Contents
- Register now and be in to win
- Calling for great walking projects for the Golden Foot Awards
- Cruising on shared paths
- Changes to Road Traffic Rules
- Too much to carry is no excuse for not walking!
- The benefits of not driving
- Seeking passionate walkers with skills
Register now and be in to win
Register now for the NZ Walking Conference on 1/2 August, and be in to win a trip across Cook Strait for your family! Interislander have kindly donated 2 family passes for travel on the Interislander between Wellington and Picton. Each pass is valued at $600 and covers 2 adults with car and up to three children. There will be two draws for these passes – one on 28 May and one on 18 June so the sooner you get your registration in, the more chances you will have to win. Register here The draft conference program is also available.
Calling for great walking projects for the Golden Foot Awards
Know of any great walking projects that deserve recognition? You can nominate them for a Golden Foot Award now. These industry awards celebrate and recognise New Zealand achievements for walkers by acknowledging innovative new facilities, highlighting national best practise and rewarding ongoing commitment to walking. Walking promotions and small projects are included in the four categories. Awards will be presented to the winners at a ceremony on 1st August in Wellington. Nominations close on 30th June. Read all about it here
Cruising on shared paths
Cycle Aware Wellington has been working with Wellington Waterfront to develop a courtesy code for the shared space on the waterfront. This week they've been out on the waterfront handing out the pocket sized code to pedestrians and cyclists, and giving away free bicycle bells. Check it out here, and be sure to watch the great video - it's hilarious, and features a well known cycling advocate who shares an office with Living Streets! A great campaign which could be used in other places with busy shared paths.
Changes to Road Traffic Rules
NZTA is amending the rules around Traffic Control Devices. Among the changes being looked at, they are considering allowing the installation of nearside, mid-block pedestrian traffic signal displays, countdown pedestrian signals and on-roadway warning lights at pedestrian crossings. The mid-block pedestrian signals are like the Puffin Crossing which won a Golden Foot Award in 2009. They have been trialling countdown pedestrian signals in a number of areas. You can read more about the proposed changes and make a submission here
Too much to carry is no excuse for not walking!
Used to be only old ladies who trundled their shopping in "granny carts". But times they are a-changing! Devices to wheel your heavy groceries, vegetables, bags and other things around are getting a face-lift and becoming trendy. So no more excuses for taking the car for a short trip to the market - get on your feet and go like granny!!
The benfits of not driving
A study by economist Joe Cortright evaluates New York City’s Green Dividend, the economic benefits that result from more efficient transport. It estimates that NY city residents save $19 billion annually in car-related expenses. These savings leave residents with more purchasing power, which stimulates the city’s economy. We may not have the same density of population in New Zealand cities, but putting more money into better public transport, walking and cycling could achieve similar benefits here - less congestion and more money circulating in the local economy.
Seeking passionate walkers with skills!
The Living Streets AGM will be held during the Walking Conference in August. Several Executive Council members will be standing down, so there will be the opportunity for others to join the band of dedicated walking enthusiasts on the Executive.
We are looking for strategic thinkers with a passion for the cause, and with skills in one or more of the following areas:
- Change management
- Financial management
- Employment relations
- Networking
- Media and communications
- Technical skills
If you’re interested and think you might fit the bill, please contact liz.thomas@livingstreets.org.nz to find out more.