Active Transport Trial on Queens Drive Brings More Choice for Dunedin Residents
Ōtepoti Dunedin – Spokes Ōtepoti Dunedin welcomes the Dunedin City Council’s proposal to trial changes to vehicle access in parts of the Town Belt, calling it a practical step toward safer and more flexible transport options for the city.
The trial will transform sections of Queens Drive and Braid Road into shared routes for people walking, cycling, and using other non-motorised transport, with motor vehicles excluded.
Access for residents and emergency services will remain in place. The trial period will allow the community to evaluate benefits using real data, including counts of people walking, cycling, and motorised traffic, safety outcomes, and public feedback, before any long-term decisions are made.
This initiative follows the adoption of the Town Belt Reserve Management Plan, which prioritises improved safety, better access to green spaces, and support for active, low-carbon transport. Queens Drive is well-suited for active transport and Council reports note that it is not a critical traffic route and that vehicle speeds and pedestrian conflicts have been ongoing concerns.
For many people, especially children, older residents, and those new to cycling, safe routes like these can make all the difference. They enable healthy choices that are better for the community - making walking and cycling the easy option for everyday trips. Trials like this help answer a simple question: What happens when we design streets for people first?
Whether you walk, bike, drive, or use multiple transport modes, a safer and more flexible network benefits everyone. Additional benefits include improved access to our wonderful Town Belt, better connections between suburbs, and reduced pressure on narrow residential streets.
This is about creating a city where people have genuine choices in how they travel. Active transport isn’t for everyone all the time, but it should be safe and practical for anyone who wants that option.
References:
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Dunedin City Council (2025) Council Agenda Report: Town Belt Active Travel Trial — considered at the Dunedin City Council meeting, 11 December 2025.
Agenda of Council - Thursday, 11 December 2025 -
Dunedin City Council (2025) Town Belt Reserve Management Plan — adopted August 2025. Town-Belt-Reserve-Management-Plan-2024.pdf
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Otago Daily Times (2025) “Town Belt proposal: Car-free area to be considered” Town Belt proposal: Car-free area to be considered | Otago Daily Times Online News
