Marlborough Walking and Cycling Strategy Appendix B: Background B.1. Policy Context B.1.1. National The New Zealand Transport Strategy (NZTS) is the government document that provides direction for the transport sector. The document was updated in 2008 and sets objectives and targets for the period from 2008 to 2040. It is required that all other transportation related strategies are aligned with the NZTS. The NZTS suggests a target of 30% for walking and cycling (all trips, not just trips to work) by 2040, although intermediate targets for the short term are not specified. The Government Policy Statement on Land Transport Funding 2009/10-2018/19 sets a short term target of a 1% increase per annum in the number of trips made by walking and cycling in order to stabilise the current rate of decline.5 These targets are specified for urban areas. The Government ratified the Kyoto Protocol in December 2002, with discussions regarding its renewal (in 2012) due to occur later in 2009. The Government’s goal is that New Zealand should have made significant greenhouse gas reductions on “business as usual” and be set towards a permanent downward path for total emissions by 2012. Increased levels of walking and cycling will help New Zealand meet its obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, resulting in more sustainable communities and improving the quality of life, particularly in our towns and cities. Walking and cycling are practical forms of transport that encourage healthier lifestyles. The NZ Walking and Cycling Strategy “Getting there – on foot, by cycle” (Ministry of Transport, February 2005) provides substantial support for walking and cycling. As noted in the foreword by the Hon. Pete Hodgson, Minister of Transport, the document “sets out a strategy to advance walking and cycling in New Zealand Transport ... and (ensure) that people walk and cycle more as part of their transport mix”. B.1.2. Regional The Marlborough Regional Land Transport Strategy (RLTS) 2006-2010 supports walking and cycling. It includes the specific objective to “provide appropriate facilities for pedestrians, cyclists and mobility users” along with several policies relating to walkers and cyclists supporting that and other objectives. At each review of the RLTS, the needs of walkers and cyclists will be considered and amendments to the RLTS made as appropriate. B.1.3. Local/District Policies and Initiatives The Regional Policy Statement and Marlborough Resource Management Plan (RMP) and Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP) are currently being reviewed and will identify issues and projects important to walking and cycling. At each review of these plans, the needs of walkers and cyclists will be considered and amendments made as appropriate. 5 Note that an x% increase in the number of walking and cycling trips will not achieve the same increase in total trips as an x% increase in walking and cycling mode share due to the effects of population growth rates. ii