Cycling Advocates' Network

      Cycling Advocates' Network

      Logo of the organisation
      CAN is active in NZ
      NZ is CAN's area of influence
      Motto More people cycling more often
      Formation November 1, 1996 (1996-11-01) (16 years ago)
      Type NGO
      Legal status Incorporated Society
      Purpose/focus Advocacy
      Headquarters New Zealand Wellington, NZ
      Location 8a Horner St, Newtown, Wellington
      Region served New Zealand
      Membership Private Persons & Organisations
      Official languages En
      Chair Graeme Lindup
      Main organ Board
      Staff 3
      Volunteers dozens
      Website CAN

      Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) is a national cycling advocacy group founded in November 1996[1] in Wellington, New Zealand. It aims to achieve a better cycling environment for cycling as transport and tourism. Major initiatives are the annual Cycle Friendly Awards and support for a biennial Cycling Conference.

      Aims and activities

      CAN's aim is:[2]

      • Promoting the benefits of cycling
      • Improving safety for cyclists
      • Encouraging the creation of a good cycling environment
      • Promoting cycle tourism
      • Advocating for integrated cycle planning
      • Increasing the number of cyclists on our roads

      NZ Cycling Conference

      CAN has made a major contribution to the establishment and ongoing success of the NZ Cycling Conference[3] series (15 October 1997, Hamilton; 14–15 July 2000, Palmerston North; 21–22 September 2001, Christchurch; 10–11 October 2003, North Shore; 14–15 October 2005 Hutt City; 1–2 November 2007, Napier; 12–13 November 2009, New Plymouth); February 2012 Hastings.[4][5]

      Cycle Friendly Awards

      Since 2003, CAN has been organising the annual Cycle Friendly Awards, celebrating initiatives to promote cycling and create a cycle-friendly environment at both a national and local level in New Zealand.[6] The event has since received public recognition, with government representatives attending the award ceremonies.[7]

      2008 Election Campaign

      Ahead of the 2008 New Zealand elections, CAN polled MP candidates on their stance towards cycling, and published the results as a guide for voters that are concerned about cycling issues. Based on the poll, the 49th New Zealand Parliament contains about one-third (34%) of MPS who support cycling.[8]

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      Association with other groups

      CAN is the parent organisation for some 20 local cycling advocacy groups around the country,[9] including Cycle Action Auckland and Spokes Canterbury.

      CAN was a member of BikeNZ and provided one board member from BikeNZ's inception in July 2003. CAN resigned from BikeNZ in October 2007,[10] but continues to work with BikeNZ on advocacy issues.[11]

      CAN works closely with Living Streets Aotearoa, the national walking advocacy group.

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      Last modified on 5 December 2012, at 18:42