Harbourside Cycleway Concept Plans Released

Dunedin (Monday, 23 June 2014) – Revised options for a cycle route through the harbourside area are now out for discussion.

The Harbourside Advisory Group, formed by the Dunedin City Council to engage community representatives in the process, has released four different cycle routes for the harbourside area. The Group’s preferred option would see the cycleway run along Wharf Street, which is the most direct commuter cycling route and follows the path of most cyclists now. This option also includes improvements at the intersection of Roberts and Wharf Streets, which will

address safety concerns for all road users.

The Group has representatives from harbourside businesses, the Automobile Association (AA), cycling advocacy group Spokes, KiwiRail, Police and the NZ Fire Service, supported by DCC transportation staff.

AA Otago District Councillor Hudson Biggs says, “The AA believes that its involvement in the Roberts Street project has been beneficial for all road users. The preferred option has the AA’s support; it preserves road access, with enhanced safety layouts.”

Spokes Dunedin Chair Dr Robert Thompson says, "The newly proposed changes to the Roberts Street/Wharf Street intersection will significantly improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians while still allowing vehicle access. The preferred option presents a real safety solution that should work for everyone."

DCC Senior Transportation Planner Lisa Clifford says initial consultation on cycleway options was carried out in April last year. Due to strong objections to the proposed closure of the Roberts Street/Wharf Street intersection, the Harbourside Advisory Group was formed in late 2013 to oversee further analysis and the development of alternative options.

With the aim of finding a suitable cycle route through the harbourside area, the Group surveyed businesses in the area regarding property access and parking needs. The feedback from that survey, along with relevant traffic data was presented to the Group to begin the discussion on issues and options for a cycle facility from the Portsmouth Drive cycle path to Birch Street. The result is the development of four concept options.

Option one, Wharf Street, is the preferred option. The intersection redesign in this option will create two extra car parks, but additional on-street parking changes requested by an adjacent business owner will result in the loss of four car parks, meaning a net loss of two car parks.

The other cycle route options are:

• Option two - Kitchener/French Streets

• Option three - Kitchener/French/Roberts Streets

• Option four - Kitchener/French/Buller Streets

The original option for full closure of the Roberts Street/Wharf Streets intersection has been discounted.

Consultation with affected parties and stakeholders closes on Friday, 4 July. Other members of the public are also invited to give feedback by this date by contacting the DCC on 477 4000 or emailing transportation@dcc.govt.nz.

For concept maps and further details visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/sdcyclenetwork.

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