2. How would you rate (good, average, poor) facilities for
(a) pedestrians and
Good, but always room for improvements particularly the further out you go from
the CBD. Additionally more and safer pedestrian crossings are needed overall.
Case in point along the entire stretch of Lakefront to Rainbow Point.
(b) cyclists
Good around inner township, average to poor outside CBD and in parts down right
dangerous. Additionally some cycle ways are so full of broken glass, debris or
cracked to such an extent that only 4 wheel drives can negotiate them safely.
In your area? This could include such things as cycle ways, 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?
Absolutely, which I believe would further encourage their use through perceived
safer conditions.
4. Are you aware of where walking or cycling paths/lanes/routes are?
Some, not all, although I try to acquaint myself with them all when cycling
throughout the district.
5. How well signposted are these facilities?
For cycling they appear pretty good if you know what to look for, including
markings on the actual roads.
Please note if signage is better for one mode than the other.
To me there appears to be less signage, which is noticeable to pedestrians.
6. Are you aware of parts of the roadways or public spaces that (a)
pedestrians or No, not specifically
(b) cyclists can’t use?
Footpaths?
6. What would you do about these barriers?
n/a
8. Do you think there are certain conditions under which parking on footpaths
is permissible?
If you mean cars or vehicles, than most definitely not as that would seem to be
a contradiction of terms, footpaths for cars? Would not have a problem with bike
stands on footpaths as long as it would not impede or compromise the flow or
safety of pedestrians.
9. If your ward/community does not have a walking or cycling route map, would
you support creating one?
Most definitely, I know that there are some cycling track maps available from
the cycle shops around town for a small fee of I think around $2.00 each
10. Does the council have a walking and cycling strategy, and if not, would
you support having one?
I think there is one in the pipeline as part of the overall public transport and
roading strategy. If there isn’t then I would be advocating for one.
11. Do you support travel plans in schools and workplaces? If so, what would
you do to facilitate them?
As a council we can only encourage, educate and promote or provide amenities/
facilities, which would foster a lesser demand on private vehicle usage. If we
can ensure that we have safe cycle and walking environments then each and every
one of us must play a role by accepting, as well as adopting a new way of life
which does also have additional health benefits.
At the end of the day the onus and responsibility lies with us as individuals to
accept our social obligations to change our lifestyle.
12. What other techniques could you suggest to improve walking and cycling as
a regular activity?
Stop the rain to start with, just kidding. I know that we are very lucky in
Taupo as we have very active walking, harriers and cycle club/organizations who
already organize various walking trips or weekly bike rides. Perhaps Council in
conjunction with these organizations can promote their activities more by
sending out related information, maps etc with council’s rate demands.
Perhaps setting up of free coaching sessions for cycling, having some one teach
how to walk or run properly, similarly to the events each year held by DOC of
how to fish for trout for example.
13. What role do you see the council has in promoting public health? How do
you see walking and/or cycling contributing?
Whilst it is not specifically the role of council but rather than that of
Central governments obligation and responsibility, I would none the less support
and advocate council to work in close partnership with Government to promote and
provide amenities which would foster greater and or better public health.
Walking and cycling contributes indirectly in the long term to our wellbeing and
health system by placing a lesser demand on the health services in the future
due to simply being fitter, healthier and leading a more balanced life style.
14. Does your council or DHB have a travel plan for staff and visitors?
n/a
15. Will you sign the Walking Charter? http://www.livingstreets.org.nz/ICharter.htm
Yes, with pleasure.
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 I do both, as part of my regular fitness regime/programme, as well as for my
training for the ‘ Around the Lake and Half Iron Man’ events. Would also be
contemplating cycling to and from Council meetings weather permitting.