May 21, 2004

Cycle network progress

Cycling in North Shore City is set for a boost, with about $1.3m allocated by the council for cycle projects over the next three years under its Draft 2004-2014 City Plan.

The council will now decide which projects will go ahead with these funds, based on the North Shore City Strategic Cycle Plan, approved in December 2003.

As part of its plan for building cycle facilities, the council has identified 84 projects as "high priority", on the basis that they are well-used, involve connecting up existing cycle routes or give access to town centres, schools and ferry and bus terminals. Cycle paths that can be easily built in to existing roads, or create long corridors between parts of the city will also have a high priority.

North Shore City has begun by identifying cycle facilities that can be built either as single projects or as part of broader road works, such as the Glenfield Rd and Esmonde Rd upgrades. Cycling facilities will also be provided for in planned bus priority projects, such as those in Constellation Dr, Shakespeare Rd, Forrest Hill Rd and East Coast Rd.

The council will seek Transfund New Zealand money for single projects. Others will be funded in conjunction with bus priority and road works. Cycle projects will also be identified and built through the Travelwise to School project.

Cycle projects that have started or will begin soon include: * Oteha Valley Rd - Work on an off-road cycle path north of Oteha Valley Rd between Medallion Dr and Anderson Rd Reserve has already begun, and should be finished in June. This has been funded by Transfund. * Rosedale Rd - The council is working on consultation and design of an on-road cycle lane on Rosedale Rd between Albany Hwy and Tawa Dr. This will be a great link for commuter cyclists travelling from East Coast Bays. * Devonport Green Route - Consultation and design of a green corridor network for recreational cyclists and commuters between Devonport and Takapuna is under way. It is hoped construction of this project may also begin within the next two months. * Bayswater Primary School travel plan - Widening of the footpath on the southern side of Bayswater Ave between Lake Rd and Birkley Rd will allow shared use for cycles and pedestrians. Work is to begin in July. * Vauxhall Primary School travel plan - A project is being designed to widen a series of footpaths to allow shared cycle and pedestrian use for children travelling to school. The last two projects are part of the council's Travelwise to School project.

The goals of the North Shore City Strategic Cycle Plan are to increase the number of people cycling to work and school, improve safety and convenience for cyclists, and make cycling more enjoyable.

That includes linking cycle routes to buses and ferries, and providing extras like handrails at intersections and secure bike parking at ferry and bus terminals. Plans will also focus on making it easier for cyclists to travel east-west across the city.

"We need to make it as convenient, safe and fun as possible for people to ride their bikes around North Shore City," works and environment committee chairperson Joel Cayford says.

"This will help get more cars off the roads, easing traffic congestion and pollution, while our cyclists can save money and get fitter as they ride," he says.

ENDS

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