Young Jonathan: Oral Questions — Questions to MinistersText is incorporated into the Bound VolumeYoung Jonathan: Oral Questions — Questions to Ministers[Sitting date: 30 June 2015. Volume:707;Page:4842. Text is incorporated into the Bound Volume.]5.JONATHAN YOUNG (National—New Plymouth)to the Minister of Transport: What is the Government doing to support the development of urban cycleways across New Zealand?Hon SIMON BRIDGES (Minister of Transport):Last week alongside the Prime Minister I announced that $333 million will be invested in urban cycleways. Forty-one projects in 15 centres across the country will see world-class cycling projects get under way much sooner than may otherwise have been the case bringing the total number of projects delivered under the programme to 54. This is the single biggest investment in cycling in New Zealand’s history and will change the face of cycling in New Zealand. I am really proud to be part of a Government that is leading the way on cycling in this country.Jonathan Young: What centres are set to see new cycleways delivered through the Government’s Urban Cycleways Programme?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: Many—many. The country’s three main urban centres of Auckland Wellington and Christchurch will see significant investment that will change the cycling landscape in these cities.Ron Mark: What about rural New Zealand—the roads?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: I am excited that we have been able to deliver more than $87 million worth of projects Ron Mark in regional centres including Whangarei Hamilton Tauranga - Western Bay Rotorua Gisborne Hastings Napier New Plymouth Whanganui Palmerston North Blenheim Nelson and Dunedin. I would like to take this opportunity to also thank all of the local councils and leaders for sharing the Government’s vision and partnering in this great programme.Jonathan Young: How does the increased uptake of cycling benefit communities?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: The Government’s clear goal here is to make cycling a safer and therefore a much more attractive transport choice. That is because cycling contributes to healthier communities and safe and attractive cycling infrastructure can encourage people in urban areas to change their travel patterns. These benefits are why the Government committed to the Urban Cycleways Programme and I look forward to seeing Kiwis around the country enjoying the multiple benefits of the cycleways as more and more are completed in the coming 3 years.Denis O’Rourke: If the Government can find $333 million for cycleways why can it not find the funds needed to assist councils to seal and maintain rural roads to repair the damage done to regional roads caused by logging trucks to restore rail links like the Napier-Gisborne line and many other examples of transport neglect in the regions of New Zealand?Hon SIMON BRIDGES: The member must have missed the most recent news because this Government has been part of a $13.9 billion plan for the next 3 years—a 15 percent increase and the largest spend on land transport in this country ever.Ron Mark: Point of order. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! This is a point of order.Ron Mark: I seek leave of the House to table a New Zealand Transport Agency document that shows that many rural provincial councils—Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member will resume his seat. Is it available on the website?Ron Mark: Not immediately no. You have got to look for it. [Interruption]Mr SPEAKER: Order! The member will resume his seat. I am assured from my right-hand side that it is. I will not be putting the leave.