Cyclists partnering with WDC to optimise infrastructure outcomes

I am reminded that Council has a 10 year Walking and Cycling strategy document which is on their website and is relevant to our discussion. A quick reread confirms that it endorses our position. It also has concept drawings of proposed routes.
I include the link which I hope will work. http://www.wdc.govt.nz/TrafficandTransport/PublicTransport/Cycling/Documents/Walking-and-Cycling-Strategy.pdf

Also here is the vision it opens with, which is outrageously ambitious ( I remember asking them in my written submission if they really wanted to say such a thing)

"A district where walking or cycling are easy, safe and enjoyable everywhere in the public domain, are the
preferred means of access and are a lifestyle or tourist attraction".

The Council's Walking and Cycling reference group is supposed to do this job, although there are few regular urban cyclist typically on this group. One of the impediments in the past has been Council staff unwilling/unable/unsure how to engage with cyclist to improve infrastructure design and prioritisation. I suggest that two or more regular cyclists attend these meetings and insist on working with Council staff at the earliest stages to make sure designs work as well for cyclists as possible and the best prioritisation is achieved.

I cut and pasted the information below from the "Walking and Cycling Strategy" which I note is now 2 years old. There seems to be no change to the Waimahunga track although it talks about being completed in year 1. It would be great to have feedback from the council on these projects.

1 Onerahi/Whangarei Heads Pohe Island Road Old Onerahi Road / Waimahunga
Road Intersection
1 Onerahi/Whangarei Heads Old Onerahi Road / Waimahunga
Road Intersection
Waimahaunga Track
1 Onerahi/Whangarei Heads Waimahaunga Rd Beach Rd (via Cockburn St &
Raurimu St)
1 Onerahi/Whangarei Heads Hatea River crossing

Hi Steve, the council has just received bulk funding from NZTA and the priority is the Raumanga- Onerahi route incl Waimahanga track to be completed by 2016. We will have detail soon. Watch this space.

I agree with Clare. Cycle paths can be more dangerous the the road! Who designs these things, not a cyclist that's for sure

I agree with Clare and Lloyd. Coming from Glenbervie to the Hospital (not thinking about road works) there are many times when the road narrows down or cyclist has to stand bold on their pedals in the line of traffic and the lights or pedaling along.

Actually I think we need to give some thought to language . I was meaning cycle LANES really . Part of the road . Cycle paths conjure up a separate path and are great and I enjoy them but as an urban commuter cyclist they are a small part of the story. Ive attached a photo of roadmarkings on a Dutch road to give an idea of possibilities. Not a good photo and hopefully it wont clog things up but hopefully gives an indication.

Love the pun Clare - only in the Netherlands would things get "clogged"!! ;-)
We should decide on priorities maybe - which recreational trails (off-road and separated) and what on-road treatments. All arterial routes should have cycle provision I think - cycle lanes, advance stop boxes at intersections etc.
My preference is to get Riverside Drive sorted for cyclist safety - work with WDC re options i.e. with low-cost road-marking create a painted wide flush median, one traffic lane in each direction, a cycle lane in each direction and lovely wide shoulders - some parking even?? It should become a high-amenity avenue with a focus on the river.
Everyone wins! Then reduce inner-city speed limit to 30kph....
Also support off-road and away from the road route to Onerahi - on the grass berm, or at the toe of the embankment with a surface that can be cleared reasonably easily after flooding or boardwalk structure in the mangroves?
The three narrow bridges needed to have been remedied ages ago :-/
Love your neighbor.....ride a bike ;-)

Hope to see HEAPS of folk fashionably attired on bikes at the Old Stone Butter Factory (behind Farmers) 1030am this Saturday - for the coolest random ride in town! Clogs welcome ;-)

An interesting article that might keep the petrol heads happy with cycle infrastructure going in. speed and cycle lanes/paths.

http://www.vox.com/2014/9/8/6121129/bike-lanes-traffic-new-york

I'm with Paul - absolutely agree. since the new bridge went in ther traffic at the old bridge end is much lower. If the powers that be doubt that it would work I suggest a traffic counting/study be done . the existing cars could easily fit into one lane each way I strongly suspect , even at peak hour .
Hmmm those clogs .....