I have had a number of people send me emails asking for my views on cycling and walking. Here is the email I have sent out which covers quite a bit of info and my thoughts re cycling and walking.
I do have real concerns for the places that cycle lanes are sometimes "retro-fitted" and the subsequent risk to cyclists. I really do prefer off road trails and recreational cycling not in the thick of busy city traffic. We have seen too many cyclist fatalities and injuries in recent years. I believe good urban planning should provide "safe cycling" paths and trails.
I am the Hon. Vice Consul of Belgium and have been to Belgium and Europe over 20 times...and so I am very familiar with "safe ways" to have cycle lanes and paths as they do in the likes of Belgium and the Netherlands. See attached photos of Bruges (Brugge) as an example)
Our family with 3 older children are cyclists. We have 3 bikes in the family for "recreational cycling"...and an exercycle!!! Last Christmas we holidayed in Taupo at Jane's parents place, and had a number of great rides around the area including the Huka Falls trail and return road trip which was about 25 kms in total. See photos attached of that day with me out on the back roads, and also with my youngest daughter Bryony on the Huka Falls bike trail.
On our April holiday this year to Adelaide my wife Jane and I cycled from the Adelaide downtown out to the beaches on a wonderful cycle trail that followed the river to the coast and then along the beach for miles. It was really amazing. The round trip was about 30kms I think, but very well constructed and a real joy to ride on. Perhaps you have done that one??
Other answers to questions I have been sent re cycling are as follows:
Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets? YES
* Would you support cycle lanes along arterial streets and roads? YES when the width of the carriageway will safely allow it.
* How do you feel about the cycle lane issue along Kitchener Rd in Milford? I favoured a round the lake single cycle way on the "lakeside" to allow an anti-clockwise circuit of the lake. Most of this side of Hurstmere Road is "No Stopping" lines anyway so it is a possibility. But I do not support a cycle lane on the other side of the road because the carriageway is not wide enough and most of the homes have limited parking and it would cause considerable disruption. I did however suggest a 6.30am to 9am clearway on that other side of Hurstmere Road to allow buses and cyclists to commute. But then parking after 9am. The council officers did not favour this option...which seems to work well in other parts of Auckland.
* Would you support cycle lanes across the Harbour Bridge? I certainly would if they could manage it technically.
* Are you aware of where cycle paths/lanes/routes are? YES
* Are you aware of parts of the transport system cyclists can’t use
(the barriers)? What would you do about them? I am a little aware but would prefer to be given more information on this.
* Do you support the council's cycling strategy and enhancement of existing cycling routes? YES, but only where it can be done safely. My main concern is putting cyclists at risk with narrow cycle lanes which often are on the rough edge of the road.
* Are enough children cycling to school? NO. I rode a bike to school all my life and am appalled at how few children ride to school these days. But again, we need to make it safe for them, and I prefer off road cycle paths such as we have put in Shakespeare Road for school students.
* Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? YES I have been on several school travel wise programmes, and was a parent for several years on a walking school bus. Likewise workplaces could benefit from more awareness of cycling options.
* What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? The council has a role but it is also very much a community issue. My wife is a registered nurse working with a PHO and they are of course right in the thick of public health and improving peoples' levels of "wellness". Cycling, walking, exercise are all part of that and we as a family do all three.
How do you see cycling contributing? Cycling and swimming are probably the two best "low impact" health programmes anyone can take part in. I would love to see more people cycling if we can make sure they are safe on the roads, or that there are off road trails which is my preference.
* And if you're an existing representative, how did you vote on cycling initiatives in the past? I have voted to support some initiatives in the past where it is a safe option, and have not supported ones where the carriageway and issues simply make it too dangerous to go along with.
I hope this covers most of the points. Thanks for contacting me and I hope other people will have an opportunity to read my comments above, as part of my Mayoral campaign for North Shore City.
1. What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and
(b) cycling
as a form of transport in your area?
These are both cheap forms of transport and are useful if you are trying to lead a healthy, active lifestyle. Current numbers of pedestrians/cyclists are not enough to make a dent in congestion but over time this could change, particularly if integrated with public transport.
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
(b) cyclists
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
Good facilities for pedestrians and reasonable facilities for cyclists (improving all the time)
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?
Lowered speed limits are not enough and should be supported by design of streets to encourage lower speeds. A low speed limit sign on a straight, wide road is a waste of time. I would support lowered speed limits if there was a reason for them and it fitted with the function of the road ( i.e. not on main arterial roads)
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?
Yes, in my area.
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.
Signage is better for cyclists as most footpaths do not need signs. The signage is reasonable.
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?
There aren't really any in our area that I am aware of. The local Intermediate and Grammar Schools have high cyclists counts (among the highest in the region) and many children also walk. They seem to be able to cycle/walk wherever they need to, so I assume adult cyclists could do the same.
7. What would you do about these barriers?
If barriers are identified (e.g. through a School Travel Plan) then they should be addressed on a site specific basis.
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?
No. (Note: parking on driveways is a different issue - there are places in Devonport where the driveway crosses the berm and it is possible to park on this part of the driveway without blocking the footpath and I don't see that as a problem).
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?
North Shore City produced a cycle map and I would support updating it as required.
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?
We have a cycling strategy but I don't believe the pedestrian strategy has been completed. I support strategies in general as I think a Council should have high level strategies to direct day-to-day activities of the officers.
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?
Yes. I have been involved in Land Transport NZ funding applications for North Shore City and ARTA. We now have a programme that is running really well and I would support it continuing until all schools had been completed.
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?
Cycle parking facilities. Encouraging cycling to school so that as the next generation grows up they are used to cycling (I think it is harder to start adults cycling who are used to driving).
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?
Promoting public health is part of Council's mandate, particularly in the transport area (through the LTMA). If there are people who are willing to walk/cycle and the design of Council infrastructure is stopping them from doing so, then Council should provide the appropriate infrastructure. What I do not support is the wholesale construction of walking/cycling facilities where there is no demonstrated demand for them.
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors? Yes.
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter?
I would consider it - I am a little put off by the insistence on communities "rights" - I would prefer to see a document that balanced "rights" with "responsibilities". As a Councillor there is also a need to balance the "rights" of all road users against each other.
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
Not really, but my children and husband do.
1. See both as healthier alternatives to cars in terms of exercise and relaxation for walker and cyclist, and reduction in pollution for the world in general. Also reduces need for car parks which is an advantage for employers. Road congestion in Auckland could be reduced by providing safe and extensive cycling and pedestrian networks across the city. pedestrian and cycling options There are a lot of other advantages but these are probably the most obvious.
2. Pedestrians –average, Cyclists – poor as almost nonexistent.
3. Yes
4. Not really as find most areas too dangerous. Do drive to Eastern Bays in Auckland to cycle as feel pretty safe there but that is recreational not utility cycling. Would like to be able to cycle from my home to shop etc and my kids should have been able to cycle to school but was far too dangerous.
5. I think a lot of walkways are well signposted but cycle tracks are almost non existent. Some are signed.
6. Yes for both.
7. I think it is OK is there are alternative routes for pedestrians and cyclists but this is usually not so eg Auckland Harbour Bridge, motorways.
8. No.
9. Yes – I think North Shore City has one which I need to find out more about. It need implementing and probably improving.
10. As above.
11. Yes. I would first of all have to become familiar with them and then find out what I could do to help.
12. a. Employers could provide employees with cycles to reduce need for parking – where cycling was safe.
b. Incentives for using public transport where bikes could also travel.
c. Making safe footpaths and cycle paths as important as safe roads.
13. Council has a huge role in promoting public health and spends huge amounts of money doing so – eg sewerage, drinking water, safe roads, clean beaches, street lighting etc. Walking and cycling as normal everyday activities should become part of the same program.
14. I don’t know – will find out.
15. Yes
16. I walk a lot and would like to cycle a lot more. Have spent quite a lot of time in Holland and love their cycle paths.
Sorry this is not very well set out. Keep up the good work.
I saw your post on Sportzhub.
Put me down as a definite cycling supporter and therefore a de-facto supporter of yours. I am an Ironman finisher and intend to compete next year, all things being equal.
I am standing for council in North Shore City and cycle around the city all the time. I am firmly in favour of more cycling lanes and greater promotion of cycling etc.
1. What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and
(b) cycling
as a form of transport in your area?
Walking and cycling for my area means a healthier society, less congestion, safer roads for children and less air pollution.
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
(b) cyclists
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
Improvements could be made with cycle parking around major bus centres so people could cycle to these and these bus to their destination. The cycle lanes in our area are good and are continuing to be improved. The council could do more for pedestrian overbridges particularly since they are considering widening the road outside New Zealand’s largest secondary school, making the entrance less safe and are not considering an overpass.
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?
Yes Particularly around schools to make it safer for children and encourage parents to let their kids walk and around closer to beaches to make these more walker friendly.
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?
Yes.
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.
Signage and location of cycle ways are the best compared with Walkways which are often unsigned and hidden.
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can’t use?
No, I’m not certain on specific areas in which cycling and pedestrians are restricted.
7. What would you do about these barriers?
Council could continue to provide lanes for cyclists and footpaths and walkways that are convenient and well kept.
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?
Council in its planning should make consideration for enough room to park on roads or have parking areas. This is important considering the large development underway in Albany in the Northern Ward.
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?
I support the continuation of the cycle lanes and walkways that the current council are creating.
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?
Yes.
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?
Yes. Advertising the benefits, council providing information packs for those interested, setting up a website that links carpoolers. Perhaps the council could also consider a small rates rebate for businesses which have an effective travel plan in place.
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?
Ensuring that it starts early by getting young people to walk and cycle. Better public transport I believe would also encourage more people to walk or cycle to these facilities compared to driving the entire distance.
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?
Providing facilities and support for local sports groups means that the council can have a large effect on Public health. Ensuring safe roads, less pollution and good travel plans helps public health as well. Considering the North Shore is the lifestyle city, creating a good lifestyle includes looking after public health.
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
N/A
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter?
I will look into it right now!
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
Not as much as I would like.
1. What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and
(b) cycling
as a form of transport in your area? Healthy and non polluting
North Shore City Council Vision
To provide a safe, convenient and enjoyable cycling environment that meets the needs of cyclists and encourages cycling as a mode of transport and as a means of recreation.
The vision is underpinned by these goals:
* To increase the number of people cycling to work
* To increase the number of children cycling to school
* To improve safety for cyclists
* To improve convenience for cyclists
* To improve enjoyment in cycling
In turn the goals will be achieved by implementing seven united strategies:
* Develop cycle networks and facilities
* Apply best practice cycle design standards for cycle networks and facilities
* Maintain the cycle infrastructure to a high standard
* Educate and train all road users to improve cycle safety
* Promote cycling
* Improve coordination of efforts amongst groups supporting cycling
* Ensure resources are adequate to deliver the strategy for Shore City.
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
(b) cyclists
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
inadequate
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?
some
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?
some
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.
inadequate
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can’t use?
some
7. What would you do about these barriers?
depends what they are and why the barriers exist. Is it ignorance or part of a wider deisgn
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?
sno
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?
yes
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?
yes
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?
yes
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?
Make the activity safer ie York is a good example
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?
a role along with other organisations
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
inadequate
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter?
I seem unable to access it for some reason.
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
I do walk regularly and cannot interpret your last sentence.
1a Health benefits - fitness and fresh air
1b " " - fitness, fresh air, and reducing car dependency
2a Good but still room for improvement
2b Average, but improving for both recreational and strategic cyclists
3 Possibly, more likely in the vicinity of schools
4 Yes
5 Well sign posted, where construction is completed, the major cycle route is till under construction with the sign posting being added as each section is completed.
6 Yes
7 Safe cycleways are being developed to provide dedicated space for cyclists. All our roadways have separate footpaths.
8 Generally no, footpaths are for pedestrians, except where the footpaths are clearly marked as shared spaces with cycles.
9 Our ward/city has a maps that show walking and cycling routes.
10 Yes, we have a walking and cycling stragegy.
11 Yes, North Shore probably has the most Travel Plans out of all the councils in NZ
12 Making routes to school as safe as possible.
13 Yes our council promotes itself as a healthy city. Walking and cycling certainly contribute.
14 Yes, we have a travel plan for staff.
15 Yes
16 I walk 30 - 45 minutes most mornings, and cycle occasionally (as often as possible!)
1. What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and
(b) cycling
as a form of transport in your area? It is a cheap healthy way to travel.
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
(b) cyclists
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths. Average
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists? No
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are? Some
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other. Quite well
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can’t use? No
7. What would you do about these barriers? I have not got a direct policy on this.
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible? no
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one? yes
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one? Yes and Yes
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them? I believe kids should ride to school or walk where possible. I would further support any groups taking action to make this happen whether it be funds or personal help.
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity? more promotion of it by the council and better tracks for cyclists.
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing? 25% of a healthy life is based on exersise and the goal has to be letting people know they do not have to go to the gym they can bike to work or walk etc...
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors? Not sure
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter?
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both. I do walk and cycle at the gym :-)
1. What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and
(b) cycling
as a form of transport in your area?
Mostly health related. NSC is basically a dormitory suburb.
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
(b) cyclists
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
a) Poor
b) Poor
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?
Where it formed a major part of a walkway or cycleway and could not be segregated as such.
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?
I doubt if I know where they all are.
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.
OK
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can’t use?
Most roads are OK for peds, local roads are fine for cyclists, but taking life in hands on arterials.
7. What would you do about these barriers?
Jesus, where do I start. It's mostly about traffic numbers and driver arrogance.
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?
Nope.
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?
Yep.
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?
It has a cycling strategy and walking school buses
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces?
Yep.
If so, what would you do to facilitate them?
They will only happen if required, so lobby govt. Can try media promotion.
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?
Head in hands. People are set in their slothful, wasteful, ways. I am no better, I take my car to the supermarket.
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health?
Actions should be consistent with good public health outcomes.
How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?
Lessening pollution and increasing fitness levels.
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
Not to my knowledge but there are some assidious officers so could be, but the council itself has traditionally not been able to sit the right way round on a toilet and I don't see that changing much.
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm
Sure, when you have an online version. Not that it will make much difference, I'm not likely to be elected this time round and will probably disappear back into the woodwork after that and get on with my software developing.
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
I walk quite a lot, I don't cycle much.
1. What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and For people living close to the work place school and or shops it’s a great way to reduce transport costs, Exercise and discovering your area
(b) cycling Transport Sport Recreation a means of Exercise offering little to no emissions
as a form of transport in your area?
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and Average I live in a semi rural area with only the verge to walk on along side roads and on the major roads we have fought for and got pathways
(b) cyclists there are no cycle ways until you reach Albany then we have a growing number around the mega centre and Rosedale parks industrial area No over bridges as yet
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists? Yes impractically if they are near schools shops ect.
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are? Yes
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other. Not that good as motorists often park in the lanes mistaking them for parking areas
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can’t use? Other than the harbor bridge and motorways I am not a where of any other areas
7. What would you do about these barriers? Re the bridge and motor ways I believe there are safety concerns as well as the cost which must come first and foremost
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible? NO
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one? Only if there was a proven need
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one? Yes we have and I would support its implementation
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them? Id do and where possible would work to the establishment of pathways and lanes but I would not support areas of development were the future demand was not proven
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity? Offer safe crossing areas that would allow children to cross un supervised like overhead bridges greater separation from the road especially in high speed zones
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? All public authorities, employers educators and individuals have a responsibly to keep themselves fit and the Council has the responsibility to provide the environment for this to happen How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing? Both offer a great means of exercise and transport
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors? I don’t know
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm YES
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both. Yes as a family we cycle regularly for recreation
I don't know where you are coming from with this lengthy list of questions. You must know my position on many of the points that you raise through my public statements over a number of years. It will take a long time to answer the indepth questions you have listed.
I have replied to the survey by a cycling group in North Shore City which has almost identical questions so suggest you contact them for replies
1. What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and Environment, Physical, transportation will be positively effected.
(b) cycling Environment, Physical, transportation will be positively effected.
as a form of transport in your area?
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and Good
(b) cyclists Good
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?
Yes
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?
Yes
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.
Average
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can’t use?
Yes
7. What would you do about these barriers?
Provide alternate routes
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?
We have one
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?
We have one of those too
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?
Yes, use the models that are already widely used and effective
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?
Healthier cleaner walking/cycling environments
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
Yes, please see NSCC site for more info on travel plan
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter?
http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
Yes
1. What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and
(b) cycling
as a form of transport in your area?
Fitness and being able to take in the atmosphere. Walking or cycling through the north shore bays during the summer months makes you appreciate what the North Shore has to offer that no other areas in Auckland can.
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
(b) cyclists
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
I would say that pedestrian facilities are good while cyclist facilities are average
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?
I would be more likely to support seperate cycle lanes or paths. It is doubtful that the majority of the ratepayers would support a proposal to slow down traffic on the streets. I believe the better option would be to remove the danger to cyclists by creating seperate cycle paths and lanes that have at least a curb seperation from the road.
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?
No, but my studies and work all occur over the harbour bridge, so i do not have the opportunity to spend much time in my suburb outside of my house.
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.
Not aware of where they are, so probably not well signposted, but I have not actively looked for them either.
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can't use?
Other than the motorway, no.
7. What would you do about these barriers?
I'm unsure as to which barriers you mean.
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?
No. There is no need to park on footpaths. If the road is too narrow to have people parked in both directions, then one side should be cleared of all parked cars. Allowing people to park on the footpath merely creates an obstruction to footpath users.
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?
Yes
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?
I am unaware if it does or not. If one is missing then I would support creating one as I see no disadvantages in doing so.
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?
I believe that the walking bus program for schools is fantastic and should be continued to be supported by council. A travel plan for workplaces is a more difficult idea due to the distance that modern workers travel between their homes and places of occupation. I would support an investigation in to what can be done to aid both workers in their travel, as well as attempting to partially clear our roads of cars, both moving and parked.
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?
This is not something I have previously thought about, and would need to put some time into it.
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?
I don't see the council's role in promoting public health, but in facilitating the opportunities for the public to work on their own health but ensuring there is adequate and safe areas to ride, walk., play etc.
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
Not that I am aware though I have never looked for one, so one may exist.
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter?
http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm
While I agree with many of its principles, some of them are poorly thought out and don't quite focus on the source of some of the issues commented on. I could not sign it in its current form
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
I currently get my excercise through visits to the gym and playing squash, though once summer has arrived I'm sure I will find myself cycling around Devonport again.
1. What do you see as the advantages of
(a) walking and
(b) cycling
as a form of transport in your area?
Healthy and helping prevent global warming
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
(b) cyclists
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
average
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists?
On a case by case basis
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?
Yes
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.
average
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can’t use?
no
7. What would you do about these barriers?
unsure
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible?
no
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?
yes
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one?
yes
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them?
yes. Supply examples of other similar plans to keen volunteers.
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity?
publicity in council newsletters etc.
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing?
a small but positive role
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
unsure
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm
unsure
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both.
yes. Mostly walking now but used to cycle a lot a few years ago.
Healthier, Cheaper, reduces unnecessary traffic
2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and average
(b) cyclists poor and hazardous
in your area? This could include such things as cycleways, pedestrian
overbridges, cycle parking, quality of footpaths.
3. Would you support lowered speed limits on certain streets to enhance their use by pedestrians or cyclists? Yes
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are? Yes
5. How well signposted are these facilities? Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other. Since amalgamation in 1990, interstreet footpaths, which used to be named (ie Lambeth Walk) and well featured have lost their character and are less well used. New subdivisions now rarely have interstreet pedestrian and cycle links which is a great pity.
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a) pedestrians or (b) cyclists can’t use? Only motorways
7. What would you do about these barriers? n/a
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths is permissible? Berms perhaps but not footpaths.
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would you support creating one?
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would you support having one? Yes.
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would you do to facilitate them? We need smaller schools dotted more frequently through our suburbs. Smaller is better and closer is better.
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as a regular activity? Create cycle routes or paths which are not on roads. Cycle lanes on roads are often dangerous.
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do you see walking and/or cycling contributing? Promoting public health is not a council affair. Creating user friendly conditions for walking and cycling is. We all know the benefits of these activities. Whether we practice them is another matter.
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm
I have spent much time and energy creating coastal and inland walkways. I even
named three after my sons.
16. Do you cycle and/or walk regularly? We recognize of course that many people who do not remain supportive of our aims to increase rates of both. I get a lot of hard physical exercise in other ways, however, I am going to walk the Routeburn Track again this summer.