Public urged to comment on city cycleway plans

Christchurch City Council is inviting public comment on its plans for two new cycleways in the city.

It has released plans for the entire 4.9 kilometre Papanui Parallel route from Bealey Avenue to the railway line at Sawyers Arms Road. Designs are also available for the city end of the Rapanui — Shag Rock Cycleway, from the intersection of Worcester Street and Fitzgerald Avenue to Linwood Park.

Both cycleways are part of the Council's planned network of 13 Major Cycle Routes, funded through the Government’s Urban Cycleways Programme — a shared investment from the Urban Cycleways Fund, the National Land Transport Fund and council contributions. This enables key, high-value urban cycling projects to get underway around the country over the next three years, improving cycle safety and supporting more connected cycle networks.

Papanui Parallel will connect with the proposed Northern Line Cycleway at the railway line, providing a route along Sawyers Arms Road to Northlands Mall, through St Albans and Edgeware Village and on to the Central City.

"It is expected that people heading to work will use much of the route, along with younger riders going to the schools around Paparoa Street, Rutland Street and Trafalgar Street/Sheppard Place," says Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee Chairman Phil Clearwater.

The section of the Rapanui — Shag Rock Cycleway links the Central City and Linwood Park, providing a connection to attractions in such as Linwood Avenue School and Eastgate Mall.

"The plans for both routes explain how the Council will deliver the safer cycling facilities the community needs. There are a mix of ways this is achieved, including separating riders from vehicles and creating zones where vehicle volumes and speed are reduced so people on bikes and vehicles can safely share the road," Mr Clearwater says.

Papanui Parallel proposed work includes:

• A new two-way cycleway on Sawyers Arms Road, Main North Road and Grassmere Street.

• New traffic lights for pedestrians and cyclists to cross Main North Road.

• New cycleways on Rutland Street.

• A cul-de-sac option on Hawkesbury Avenue at Rutland Street.

• New traffic lights at the intersection of Rutland Street and St Albans Street.

• A new two-way cycleway on St Albans Street and part of Trafalgar Street.

• A new low-speed area along Trafalgar Street with reduced traffic volumes where people traveling in vehicles and on bikes share the road space.

• Cul-de-sac on Trafalgar Street to the north of Dover Street.

• New traffic lights at the intersection of Edgeware Road and Colombo Street.

• New cycleways on Colombo Street.

Rapanui — Shag Rock Cycleway proposed work includes:

• A new crossing with traffic lights across Fitzgerald Avenue, including left-turn only access for vehicles.

• A new low-speed area along Worcester Street with reduced traffic volumes where people traveling in vehicles and on bikes share the road space.

• Upgraded traffic lights at the intersection of Stanmore Road and Worcester Street.

• Changes to the intersection at England and Worcester streets meaning vehicles will only be able to turn left from England Street onto Worcester Street, and right from Worcester Street on to England Street.

• Refuge islands at the intersection of Hereford Street and England Street, at the intersection of Cashel and England Street and the intersection of Cashel and Clive Street.

• Vehicles will only be able to turn left from Hereford Street to England Street and left from England Street to Hereford Street.

• One-way cycleways on Cashel Street separated from traffic by a physical barrier.

• Shared space for riders and vehicles on Clive Street and Marlborough Street with lower speeds and reduced vehicle volumes.

• Traffic lights to help people safely cross Aldwins Road from Marlborough Street to Linwood Park.

• A shared 4 metre-wide pedestrian and cycle facility through Linwood Park.

"There are locations where staff have provided options around how to accommodate the cycleways while trying to balance the needs of the local community, businesses and the wider transport network. We are particularly keen to know people's preference where there is a choice, and also their general thoughts about the designs," Mr Clearwater says.

Cycling is now the fastest growing mode of transport in many New Zealand cities and towns, says Transport Minister Simon Bridges.

"Through the Transport Agency and councils like Christchurch City, the Government is responding to this growing demand by significantly improving cycle networks and cycle safety through investment in new urban cycleways across the country. This $333 million investment in urban cycleways will change the face of cycling in New Zealand and give people safer and healthier options for getting around urban centres."

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

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