Council invites feedback on city cycleway

Christchurch City Council is inviting public comment on its plans for a new cycleway linking the existing Southern Motorway section to the Central City via Addington.

The work is part of the Little River Link, one of the Council's planned network of 13 Major Cycle Routes. It links the existing cycleway beside the Southern Motorway to the Central City via the south-east of Hagley Park.

"There are plans to upgrade existing paths and build new ones in Addington, Spreydon and Middleton," explains Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee Chairman Phil Clearwater.

The Council is proposing:

• A new cycleway on Grove Road, Collins Street and Jerrold Street South

• New traffic lights to help people walking and riding bikes to safely cross Brougham Street, Lincoln Road and Wrights Road.

• A path upgrade at Marylands Reserve

"Doing this work will provide connections into the Central City from the cycleway alongside the Southern Motorway. It means people living in new developments in the south-west of the city will have easier access by bike into areas such as Hazeldean Business Park, Church Square, Middleton Business Park, Canterbury Park as well as the Central City.

"Even though the work covers areas where there are already cycleways in place, it is important for people to have their say on this new work and tell us what they like about the plans or any areas that should be reconsidered," Mr Clearwater says.

"In particular, we want to hear what people think about the idea of restricting vehicle movements between Collins Street and Brougham Street. There are three options up for consideration to address traffic issues in the area so now's the chance to have your say on what you prefer."

Cycling is now the fastest growing mode of transport in many New Zealand cities and towns, says the NZ Transport Agency’s Southern Regional Director Jim Harland.

“The Transport Agency is responding to this growing demand by significantly improving cycle networks and cycle safety through investment in new urban cycleways across the country. Improving travel choices gives people more options for getting around, making it easier for everyone to get around.”

“We’re working with our local government partners, such as the Christchurch City Council, to prioritise the development of strategic cycling networks when planning improvements to transport networks.”

He says the new 3km Little River Link cycleway will provide a safer, more efficient and attractive cycling option for commuters from the Selwyn district and those living in new residential developments in Halswell and Wigram, as well as connecting with workplaces in Middleton, Addington and the Central City.

Consultation is open from Friday 16 October until 5pm on Tuesday 10 November.

The consultation booklet with plans and details on the proposals can be found on ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay

ENDS

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