30 June 2003

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate use

Funding for cycling way too low, say cyclists

Transfund's proposed funding for cycling and walking projects over the next decade was described as inadequate by national cycling organisation the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN).

"With promoting walking and cycling as one of the new priorities for the National Land Transport Fund, we would have expected to see a sizeable boost in funding for walking and cycling projects", said CAN chairperson Jane Dawson.

"Instead the newly issued National Land Transport Fund suggests only $3 million a year will be spent in each of the next ten years. While overall spending on land transport will increase to an estimated $1.38 billion by 2012, spending on cycling and walking will stick at $3 million. At that it will only comprise 0.2 per cent of the total spent on land transport."

Transfund have received indicative bids for cycling and walking projects worth more than $26 million in the coming financial year. "Obviously the $3 million allocated to these projects is way too low," said Ms Dawson. "The Government's desire to promote cycling and walking needs to be supported by adequate funding" she said.

ENDS

For further information, contact Jane Dawson, Cycling Advocates' Network of NZ Inc.Chairperson, on 04-385 2557.

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