[!ai]
Prioritizes footpath improvements for disability access over new cycle lanes, citing underutilization. Supports making George Street pedestrian-only for mobility vehicles. Strong accessibility advocate.
I promote the improvement of footpaths -including levelling and widening to improve access especially for disabled people, but this benefits the entire community. I also promote the installation of regular curb cuts to allow access for wheelchair users and others to the footpath. Footpath improvements also benefit children using active transport, which has huge long term health benefits for our community.
I do not currently support the installation of more cycle lanes as we have a fairly comprehensive network which is under used. I would love to see the cycling community getting more people using these facilities, with improved use we will be able to justify more cycle networks.
As for public transport, the unfortunate reality is the current government is putting pressure on public transport to be more user funded. This in my opinion is a backward step. Buses in Dunedin are ORC territory, so as a DCC candidate I would not have a great deal of power to shift this.
I support the development of train networks, unfortunately this is hugely costly. Like most Dunedin citizens, I do not have $259 for a one-way, one-person ticket to Christchurch. I always promote the use of public transport where possible and available and have always advocated for our buses to be accessible for the disabled community, not only physically but in terms of routes and regularity.
Walking infrastructure including levelling and widening of footpaths is an important priority for me and part of my advocacy to improve accessibility of our city to the disabled community. As is the addition of curb access, especially at mobility parking spots.
As I have said above, more cycle lanes is not a priority for me as the current network is fairly comprehensive and under used. If the cycling community can improve usage, especially in low income communities, then I will certainly reconsider this position. I appreciate the benefits of cycling, both to the environment and to physical health.
I would have loved to have seen George street as a pedestrian only area, with access only for mobility vehicles. Unfortunately this did not occur, but it is possible to revise this position. Whilst George street is a 10km zone, it is actually completely unsuitable for car traffic except those with valid mobility parking permits. Removal of the majority of traffic would improve safety for everyone.
I feel strongly that all public spaces should be accessible to everyone, and will promote this heavily as part of my campaign as I have as a disability advocate. The Octagon and Moray place both currently have inaccessible (hilly) footpaths which desperately need to be improved.
As a wheelchair user I am overly familiar with the lack of accessibility of public spaces, and will promote both physical accessibility but also access to information for those in the blind, Deaf and neurodivergent community. I have previously advocated for improvements to access in our museum spaces and will continue to push for this.
Thank you for your questions, and I hope we can work together in the future to improve active transport usage and promote accessibility in our city.
Ngā mihi nui
Amy Taylor