Cycleway concerns mirror Chamber’s stance

Public submissions on the Hutt Road cycleway are in line with the Chamber of Commerce’s submission – fine in principle but concern over the detail, says Chamber Chief Executive John Milford.

He was commenting after the City Council heard oral submissions on the $9 million plan yesterday.

“It looks to me like the idea of improving cycling along that stretch of road is supported by most but the current proposal is not.

“There are clear concerns about safety and the effects it will have on businesses, with at least one indicating it may have to close, and that’s in line with what the Chamber said in its submission in April.

“We support a cycleway to separate traffic flows, ease congestion, reduce delays, improve safety for road users and strengthen that key access route, but we’re concerned it could result in a reduction of one-third of carparks.

“The added issues of safety that were highlighted by submitters yesterday is also of concern.

“In our submission we urged the council to recognise the commercial impact of the reduction in parks, particularly on the value of leasing arrangements undertaken by businesses. Access to parking is often a key factor dictating the location and value of a commercial lease.

“Where the reduction of parking spaces causes a detrimental impact on an existing commercial leasing arrangement, the council must work with those affected to mitigate this.

“The Chamber expects the design and implementation process to draw on best practice standards, and bear no resemblance to the Island Bay cycleway.”

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