Cycling projects across New Zealand were recognised at the Bike to the Future Awards in Auckland tonight. Winners included a cycling junior football team, a power company and a rural school with a 60% commute-by-bike rate.
Winners included a cycling junior football team, a power company and a rural school with a 60% commute-by-bike rate.
Auckland’s Te Ara I Whiti (Light Path), otherwise known as the Pink Path or Magenta Adventure, was named the Supreme Winner and also received a highly commended award in the Big Bike Bling category.
Judges said the Light Path is an outstanding, unique and innovative design delivered in a remarkably ambitious timeframe through a successful collaboration with multiple parties.
“We are impressed with how Te Ara I Whiti has transcended walking and cycling for multi-use. In only a short timeframe, the Light Path has become a celebrated, iconic Auckland feature,” they said.
“The Light Path has already had over 100,000 users and has quickly become a very important part of Auckland’s cycling network, setting the benchmark for other projects.”
More than 60 projects were nominated for awards, and winners were announced this evening by Hon Simon Bridges, Minister of Transport. There were six category winners, and six further projects that received highly commended awards. Award recipients were:
Supreme Award
Innovation Hub Award
Taking Communities on the Journey Award
Big Bike Bling Award
Get on Yer Bike Award
Bikes in Business Award
Outstanding Contribution to a Bike-Friendly Future Award
The awards are a joint initiative by the NZ Transport Agency and Cycling Action Network (CAN).(external link) They are part of the third 2WALKandCYCLE(external link) conference taking place in Auckland from 6-8 July 2016 and recognise all the pedal-pushers, people and organisations working to make cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice.
Dougal List, National Cycling Manager at NZ Transport Agency, says the Bike to the Future Awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the dedication and contribution to cycling from a number of projects and champions.
“New Zealand has evolved quickly as a country where cycling is embraced both for recreation and as a mode of transport. The sheer number of nominations and the quality of the projects is a real testament to the progress we have made on our cycling journey.”
Patrick Morgan, Project Manager at Cycling Action Network (CAN) says the Awards are great way to acknowledge the talented and passionate people who keep the wheels turning.
“With more than a million and a half New Zealanders riding bikes, there's no doubt cycling is on the up. These awards are our chance to salute our leaders and champions.”
The 2WALKandCYCLE conference is addressing the walking and cycling issues in New Zealand, focusing on active, human-powered transport to achieve healthier, smarter and more liveable cities. It finishes tomorrow afternoon, Friday 8 July 2016.
Attendees included engineers, planners, architects, academics, politicians, advocates, local and central government employees, consultancies, health boards, universities and advocacy groups.
The judging panel for the Bike to the Future Awards included:
For more information, please visit Bike to the Future Awards and 2WALKandCYCLE.(external link)
For further details on the winners, or to set up an interview please contact:
Frances Coles
Acumen Republic for NZ Transport Agency
D: 04 494 5126
M: 022 071 9115
E: fcoles@acumenrepublic.com
