Cycleways

Press, 15 October 1986, Page 20

Cycleways

Sir,—lt is now 12 years since the Mayor promised cycleways for the city. While much has been made of what has been achieved and the difficulties of providing cycleways, the fact remains that in 12 years of office nothing whatsoever 4 has; been done to provide cycleways to suburbs south of the city from the city centre. The Waltham Bridge area is particularly dangerous and this road provides access to the Polytech and Catholic schools, etc. Perhaps spokespersons for both Citizens and Labour could comment on the situation. —Yours, etc., P. JOSEPH. September 30, 1986.

[The Mayor, Sir Hamish Hay, replies: “I am surprised that your correspondent has not noted the progress made by the council in recent years towards establishing a cycle network within the city. The network was planned in 1979 and steady progress has been made each year to upgrade and extend tracks and routes along roads and through reserves. A number of improvements have been carried out in suburbs south of the city centre. There are approximately 80km of marked cycleways within the city, including 13km of off-street, purpose-built tracks. Future extension of the network may include up to 20km of marked, recreational routes alongside the Avon River and in the New Brighton areas. An illustrated book describing the cycle network is available at the traffic division counter, second floor, Civic Offices. Work is in progress to establish a cycle lane across the Waltham Bridge for people travelling into town. Unfortunately, it is not practical to provide a similar lane for cyclists heading south out of town over the bridge.”]

[Cr Alex Clark replies: “Labour policy is to establish new ways of protecting cyclists and pedestrians from motorists. These will include the upgrading of existing cycleways, cyclist-activated signals, and the establishment of new cycleways, where appropriate. I agree that far too little has been done for cyclists over the past 12 years and that much that has been done has helped residents in Riccarton and Waimairi rather than our own cyclists. I fully agree that the Waltham Bridge area is a serious hazard for cyclists and I will call for a report on that specific problem. I look forward to receiving detailed submissions on specific proposals from Mr Joseph and any other cyclist who would like to contribute their ideas to the new council.”]