Walking buses help bust road gridlock

By STUART DYE transport reporter

It takes 40,000 cars off the road every year in Auckland alone and is the most cost-effective answer to the region's congestion gridlock.

Initially a safe option to get youngsters to and from school, the Walking Bus has emerged as a solid weapon in combating traffic woes.

Infrastructure Auckland, which funds the scheme, says it is the most cost-effective traffic reduction project the organisation has undertaken.

More than 40 per cent of Auckland's peak-time travel is education-related and, at their present growth rate, Walking Buses will mean 15 million fewer car trips annually within three years.

About 60 schools in the region use the scheme, and yesterday they celebrated International Walk to School Week.

The Walking Bus was piloted four years ago on the North Shore and the city continues to lead the region, with innovative school travel plans encouraging more walking, cycling and car pooling.

Yesterday's event coincided with the launch of New Zealand's first strategy for walking and cycling.

A draft document, "Getting there - on foot, by cycle", will go out for public consultation. Submissions, by December 19, are invited on such issues as more pedestrian crossings, cycle parking facilities, rest benches, walking and cycling strategies, as well as cycle lanes and cycle ways.

Transport Minister Paul Swain said about 30 per cent of vehicle trips were for distances of less than 2km.

"New Zealanders undertake more than a billion trips a year on foot, and at least 100 million by cycle, yet many would not consider them as mainstream modes of transport," he said.

Increasing walking and cycling would improve the nation's health, contribute to cleaner air and help lessen street congestion.

Meanwhile, a petition asking Mr Swain for a footpath and cycleway on the harbour bridge has more than 6000 signatures.

Campaigners want a weather-proof path, which they estimate would cost $25 million, tagged on to the bridge.

Northcote Labour MP Ann Hartley has backed the petition and will present it to Parliament this month.

* The 2003 NZ Cycling Conference is being held in North Shore City tomorrow and Saturday.