[!ai]
Advocates for a connected, separated cycle network and improved bus frequency to reduce car dependence and rising transport costs. Prioritises the completion of key links like the Tunnels Trail, safer intersections at the Gardens Corner, and more secure public bike parking. Demands better footpath maintenance, clearer pedestrian crossings, and the expansion of people-centric, green public spaces modeled after the George Street redevelopment.
Kia ora Devonia
Thanks for getting in touch, responses below.
Kā mihi
Aaron
The current fuel shock has shown us how important it is to make safe and affordable alternatives available. The cost of car dependence has been beyond many in a community for a long time, the difference this year is that a lot more people are finding themselves in that basket.
There have been significant improvements to the bus network in recent years but we can’t lose momentum. Increasing bus fares hasn’t helped, but in the medium term frequency, service hours, and an airport connection need to be taken seriously.
Progress has been slow on the bus priority lanes / park and ride infrastructure that was looking to support commuters from the southern suburbs.
The difficulty in the short term is that NZTA are running as fast as possible from investment in public and active transport, effectively doubling the cost of these projects for local communities. Council needs to fight harder for more future-focused funding priorities from government.
A connected, separated cycle network has to be the goal. Te Aka Ōtākou will soon connect to the tertiary precinct / city centre / State Highway 1 via the Albany St project. It’s been a relief to see the first stage of the Tunnels Trail opened, which will then link all of that out onto the Taieri, and recreational trails beyond. Then we need a safer transition at the Gardens Corner, linking the North East Valley and Ōpoho.
It’s encouraging that new office buildings are designing in more bike parking and end of trip facilities, because there’s a shortage of those in general. Especially secure bike parking. There’s certainly more that can be done in the public realm, though.
Walking infrastructure is too often overlooked, or put in the too hard basket. Maintenance of footpaths, including dealing with moss, makes a significant difference to pedestrians, whether they travel that way by choice or not. I’ve never supported courtesy crossings and the ‘deliberate ambiguity’ they create. Where council has committed to Shared Spaces, like they have in George St, more needs to be done to encourage genuine sharing of the space.
Trees. Bike parking. Space for people.
We’ve seen on George St what is possible, how people and nature and storytelling can combine to a create a human scale city centre. It also shows the merits of holding the line on a shared vision, and capitalising on the opportunities presented by critical below ground infrastructure work. Bath St is a lesser example of this same thing.
George St has also brought the form and function of the surrounding areas into sharp relief, coming to a sudden end before the Octagon, but other suburban centres / destinations have similar potential.