergency situations.
 
9.       If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?  We have one.
 
10.   Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one? We have a strategy, but it is very much flawed and the current administration is not listening to suggestion from the community
 
11.   Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them? Currently far too many children are being driven to school in privately owned vehicles, while older students are driving themselves to school. The whole situation is little short of ludicrous and needs serious attention.
 
12.   What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity? Higher taxes on fuels.
 
13.   What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing? Councils first responsibility should be to promote the health and welfare of the people. Largely, that is not being done at all. Cars (and the lack of alternatives) are arguably the biggest problem our society has. The peaking of the oil supply will reverse many of the trends of the past decade, but we still have government and councils building roads for vehicles that won't have fuel  -it's all rather idiotic.
 
14.   Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors? Not that I know of.
 
15.   Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm  I see that a government minister features on the site; the government is the problem, not the answer, so no, I won't.
 
16.   Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? Yes.
We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
 

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

Excellent exercise. This was proven during the Second World War - everyone was slim and fit.


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

Average


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

No. Stop interfering in people's everyday life. People are sick and tired of do-gooders imposing even more penalties and restrictions on them.


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

Some of them but they are poorly laid out and are almost impossible to steer clear of.


5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

Poor. At night time it is almost impossible to see the lines and impossible in the rain.


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

No


7. What would you do about these barriers?

Nothing


8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

No


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

No


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

No


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

Nothing.


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

Get on with life and stop asking the ratepayers to pay for everything that the hand wringers can think up.


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?

This is not the ratepayer's problem. Let central government pay for this. Rates escalation is crippling the ratepayer's and this insanity must stop.


14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

I do not know and could care less. There are more important issues like getting the rates down not up!


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm

No!


16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

I do 50 minutes of exercises every morning including 120 press-ups. I walk about 2km every day and I don't need any organization to advise me.

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

It enables people to stay healthier and assists with reducing the use of vehicles namely cars with one person in them


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

Good


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

Yes - especially near residential care facilities, schools and preschool establishments


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

Some but not all in our city


5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

Are not fully aware of any signage other tahn marking on the roadways


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

No


7. What would you do about these barriers?

Unable to comment


8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

No I do not know of any conditions


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

Yes but subject to cost and how it was funded


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

I understand it does but when elected I will enquire further


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

I do not know of any "travel plans in in schools and workplaces" but it would be an interesting project


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

Have the "idea" taken up as a study project


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?

Can not answer the question until I am elected


14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

Do not know but will enquire once elected


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm




16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

Yes we work regularily through the activites of my work and leisure

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

Less pollution, healthier people.


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

Generally average but could be better.


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

Not unless there was a very good reason, such as a very narrow street.


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

Generally yes.


5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

Fairly well signposted, although not all people use them in the manner intended.


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

No. None that I am aware of locally.


7. What would you do about these barriers?

N/a


8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

Yes. In very narrow streets where there is no adequate off road parking.


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

N/a


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

Yes it has a strategy that it is working on.


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

Yes. Possibly offer incentives of some sort for those who use travel plans.


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

Encourage People to live closer to work and to not take the car on short trips.


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?

It is not the responsibility of the council to promote public health, per se. The council should, however, be providing the facilities that will allow people the choice to use them to improve their health, i.e. through sports, or to cycle or walk safely.


14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

Don't know.


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm




16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

Yes, although not as often as I would like to, or should do.

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

1. Relieves congestion on the roads
2. Healthy
3. Enables participants to truly appreciate the surroundings (and let's be honest - nowhere are they more spectacular than Taranaki).
4. Reduces hydrocarbon consumption.
5. It helps build community - people interact more frequently while walking/cycling.
6. The environment wins on ALL counts
7. We have spent many many millions of dollars creating beautiful walkways and cycleways - it would be terrible not to see them utilized!


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

I believe many of our walkways and cycleways are world class - superb! We continue to work on these. In the urban area there are challenges to overcome as more and more people are cycling (particularly), and as our roading network gets busier. Serious planning and dollars will need to continue to be spent.


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

Yes


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

Yes


5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

Yes - in this community, there continues debate particularly relative to the coastal walkway. Some of this years budget is allocated to signage - although mainly on urban network.


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

Yes - in most cases there is a safer alternative route. These continue to be developed.


7. What would you do about these barriers?

Leave them - safety comes first!


8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

Yes - on our coastal walkway, drink vendors are specifically licensed to park.


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

We do - but needs periodic updating.


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

We do


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

Yes. Encouraged through the strategy


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

I firmly believe it is happening. As facilities are developed, people are using them. Word of mouth is a powerful tool - it's working!


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?

The council has a moral and legal obligation under the act - so we should.


14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

I write this on World Car-Free Day. Over 60 of our team met before work after the walk cycle to this building this morning.


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm

Yes - attached


16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

Not regularly enough......but love it, when the opportunity arises. Every year, the Mayor of New Plymouth has a team in the around the mountain cycle challenge - it's the last Saturday in January....so January's tend to be "catch up months". This community holds the cycle wise mayoral challenge award - the most people joining the mayor in the country on a cycle ride. Cycling/walking is now part of this community's culture!

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

Lower carbon emissions, quality air, fitter healthier people, fewer traffic jams, reduced parking concerns / worries, happier people - due to being fitter and connecting more with environment and other people.


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists in your area?

Overall very poor - cycleways (poor) pedestrian overbridges (none) cycle parking (poor) quality of footpaths (good).


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

yes


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

yes


5. How well signposted are these facilities? not well. Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

not really


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

yes


7. What would you do about these barriers?

have roadways sectioned off so cyclists and/or pedestrians can safely use - as in European countries


8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

yes


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

absolutely yes


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, yes and if not, would you support having one?

yes


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? yes If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

work with communities


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

More regular fun events that encourage people out to have fun walking and cycling; promoting safe cycling zones.


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health?

leading by example - councillors walking, cycling and encouraging council staff to participate in walking/cycling events.


14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

not sure


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? yes http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm




16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly?

yes - cycle regularly

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

- Keeping fit, reducing traffic conjestion


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

- average


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

- yes


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

- yes


5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

- poor


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

- yes


7. What would you do about these barriers?




8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

- NO!


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

- Yes


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

- Yes


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

- Yes


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

- Promoting benefits


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?




14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

- Unaware of one


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm

- Yes


16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

- Very keen walker and cyclist

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

I would encourage people to walk. Cycling is a quick way to get to work during peak traffic, not harmful to environment


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists Good, plenty of cycleways in New Plymouth in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

Average for pedestrians and good for cyclists - plenty of cycleways in New Plymouth


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

No, roads are built and maintained primarily for cars, not cyclists or pedestrians


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

Yes, I use them both


5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

Very easy to find and use


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

Yes, and that is how it should be. The motorists need separation from pedestrians/cyclists


7. What would you do about these barriers?

I believe the attitude of most cyclists needs to change in favour of big, immovable things like cars/trucks etc. Cyclists don't pay road tax


8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

Not under any circumstances, vehicles parking on footpaths should be ticketed or towed (or both)


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

No, the fun of going for a ride is "making it up as you go"


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

Yes, they do, and I believe the focus is too heavily weighted in favour of cyclists


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

I don't understand your question, sorry. What is a "travel plan"?


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

I think a large proportion of the population already cycle and walk, so further promotion is not necessary. Those who want to do it, will anyway.


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?

The role of public heath is not for Council directly, although they provide good facilities already, people have to use them correctly and appropriately


14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

I don't understand your question, sorry. What is a "travel plan"?


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm

Probably not, those who aren't prepared to get off their butt and exercise, are never going to


16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

Yes I do, I am a keen fitness supporter, although I believe many cyclists have a bad attitude toward motorists, who the road is actually there for, first and foremost. I would support the introduction of some form of tax for cyclists (registration plate etc?) to financially contribute to the maintenance of roads and footpaths if they are allowed to use them.

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

BETTER HEALTH, LESS CONGESTION ON ROADS, LESS USE OF FOSSIL FUELS


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

AVERAGE


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

TOTALLY


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

YES


5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

NOT AS GOOD AS COULD BE


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

NO


7. What would you do about these barriers?

HIGHLIGHT THE AREAS OF CHANGE OVER


8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

NO


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

YES


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

YES


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

YES WORK WITH LOCAL BODIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

rAISING AWARENESS WITH FUN SPONSORED EVENTS WITH RIDING AND PRIZES IN CONJUNCTION WITH LOCAL CYCLE DEALERS WIN A BIKE ARTICLES ON PEOPLE WHO RIDE TO WORK AND FOR PLEASURE AND THEIR VIEWS ON IT ALL


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?

mAYBE THE cOUNCIL COULD DOWNSIZE ITS FLEET OF VEHICLES AND PROIVIDE MANY WITH BIKES ( LIKE THE aRMY IN sWITZERLAND!!)


14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

dONT BELEIVE SO


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm

YES


16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

YES WITH FAMILY AND SOMETIMES TO WORK IF THERES TIME!!

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

I believe there are plenty of opportunity for walking within the town I live, which is Waitara. A lot of people walk around our town both the streets and the walkways that our council have implemented for us. I do however feel that our major issue stopping people from reaching the maximum in Waitara for walking is the lack of quality pathways and sidewalks or in some cases there are none. In many places there is no storm water control and this has a negative effect on people wanting to walk incase they get wet and muddy. In the city where I work on Currie Street, I again feel that we are well endowed with such great walkways and places to go to see what is happening. Cycling as a form of transport is sadly unutilized and yet it could be with better infrastructure. The idea of a coastal walkway should be extended to include further infrastructure for artillery route in and around the district not just the city. The coastal route with little effort could form a major component to future expansion of the cycle route as far as Tongaporutu in the North and Okato in the South.


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians (b) cyclists in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

For pedestrians: Good in the city poor in the NorthWard. For cyclists: Poor all over


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

No I wouldn't but I would look at ways of providing routes for cycling and walking so that they are not streets, roads and avenue's but instead are walkways or cycling routes.


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

Yes and I don't always believe that they are in the right place as they are often in competition to other users like trucks and automobiles, even sometimes they are in competition to walkers


5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

Not signposted at all really. Nor are they particularly noted for the public so that this is an alternative form of transport.


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

Yes


7. What would you do about these barriers?

Provide alternative routes, just like cars and trucks and motorbikes can't use some walkways. It has to be driven by the community and not by fringe groups either.


8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

No


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

Yes


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

No and I would support one


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

As noted above I would support these as alternative means of transport and I would seek remedies within the means of the NPDC allowing users to consider cycling an walking to work and school as a healthy form of transport.


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

Provide local incentives for people to see as secondary benefit to the benefit of being healthy.


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?

Public health is essentially the role of Central government partnering with health providers. Local council are suppliers of services and infrastructure that is driven by communities and their objectives'. If the community sees cycling and walking as a priority for their local community then spending by the local government should take this into consideration.


14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

No


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm

Yes


16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

Yes

1. What do you see as the advantages of (a) walking and (b) cycling as a form of transport in your area?

HEALTH AND TO ASSIST THE ENVIRONMENT


2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for (a) pedestrians and (b) cyclists in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.

WE HAVE A COASTAL WALKWAY STREETS ARE GOOD


3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?

WOULD HAVE TO BE DEBATED AND DECIDED AT COUNCIL TABLE CANNOT BE AN INDIVIDUAL DECISION


4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

YES


5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.

GOOD


6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?

NO


7. What would you do about these barriers?

INVESTIGATE THEM.


8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?

NO


9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?

YES MOST DEFINITELY.


10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?

YES MOST DEFINITELY


11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?

THIS IS SOMETHING THAT WILL HAPPEN IN THE FUTURE DUE TO ENERGY DECREASE AND WOULD BE FACILITATED


12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?

SOCIAL GROUPS MORE AWARENESS FOR HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENT


13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?

PUBLIC HEALTH IS A CENTRAL ISSUE, HOWEVER COUNCILS SHOULD DO ALL POSSIBLE TO PROMOTE WALKING/CYCLING


14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?

NOT THAT I AM AWARE OF


15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm

POSSIBLY I WILL LOOK AT THE CHARTER AND CONSIDER IT HAS ONLY JUST COME TO MY ATTENTION


16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.

I POWER WALK 5 KM A DAY AND RIDE A BIKE ON OCCASIONS

1.       What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and
(b) cycling
as a form of transport in your area? you Are talking to a  former jogger and marathon runner. Of course it is important. YOU have TO REALISE THAT  today's youth do not see this as so important.
We can build as many cycle ways and walkways as you like. Those over 45 will use them [ the last generation to be active] . Your mission - if you accept- is to get the youth of today off the X-box and into the fresh air ! Forget forms of transport! This is about activity.
 
2.       How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
(b) cyclists
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
We have built a coastal walkway in New Plymouth. You must have heard about it. It is very well used. People are able to walk on it , ride , rollerblade , skate, push kiddy buggies etc.  We have walk/running tracks built over water pipelines that criss-cross the city [ fabulous!- as a lunchtime runner I could run for an hour and not have to run on a road - send someone  here and I will show you.  We have Pukekura Park. On a windy day I can walk/run for an hour  and not be on the same track. All this within 5 minutes of work.
 
3.       Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?
I would prefer a 20km/ph zone in the City. Cyclists have to take some responsibility as well. [ we breed bad drivers thought] and not to expect too much from the Council - the drivers are the problem.
 
4.       Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?
are you kidding!  We even have cycle lanes at lights to help. We are planning to use footpaths to help cyclists [ remember , NZ is not the south of France. The weather is not as helpful]
 
5.       How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.
Roads are built for cars. We do our best to warn motorists of cyclists and walkers . I dare you to ask a driver under 25 , the last time they saw a cyclists or gave them a wide berth.
 
6.       Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?
Do not expect cyclists to be given access to busy roads[ we are building a cycleway to cover about half of the city.]  Be realistic.
7.       What would you do about these barriers?
There is a limit to the amount of space that a cyclist / walker can be safeguarded.  YOU need to be an educationalist.  Just see how many mothers will let their children walk/ride to school. While cars are cheap , we will always have them- and poor drivers .
8.       Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?
Not a problem. People do it now to avoid being hit by bad drivers!  Customary roads are build on former tracks - and are often limited in space due to residential building.  Footpaths were built to cater for the pre-motorised population. Slim down the footpaths and widen the parking spaces.  Of course there will then the planning problems and the RMA
9.       If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?
New Plymouth District Council has one
 
10.   Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?
See above
11.   Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?
Our Regional Council already supports such an initiative.
12.   What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?
Ban computers and TV for school age people until after 5:00pm. Safe walking to schools, parking spots and walk to walk - again NZ is not conducive weather wise to regular walking to work.  [ we have businesses that have put in bike sheds at work to cater for cyclists. Raise the diver license age to 18.]
13.   What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?
I assume that the question has been raised by someone with little information on Council activities.  Of course we have a  role. NPDC is very active to get a better deal.
14.   Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
Let's be realistic. People [ staff or not] make their own decision on how to get to work, they may work odd hours and a car is essential. We have a subsidized bus service [ Regional Council] - there is little appetite for a District Council subsidized bus service unlike Wellington.
15.   Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm
We are doing what we can now.
16.   Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
Yes
 
 

Good luck. Your group risks being akin to a religion if you do not recognize the natural habits of the population. Aim at the schools and safety, getting people to believe that their children will be safe, Land Transport [ bad roads and designs]  and Govt over PC attitudes to what is a persons right to be active.

 

1.       What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking
This is a simple and effective means of obtaining daily exercise. It can
be undertaken anywhere by anyone of any age

(b) cycling
While cycling is a good exercise increased traffic volumes are making this

type of exercise more dangerous. Cycling is not an ideal exercise for
older citizens and young children

as a form of transport in your area?
 

2.       How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians. Good within the city area but poor in rural locations,
insufficient flat surface beyond the seal

(b) cyclists. Poor, cycle lanes where marked are very close to vehicle
parking on the side of the road and not wide enough for one cyclist to
pass another with safety.
 

in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian
overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths. Most footpaths in New
Plymouth are of good quality for pedestrians but I would not support
cyclists using footpaths.
New Zealand cities, apart from Auckland maybe, are not large enough to
justify cycleways specifically designed as such and include underpass's,
overbridges, wide sealed cycleways and good facilities for cycle parking.
Some European cities would have more cycles than New Plymouth has cars.
 

3.       Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to
enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists? I do not believe this would
provide any improvement in safety for pedestrians and cyclists. If made
law it would be very difficult and/or expensive to police.
 

4.       Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?

In New Plymouth and some other cities yes. For example there is a good
dedicated cycle lane around the edge of Hagley Park in Christchurch.
 

5.       How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage
is better for one mode than the other. In New Plymouth cycle lanes are shown
by painted cycles in the cycle lane. These do not show up at night.
 

6.       Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a)
pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use? New Zealand roads classed as
motorways are not meant to be used by pedestrians or cyclists. Apart from
that no.
 

7.       What would you do about these barriers?  For motorways no change.
 

8.       Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on
footpaths is permissible? While this is common in Europe with narrow roads

I would not support it in New Zealand.
 

9.       If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route
map, would you support creating one? New Plymouth has walking track maps
but do not know of an equivalent for cyclits. New Plymouth is relatively
hilly, compare with Hamilton, Palmerston North and Christchurch. Due to
cost I would not support a dedicated cycle route.
 

10.   Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not,
would you support having one?  I am not aware of any specific policy in
the long term development plan.
 

11.   Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what
would you do to facilitate them? N/A
 

12.   What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and
cycling
as a regular activity? Any plan would only work if it was promoted NZ
wide.
 

13.   What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How
do you see walking and/or cycling contributing? N/A
 

14.   Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
N/A
 

15.   Will you sign the Walking Charter? Not at present.
http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm
 

16.   Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many
people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
I do a considerable amount of walking but do not own a cycle.