Many cyclists in Auckland will have heard of the story of Portland, Oregon. Up to the early / mid 1990s, Portland was a typical large American city in terms of cycling. Meaning there wasn’t much of it. But then, a variety of positive things started happening, from new cycle infrastructure, to more positive governmental action, to an active advocacy scene.
Within something slightly more than a decade, Portland has now transformed itself to one of the Number 1 cycle cities of the world, with a cycle mode share of over 8%, a vibrant – and very mainstream – cycle culture. It also did so on a shoestring (cycling) budget, showing that key investment into good cycle facilities can be dwarfed by highway budgets, yet still get significant results.
One of the people that shepherded along this transformation was (is) Roger Geller, Portland’s Bicycle Coordinator – cycling’s official champion in Portland. And in two weeks, he will be here in New Zealand, travelling around the country and sharing his experience and advice, and in turn getting our feedback. As he is a great public speaker with a great story to tell, he will be highly in demand. Cycle Action has the honor of hosting Roger at one of our member’s homes, and while he will be rather busy during his two-day stay in Auckland (before continuing on to other areas of the country), we look forward to meeting him in person, and having him on at least a short ride.
If you are also keen on hearing about how a city can turn itself around to become a real cycling mecca, the IPENZ Transportation Group is organising a public event at the Pioneer Women’s Hall (you may have been there before, we hold our big events there) off Freyburg Square.
Transforming Auckland into a cycling-friendly city
– Lessons from Portland, USA
12:30-1:30pm
Thursday 16th February 2012
Pioneer Women’s Hall
Freyburg Square, Auckland CBD
No RSVP required for CAA friends and members – but the venue is likely to be pretty packed (over a hundred people have already indicated interest for this event), so come early for a good seat, or you may have to stand!
