3 December 2014

Island Bay cycle route ready to roll

Wellington City Council’s Transport and Urban Development Committee today agreed to proceed with safety improvements for people on bikes in Island Bay.

The route will improve safety for people on bikes along 1.7km of The Parade between Shorland Park and Wakefield Park. Kerbside cycle lanes will bypass bus stops and keep people on bikes separate from main traffic with a buffer space and parking on the road side of the lane.

“Providing good quality bicycle infrastructure is the next stage in making Wellington cycle-friendly. Modern progressive cities make cycling a real transport choice. This contributes to our reputation as a vibrant, liveable city,” said Mayor Celia Wade-Brown. “International and national studies show cycle lanes provide benefits for the local economy, people's health and enable people to enjoy local facilities more easily.”

Councillor Andy Foster, who chairs the Committee, was pleased to see the design given the green light.

“It has been a hard process, but today was the day to make a decision. The Council is committed to making it safer and easier for people to get around Wellington on bikes, and starting on stage one of the route from Island Bay to the city is an important step in this journey.

“International best practice shows that protected kerbside cycle lanes are the safest way to provide safe cycle facilities. This work will create a safer environment for people on bikes to get around the neighbourhood by bike, and will one day connect through Berhampore and Newtown to the city.

“We know that while currently 9% of Wellingtonians choose to commute by bike on occasion, over 20% more would like to join them. Moving forward with cycle network projects is about making it safer and easier for more people to get on bikes.”

The decision follows public consultation on the final design, which saw over 700 people give feedback. The committee agreed to proceed with the final design and the next steps for implementation, with some changes to address concerns raised in feedback. Changes include using stop signs at Dee St to replace the existing roundabout rather than traffic lights, providing new pedestrian crossings across The Parade, and short stay parking to make it easy to drop in at corner shops. The shopping area will be unaffected at this stage, but will be monitored to assess if further changes are required.

Construction on the first stage of the route through Island Bay is due to begin in February 2015. Community consultation on the next stage of the route through Berhampore and Newtown will begin in early 2015.

For full information about the Island Bay to City cycle route, visit wellington.govt.nz/cycling

Full changes to the final design include:
• Stop signs at Dee St to replace the existing roundabout rather than traffic lights.
• Dee Street – new pedestrian crossing across The Parade.
• Stop signs at all side roads rather than removing more parks from The Parade to make sure recommended safe sight distances are provided for road users
• Two additional short-stay car parks (‘P10’) along The Parade to make it easier to drop in at corner shops along The Parade

ENDS

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