Advocacy Groups Urge Emergency Expansion of Cycling Networks to Combat Fuel Shortages

Cycling groups urge the New Zealand government to accelerate bike lane rollouts as Middle East conflict damages fossil fuel infrastructure and threatens fuel supply.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 3:18 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

Middle East Conflict Impacts National Fuel Security

The catalyst for the urgent demand is the reported destruction of approximately 40 percent of fossil fuel infrastructure in the Middle East. With repairs estimated to take up to three years, advocates argue that New Zealand faces a high probability of fuel shortages within months. The open letter, addressed to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and senior ministers, characterizes the shift toward cycling as a responsible decision to protect citizens from the escalating costs and scarcity of imported oil.

Strategic Shift from Highways to Active Travel

Advocates are specifically calling for a pause on the "Roads of National Significance" (RONS) programme, arguing that spending billions on projects that increase dependency on fossil fuels is illogical in the current geopolitical climate. Instead, they propose a rapid rollout of "pop-up" bike lanes and the acceleration of existing active transport projects. By empowering local road controlling authorities to create safe, separated conditions for cyclists, the group believes the government can provide a viable, low-cost alternative for daily commutes.

Unlocking the Potential of Existing Vehicle Fleets

According to Cycling Action Network spokesperson Patrick Morgan, New Zealand already possesses the tools needed for a car-free transition: a fleet of over two million bicycles and scooters currently sitting in private garages. Morgan argues that the primary barrier to using these fossil-fuel-free vehicles is safety. He suggests that if the government implements lower speed limits—capping urban areas and setting an 80 km/h limit for rural roads—households could significantly lower their financial burden by choosing active travel for trips where cars are not strictly necessary.