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by New Zealand Broadcasting School students

Christchurch City Council responds to fuel prices with cycle funding

Transport

Asha Lyall
Bikers
Bikers wearing safety precautions on their ride  Asha Lyall/NZBS

As petrol prices rise, residents of Ōtautahi are realising the cheapest gear might just be the one on their bikes

The drivers of Ōtautahi are responding to rising fuel prices in different ways. Some are memorising bus routes, others are carpooling, but for Paul Odlin's students, the change is more direct - trading four wheels for two.

The Christchurch City Council is once again funding bicycle lessons to encourage more adults out of their cars and onto bikes.

After previous council-funded lessons, this year's bike budget was exhausted back in March. However, in an effort to ease pressure on residents dealing with rising fuel costs, the council has added a further $15,000 into the programme.

Paul Odlin has been instructing the lessons for the last five years, bringing confidence to adults wanting to advance their skills.

He spoke to Newsline, sharing the benefits of adults learning to ride their bikes.

"It's a cool thing to see people get more confident on a bike, it's a great way to get around so the more people we can get on bikes, the better."

There was a mixed reaction to the announcement on the Christchurch City Council's Facebook page, with over 80 people sharing their opinions.

Facebook comments
Mixed feelings towards the council's bike funding through Facebook comments Facebook

People taking part in the lessons say they are not only saving money but are gaining confidence on the busy roads of Christchurch.

Lexi Arndt said on Facebook that she loved the lessons. She emphasized that they do more than teach people how to cycle, they play a part in road safety by helping you (the driver) understand the actions of bikers.

Other comments online criticised the CCC, questioning the funding of this community-based initiative.

But cycling is just one of the ways people are coping with the fuel prices. 

Another approach taken by cash-strapped commuters is making use of public transport. 

Canterbury Regional Council Chair Deon Swiggs says there has been a noticeable increase in public transport use during recent months. 

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Graph showing Canterbury public transport usage from February to May Environment Canterbury

Swiggs says rising fuel prices are one of the factors behind the increase.

"While the price of fuel remains high, we expect to see a continued increase in usage of other modes of transport, including public transport, as people look to manage the pressures of higher cost of living."

"Buses play an important role in our communities – helping connect people with vital services – and this is even more necessary in times like these when fuel prices are high."