New Zealand considers cycling, shared mobility benefits

WELLINGTON, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) -- Two New Zealand reports launched on Wednesday showed that supporting more people to walk and cycle for transport could have significant public health benefits, and shared mobility could reduce congestion.

Ministry of Transport modelling shows a big increase in walking and cycling is possible with safe cycling infrastructure and more medium-density housing in the central cities and inner suburbs, according to the Transport Outlook Future State report, produced by the Ministry of Transport.

Around 260 premature deaths could be prevented if walking and cycling trips increased by about 50 percent and 250 percent respectively, Associate Minister for Transport Julie Anne Genter said in a statement.

"We know that regular physical exercise halves the risk of conditions such as stroke, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. However, less than half of adult New Zealanders get the recommended 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week," Genter said, adding that the government has made a commitment to increase funding in the transport budget for walking and cycling infrastructure.

"If we ensure our streets are safer for cycling and walking, it will be easier for all of us to get a bit more exercise on our way to work, school or just getting around town. That's great for both our physical and mental health," she said.

The Shared Mobility Simulations for Auckland looked at the role on-demand taxi-bus and shared taxi services could play in Auckland. The report was prepared by the International Transport Forum for Auckland Transport and the Ministry of Transport.

It suggests that shared mobility could provide feeder services connecting with rapid rail and bus lines, which could reduce congestion and the number of car parks needed in central Auckland. Enditem