Bike Vs Train

[Mixdup]

Apolgies if this has already been covered elsewhere.

Latest census figures for "main means of travel to work - aged 15 years and over and employed". Motor cycle or Power cycle = 19,692. Train = 19704.

2001 census. Motor cycle or Power cycle = 17307. Train = 15111

So what's my point/s?
1). Motorcycles are obvioulsy as important a means of transport to New Zealanders as trains - so why don't we see LTSA/councils/central govt investing in laws/regulations/infrastructure that support bike use - god knows they spend enough on trains.
2). Despite the many millions invested in trains over the past 5 years, they have only lifted national daily usage by around 4500 - pathetic.
3). Over the same period, despite NO investment, motorcycle use has increased by just under 2000
4). Therefore a small investment in laws/infrastructure to encourage motorbikes eg, lane priority, light priority, etc, would no doubt leverage a huge level of private investment in motorcycles - and therefore reduce the transport burden on the public purse.

I should point out that I recall census day 2006 was crap weather (in Auckand at least) so that will have reduced bike numbers a bit. Made me wonder at the time if the annual "ride to work day" should be scheduled for census days where possible?

[Roj]

Apolgies if this has already been covered elsewhere.

Latest census figures for "main means of travel to work - aged 15 years and over and employed". Motor cycle or Power cycle = 19,692. Train = 19704.

2001 census. Motor cycle or Power cycle = 17307. Train = 15111

So what's my point/s?
1). Motorcycles are obvioulsy as important a means of transport to New Zealanders as trains - so why don't we see LTSA/councils/central govt investing in laws/regulations/infrastructure that support bike use - god knows they spend enough on trains.
2). Despite the many millions invested in trains over the past 5 years, they have only lifted national daily usage by around 4500 - pathetic.
3). Over the same period, despite NO investment, motorcycle use has increased by just under 2000
4). Therefore a small investment in laws/infrastructure to encourage motorbikes eg, lane priority, light priority, etc, would no doubt leverage a huge level of private investment in motorcycles - and therefore reduce the transport burden on the public purse.

I should point out that I recall census day 2006 was crap weather (in Auckand at least) so that will have reduced bike numbers a bit. Made me wonder at the time if the annual "ride to work day" should be scheduled for census days where possible?

Sounds like a good idea, unfortunately the government isn't really that big on listening to good ideas.....

[Kflasher]

I for one was using the bus at the time, instead of the usual bike, so add one more to the bike count.

[steved]

I was worried this was going to be a gruesome video.

[MisterD]

Look at it this way: An investment in trains is an investment in reducing the number of cages on the road trying to kill you.

[sunhuntin]

I was worried this was going to be a gruesome video.

same... or else, one of our own!

[SDU]

sounds all to sensible- so don't expect it to happen with Govt depts.


Welcome to the nuthouse! You can't be too mixed up with awesome choice of bike you have there.

[Mixdup]

Welcome to the nuthouse! You can't be too mixed up with awesome choice of bike you have there.

Thanks, I've lurked here for a while, thought it was time to contribute. "mixdup" callsign is reference to general biker reaction when I tell them I love my old vespa just as much as the guzzi.

[The Pastor]

The thing is they WANT more people to be on trains and less people to be on bikes.