Media release: Rapidly reducing oil reliance: Quick wins in active transport

Managing the fuel crisis in Aotearoa New Zealand deserves a multi-pronged strategy, which public health researchers say should include some quick wins to encourage more walking and cycling.

NZ faces rising fuel prices and vulnerability to fuel supply disruption, with households that rely on driving most exposed to these shocks.

In the latest Briefing from the Public Health Communication Centre, University of Otago public health researchers outline how local and central government can support communities by making it easier to make short trips without driving.

They identify three evidence-based approaches that can be implemented quickly: low-traffic neighbourhoods, separated bike lanes and free bike or e-bike programmes. These measures reduce the need for driving, lower household transport costs and can be rolled out at relatively low cost.

Neighbourhood-level street changes such as ‘slow streets’ use simple infrastructure including planter boxes and bollards to reduce through-traffic while maintaining access for residents and essential trips, says one of the co-authors Associate Professor Caroline Shaw. “When streets feel safe, a wider range of people are willing to cycle for everyday trips.”

Research shows that well-designed, connected and physically separated bike lanes increase cycling and reduce car use, fuel consumption and household costs. Cities including Bogotá and Berlin rapidly expanded cycle networks using low-cost materials such as cones and temporary markings, with strong public support for reallocating street space during crisis periods.

Providing free bikes or e-bikes can reduce car trips while improving access to work, education and community spaces. New Zealand examples in Māngere and Wainuiomata indicate that e-bike use can increase even in communities with historically low cycling rates. These programmes can be deployed quickly and paired with cycle skills training and community bike repair initiatives to support uptake.

Dr Shaw points out that in addition to reducing fuel demand, these approaches deliver broader public health benefits

“The current national Fuel Response Plan focuses largely on monitoring and supply-side measures, with limited attention to reducing demand for fossil fuels. We recommend that active travel initiatives be implemented alongside other demand-reduction measures, such as reducing or removing public transport fares,” she says. “Early investment in these approaches would improve resilience and help communities maintain access to everyday activities during fuel disruptions.”