Council confirms Uni-Cycle route construction

Work will begin this summer on sections of the Uni-Cycle route connecting the Central City to the University of Canterbury.

Uni-Cycle is one of the Council’s network of 13 Major Cycleways project and will provide a link through Hagley Park, Matai Street and Hinau Street along Ilam Road and on through the University campus.

“This route was a clear standout to be considered as one of the first to be built,” says Environmental Committee Chairman Phil Clearwater.

“It will be a safe, convenient, separated connection to and from the Central City for cyclists. This includes tertiary students attending University of Canterbury and College of Education as well as pupils attending schools along the route,” he says.

It will be a ‘flag ship’ route that will show the new and improved levels of service that the Major Cycleway programme will deliver enabling less confident cyclists to feel safe and increase the number of cycle trips they take.

“With links to both Hagley Park and Riccarton Bush it will also be popular with recreational riders as well as visitors,” says Cr Clearwater.

Public consultation has been done on improvements to Matai Street East including new signal-controls to provide safe crossing of Deans Avenue.

“Not only are most of those who responded in favour of better facilities for cyclists, they are enthusiastic about the opportunities for this route, which will be one of the best used in the network we are building,” says Cr Clearwater.

To deliver this improved level of service on the route, there is the need to remove some car parks. Cr Clearwater explains that while every effort will be made to limit the impact of these changes, it is important to ensure the safe cycleways are provided. This will reduce the dependence on vehicles for travel as set out in the Christchurch Transport Strategic Plan.

Staff are preparing a report on the feedback received for consideration by Community Boards to make recommendations for the Council on how to proceed.

About the Major Cycleways

The Major Cycleways is a network of 13 connected routes which link suburbs, education facilities, business and shopping areas as well as popular recreational destinations.

The project will cost $68.3 million based on 2012 costings. Staff are still working through complex issues such as detailed route design and whether land purchase will be required.

Find out more at www.ccc.govt.nz/cycleways

ends

© Scoop Media