https://www.ccc.govt.nz/the-council/consultations-and-submissions/haveyoursay/show/295

Due 6 March

Submission

Spokes thanks the Community Board for putting forth an ambitious plan responsive to community needs. Well connected communities where people feel safe and can get around easily on foot are important. Including safe cycling infrastructure should be prioritized as it also supports these goals and Council’s commitment to being carbon neutral by 2045. Getting children and adults onto bicycles improves public, personal and community health and lowers transport costs. It also significantly reduces emissions.

After the big quakes many roads were passable by bike, but not by car. A fit populace already comfortable cycling adds to resilience.

With higher density congestion and parking problems increase. We do not have the money or space for all of us to drive as our primary mode. Providing safe cycle infrastructure offers affordable relief, saving ratepayers and supporting mode choice.

Children should be given safe routes to school, activities, socializing and the rest of the city be they on foot, bicycle, scooter, skateboard. Transport mode equity should be a reality for all of us, 8 to 80, sooner rather than later.

It is great to see the plans to revitalize the Opawaho Heathcote River. Increase the accessibility, “eyes on the river” and transport equality by including cycle routes along and near to the river.

In all projects include more than the usual suspects of selected stakeholders. People who walk and/or regularly ride bicycles for transport are a valuable resource for discerning routes, appropriate infrastructure and creative problem solving. Spokes remains a willing participant to work with the Board.