Toby and Karen at Frocks on Bikes' Love to Roll Valentine's Day ride.

1.  What’s the purpose of CAN?
Our mission here at the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN) is more people on bikes, more often.

CAN project manager Patrick Morgan says we all win when more people ride bikes.
“More cycling reduces traffic congestion, saves you money and makes you healthier and happier. Cycling doesn’t pollute, it’s quiet and best of all, is fun.”
It also keeps money in the community. Instead of exporting our dollars every time you fill the car up, you can spend money on local businesses and local jobs.

2.  What is CAN’s background, what inspired it’s beginning and how has it grown over time?

CAN is New Zealand’s national network of cycling advocates. Our members in 22 groups around NZ work with government, local councils, business and the community on behalf of cyclists, for a better cycling environment.

CAN aims to:

• Promote the benefits of cycling
• Improve safety for cyclists.
• Encourage the creation of a good cycling environment.
• Promote cycle tourism.
• Advocate for integrated cycle planning.
• Increase the number of cyclists on our roads

The Cycling Advocates’ Network (CAN) was formed in 1997 as New Zealand’s national network of cycling advocate groups. It is a voice for everyday cyclists – recreational, commuter and touring.

3.  Can you describe some exciting change CAN has helped facilitate, or is currently working on?

CAN is helping get more kids back on bikes, by running Bikeability cycle skills programmes. We support Bikes in Schools, Frocks on Bikes and support people who are advocating for cycling. This week the Wellington City Council doubled its cycling budget thanks to local group Cycle Aware Wellington. Last week the government announced they are expanding the NZ Cycle Trails to include quiet backcountry rides. We reward great cycling projects at the CAN Cycle Friendly awards.

4.  What are the future aspirations of CAN?

Cycling is an everyday activity for New Zealanders.

5.  Would you like to share anything else?

Most of what CAN does is achieved by ordinary people working together as volunteers. If you like what we do, join CAN or donate. Visit our website or find us on Facebook for news, resources and opportunities to work together. And whatever else you do, ride your bike.

http://can.org.nz

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Tags: CAN, cycling