Yesterday marked 15 years since the first big earthquake hit Christchurch in the early hours of Sept 4th. Little did we know an even more devastating one would show up a few months later… Transport options are an interesting consideration when natural disasters strike – witness the queues of traffic often associated with mass movement or evacuations. Personally, I’ve tended to find that the humble bicycle is a pretty handy way to beat the traffic. And as first posted back in July 2012 (and even still going 10 years later), other places around the world have also demonstrated that a good cargo bike can be a valuable tool for getting much needed supplies and assistance to people in need…
Check out this video of the 2012 Disaster Relief Trials in Portland. Quite simply – bicycles are better than cars at getting around after a disaster.
Do you find that a bike is the most convenient transport option during a disaster?
My daughter, with an injured ankle, walked to my home in Richmond after the earthquake in February expressly to borrow my touring bike as hers was inaccessible in the city. Her work premises had recently been moved out of the CTV building. She had the bike for months before her bike was returned to her.
Fitzgerald Ave, on the day of the quake. Sorry for shonky footage, this was my first helmet cam and had no stabilisation. Also sound is horrid, but this was 14 years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BHw0jarpBI
If I lived in Brighton or Southshore and there was an urgent tsunami warning or urgent evacuation order of any kind, I would 100% jump on my bike (even once the new bridge is built.) Bikes will be much much quicker and nimble than cars in this situation, and not stuck in desperate traffic trying to escape. Leave the space on the roads for those with small children and less mobile folks to be able to get to safety