25 June 2014

Council commits to build cycleways in five years

A network of 13 Major Cycleway Routes will be built in five years, Councillors have confirmed.

In signing off the Christchurch City Council 2014/15 Annual Plan, elected members recommitted to the network being completed in 2018. A staff submission to the draft plan had sought to extend delivery over eight years to allow for detailed planning and scheme design, consultation and land purchase.

“There is a clear need and public support for safe options for cyclists in our city,” says Councillor Phil Clearwater.

“The Major Cycleways network will ensure cycling is a safe transport choice for residents and visitors. This supports the objectives set out in the Christchurch Transport Strategic Plan to provide alternatives to private vehicles and will help reduce congestion.

“Staff are making good progress with plans to start construction this summer on the Uni-Cycle route which links tertiary institutions to the Central City. Work will also start on a section of the Papanui Parallel. This decision means they can look to accelerate this work across other routes.”

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. Theywill offer a level of service not seen before in Christchurch, and enable younger and less confident riders to feel safe and increase the number of cycle trips they take.

Mr Clearwater says staff have been set a challenge to look for ways to accelerate the work programme. A reduction in quality was not an option “These cycleways will set a new standard for Christchurch”.

Capital Delivery Unit Manager Ron Clarke says analysis will begin immediately to establish what additional help would be needed to meet the five-year deadline.

“Considerable progress has been made developing design standards which will apply across all the routes. Design work is well advanced on the Uni-Cycle route as well as a section of the Papanui Parallel through Rutland Reserve.

“This gives us a good start but now we need to work out where we need to bring in outside help to give us the best chance of delivering the level of quality network within the timeframe.”

Mr Clearwater says any decision about funding for additional resources will need to be considered when the Council sets its Long Term Plan later this year.

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

ENDS

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