HUTT ROAD CYCLE TRACK

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 225, 19 June 1929, Page 13

HUTT ROAD CYCLE TRACK

Sir, —I read with interest in this morning’s “Dominion” the report pf a meeting of the Wellington City and Sub" urban Highways Board yesterday at which the above matter was discussed, and some of the speakers made remarks whjch call for comment from a cyclist’s viewpoint. . One speaker stressed the point that heavy traffic should not be called upon to pay for a cycle track; let the cyclists pay for its maintenance. His remarks would be justified, but for the fact that a lot of damage has-been done to the track by heavy traffic, and whereas, as a cyclist, I am quite willing to contribute to its maintenance, insofar as is necessary owing to fair wear and tear by bicycle traffic only, I think that it is only demanding justice that those responsible for damaging the track should pay for its repair; and here let me add that the depositing of a few loads of loose metal is not regarded as a repair from a cyclist’s point of view. The city engineer reported having gone over the track himself; and did not consider that it was in such bad order. I assume that he cycled along it (for that is the only way to judge its condition), and in that case, I can only remark that he must be an easily satisfied gentleman, Let any member of the board procure a cycle, inflate the tires hard (as they should be), put a, small load on the carrier for interest, and cycle from Thorndon to Petone on a dark night. He will get the first shock past the old railway bridge, and from there onwards will get plenty of surprises. I know every bump on that track, and am able to dodge many of them, but even with that advantage, after such an experience, I think anyone will agree with me that it is time something was done. The city engineer also mentioned the probability of having to lay fresh water, mains. Why lay them under the cycle track? What is to prevent the laying of new mains under the macadam haunches? In fact, it is the laying of water-mains which has been responsible for most of the damage; it would not be so bad if the mains ran parellel with the sides of the track, but one of them zig-zags in a most disconcerting manner. Of course, one realises that expense is the principal consideration, because it is evident that most of the board are sympathetic with the cyclists’ claims, for which we are grateful. I would suggest that all that is required is a continuous pavement 3ft. wide of Ijin. fine aggregate bituminous concrete; and I wish to stress “continuous,” because it'is a sudden break which is liable to upset a cyclist or damage the machine. If such be done I am prepared to contribute, say £l, as my share of the cost, and you are at liberty to forward my address to the Highways Board or any other authority for that purpose. I have refrained from mentioning the by-law which prohibits cyclists using the road, as I think that is generally known. In conclusion, I wish to add that I am writing as an individual and not on behalf of any club or other organisation, but at the same time I feel that such organisations will support most of my remarks. —I am, etc., W. F. Q VINE. Wellington, June 14*