Rodney cycleways get green light

Rodney transport is going green, with the go-ahead given to three projects to encourage cycling and walking in the district, Green MP Sue Bradford said today.

The list MP, who lives in Wellsford, praised the decision by Transfund, the national transport funding agency, to investigate and design three cycle-friendly projects for the district.

The projects include a cycleway from Hatfields Beach to Orewa, road widening from Whangaporoa Road to Wainui Road and traffic management and pedestrian facilities for the township of Te Hana.

"I'm very pleased Transfund is devoting resources to these crucial facilities in our region," said Ms Bradford. "It's part of the 'greening' of the government's transport strategy and we've worked hard to achieve these outcomes.

"It is crucial we make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians, not just cars. It is hard for people living in a district sliced in half by State Highway One to get around.

"Te Hana is an area that especially concerns me, so anything to help boost safety is important. I realise these are small steps but they represent a new direction in thinking about how we solve the extensive roading problems in the region.

"We still need to find ways to relieve the pressure caused by infrastructural problems, such as logging trucks and congestion at critical times of the day and the failure to complete the Albany to Puhoi motorway.

"Encouraging alternative means of getting around is a step in the right direction for a sustainable, manageable and Green transport strategy."

ENDS

© Scoop Media