Safe cycleway plan a great investment in NZ’s future

Thursday, 13 March 2014, 11:46 am
Press Release: Generation Zero

Safe cycleway plan a great investment in NZ’s future

13 March 2014

Youth organisation Generation Zero today welcomed the Green Party’s new Safe Walking and Cycling to School plan and says it shows taking action on climate change can be great for New Zealand’s economy.

The plan involves investing $50 million per year out of the existing transport budget for walking and cycling infrastructure around schools.

“This plan is a win-win solution that will not only get more Kiwi kids moving, but also get New Zealand moving towards a future independent of fossil fuels,” said Generation Zero spokesperson, Paul Young.

“With an estimated $20 in benefits for each dollar invested, the economic case is compelling and this policy deserves to gain support from across the political spectrum. It’s a great example of how we can improve our economy while cutting carbon pollution.

"It’s also about giving the people what they want - the fact is parents don't want to have to taxi their kids around and more and more young people want choices other than driving.

“Great cycling cities like Copenhagen got where they are by building high quality cycleways that make ordinary people feel safe enough to ride, and there’s no reason we can’t do the same in New Zealand.

"Currently a huge amount of transport funding is going to waste on low value motorways that will only make us more dependent on fossil fuels. Investing in clean transport options like cycling is what will deliver real progress.

“We want to see commitments from all political parties to a future involving a broader range of transport options that takes into account the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.”

ENDS

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