Cycleways to return $1.2 billion over 40 years

The Major Cycle Routes network being built by Christchurch City Council will return up to $8 for every dollar invested, or $1.2 billion over 40 years.

The information was contained in a business case report presented to today’s Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee.

Committee Chairman Phil Clearwater says the information shows the investment in cycling infrastructure will be money well spent.

“The benefits are significant and accrue across all of society, including people who don’t ride.

“For instance, the decongestion effect on traffic volumes on our roads from more people choosing to ride is nearly a third of the total benefit, behind health and environment factors from fitter and more active people and a reduction in pollution from having fewer vehicles on the road.”

The report also notes there are options to pay for the 13 routes, which are now expected to cost $156 million to build.

“We have already seen that there are other funding avenues available through the New Zealand Land Transport Fund and Urban Cycleway Fund. With up to $40 million available from the Land Transport Fund and a further $15-25 million from the Urban Cycleway Fund, we have a real incentive to push on and get these cycle routes built,” Mr Clearwater says.

“The business case data provided today provides a solid base to consider the revised funding required for the cycleways as part of the development of the Long Term Plan 2015-25.”

Modelling shows a 138 per cent increase in cycling journeys from 2006 to 2031, a rise from 18 million trips a year to 31 million. The length of journeys is also expected to increase, from an average 3.1 kilometres to 4.4 kilometres.

The figures do not factor in recreational travel.

Read the full report, costings and benefit analysis on the council website, www.ccc.govt.nz/MCRMarch

For more information about the MCR network and FAQs, go to www.ccc.govt.nz.cycleways

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