Cycleways Liaison Group Formed

A Cycleway Liaison Group has been formed to represent a wide range of stakeholder opinion surrounding the development of Cycleway Networks in Dunedin.

The Group’s core membership has representatives from the Automobile Association (AA), Spokes Dunedin, NZ Police, Otago Chamber of Commerce, Public Health South, Road Transport Association NZ and the Dunedin Secondary Schools’ Partnership, as well as Dunedin City Council Transportation staff, Cr Mike Lord and Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Cr Kate Wilson, with others to be invited as required. Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull attended the group’s first meeting last week.

Mr Cull says, “When we began constructing the first stage of the Strategic Cycle Network in South Dunedin it was something new for Council and its staff. We have learned a few things along the way. We now know that before going into public consultation about the different sections of the network, Council can benefit from community input to help iron out any issues early in each stage of the project.

“The Cycleway Liaison Group members represent a wide range of interests around developing cycleways in Dunedin, so we are confident they will provide us with solid input as the network progresses.”

The Group agreed that, while it has no formal decision-making responsibility, its purpose would include input to DCC staff around cycle network planning, concept design and community consultation as required. They also agreed to inform their organisations and members about cycleway issues as appropriate.

Cr Wilson says, “The Group will also be invaluable in helping the Council get improved information to the community at the right time and in the right ways.

“In particular, the message about our motivation for creating these cycleways is one that sometimes gets lost, as some Group members pointed out. Allowing children and commuters to get around on bikes safely; enabling motorists to move about without putting cyclists or pedestrians at risk - these are key ideas behind this work.”

AA Otago District Cycle Spokesperson Hudson Biggs echoed the Spokes Dunedin Chair Robert Thompson’s comment that, “The formation of the cycleways liaison group is a positive step toward ensuring that the designs are well informed by different perspectives and that what goes on the ground is the best possible outcome.”

The Group plans to meet monthly, inviting new members as specific Cycleway Network projects demand.

ENDS

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