Finalists for the 2018 Bike to the Future Awards, New Zealand’s national cycling awards, have been announced.
The awards, now in their third year, are organised by the NZ Transport Agency and Cycling Action Network (CAN). They celebrate the projects and people that are actively supporting and encouraging New Zealanders’ choice to get around by bike as part of their everyday journeys.
The finalists, selected from 60 nominations, range from large-scale infrastructure projects such as the Te Awa River Ride - Ngāruawāhia to Horotiu section, to education initiatives including the Refugee Women’s Cycling Instruction project, one of which took place on International Women’s Day, to teach migrant and refugee women how to ride a bike.
CAN spokesperson Patrick Morgan says the calibre of the nominations received was outstanding.
“There's no doubt that biking is on the up. The quality of nominations is testament to the incredible work happening all around the country. New Zealanders are not spinning their wheels; instead they are finding new and exciting ways to encourage people to get on their bikes. That's fantastic news for everyone, whether you ride a bike or not,” says Mr Morgan.
This year the award categories were refreshed with the addition of the Bikes at Work and School Award, the Built Excellence Award and the Revolutionary Award to celebrate all the different ways New Zealanders are making our country more bike-friendly.
NZ Transport Agency Senior Manager System Design Brett Gliddon says the Government is committed to encouraging more Kiwis to choose active transport options, such as cycling, that lower our carbon emissions and benefit our health.
“We know that New Zealanders are looking for more efficient transport options that are good for them and for their communities. More people on bikes means more efficient movement in urban centres, reduced emissions, improved public health and fitness and, most importantly, more liveable cities.
“We are proud to be celebrating everyone who has contributed towards encouraging more Kiwis to get on their bikes. We wish all of the finalists luck,” Mr Gliddon said.
The 2018 Award judges said the high calibre of this year’s nominations was testament to the dedication and creativity of so many New Zealanders.
Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Pippa Coom says it was immensely heartening to see the range of projects that are leading the way to a more bike-friendly future.
“The judges were impressed with the passion, innovation and creativity of nominations, ranging from professionals engaged in design and delivery to passionate volunteers all committed to making a significant difference,” she says.
“In the three years since the Bike to Future Awards became an annual event the judges have seen growing support and enthusiasm for cycling across all ages and the diverse communities of New Zealand.”
The winners will be announced at the 2WALKandCYCLE Conference awards dinner, held in Palmerston North on Tuesday 31 July.
This year’s finalists are:
Bikes at Work and School Award
Built Excellence Award
Outstanding Contribution to a Bike-Friendly Future Award
Revolutionary Award
Taking Communities on the Journey Award
The awards were judged by:
Pippa Coom - Chairperson Waitematā Local Board, cycling advocate and member of the Urban Cycleways Investment Panel
Richard Leggat - Chair of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, Board Member of Cycling NZ, Chair of the former Cycling Safety Panel, member of the Urban Cycleways Investment Panel.
Simon Douglas - National Manager Policy & Research, New Zealand Automobile Association
