Establishment of a new commercial centre, anchored by a supermarket

Submission from Spokes Canterbury

Reference: https://letstalk.ccc.govt.nz/RMA20243209

Tēnā koutou katoa

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the establishment of a new commercial centre, anchored by a supermarket, on Madras Street.

Introduction

Spokes Canterbury (http://www.spokes.org.nz/) is a local cycling advocacy group with approximately 1,200 followers. Spokes is affiliated with the national Cycling Action Network (CAN – https://can.org.nz/). Spokes is dedicated to including cycling as an everyday form of transport in the greater Christchurch and Canterbury areas. Spokes has a long history of advocacy in this space including writing submissions, presenting to councils, and working collaboratively with others in the active transport space. We focus on the need for safe cycling for those aged 8 to 80. Spokes also supports all forms of active transport, public transport, and has an interest in environmental matters.

Proposal

Spokes has some significant concerns about the transport plan for this commercial centre, including the supermarket. New commercial centres should be designed for the safety of people using all modes of travel, including cyclists, pedestrians and those using mobility devices. Many existing commercial centres are designed almost entirely around the needs of drivers of motor vehicles making them hostile places for those arriving on foot, by bike, or by mobility scooter. The Council is advocating for modal shift and that requires rethinking access to popular destinations in our communities like supermarkets and cafes. Let’s design for the future, not the past.

Press article 5 Oct 2024 using data from 2023 census

From the Flourish chart you can get the following statistics.

The number of cyclists in this area is higher than the Christchurch average of 6.0% and the numbers are continuing to grow. The census figures do not include students or the fastest growing group of cyclists, retired on e-bikes. Those who wish to cycle to this commercial centre could be as high as 10% if they feel welcome by making it safe and easy to do so. The St Martins supermarket (where cycling to work is now 13.2%) has made some changes recently to cater for and attract more cyclists. Their chosen solution has some problems (such as not accommodating larger e-bikes and cargo bikes/trikes, which should be expected at a supermarket, or keeping some standard bike parking) but their intentions were good. Spokes is happy to discuss this further with any interested party..

The surrounding area is also seeing a lot of in-fill housing, particularly around Salisbury Street and Peterborough Street. Higher density is increasing the number of pedestrians in the area.

Spokes

1. Spokes does not agree with the narrowing of the existing cycle lanes. They should be 1.8m at a minimum. 1.7m is already too small and 1.6m is unacceptable when two lanes of traffic are added. There is the option to remove the parking on the west side or not have a turning lane. Pushing cyclists up against the curb is not acceptable. It means cyclists are less visible to traffic exiting the commercial centre onto the street. It discourages the use of larger cycles such as cargo bikes, which often carry children as well as groceries. Traffic often encroaches out across the footpath while waiting for a gap (e.g. Fendalton Mall Shopping Centre). Bikes need all the space they can get to safely pass.
2. Spokes agrees with the green paint across the entrance ways to the shopping centre.
3. Spokes strongly supports a pedestrian refuge opposite the entrance way to the supermarket. Pedestrian refuges are also used by cyclists. A mid-block crossing means that pedestrians and north bound cyclists do not have to go past the high volume entrance ways. This should be prioritised above vehicle queuing.
4. A separate pedestrian/cyclist entrance and shared path should be made through the centre of the car park. This may require the loss of some car parks but overall it would increase customer numbers. Cyclists and pedestrians tend to buy fewer items but visit more often.
5. There are twelve cycle parks which is unlikely to be enough. Hooped bike stands wide enough to easily fit two e-bikes on each side should be provided.
6. Some cycle parks should be made suitable for cargo bikes, bikes with trailers, and mobility trikes. These are typically wider and longer than a standard bike park. They still need to be able to get close enough to the bike stand to lock the bike safely. Space is needed to load/unload children and load purchases on bikes.
7. Consider adding some Locky Dock stands for e-bikes, or when cyclists have forgotten their bike lock.

I am happy to discuss or clarify any issues that arise from this submission.

Ngā mihi nui

Submissions Coordinator

Spokes Canterbury

submissions@spokes.org.nz