[!ai]
Sophisticated vision centered on climate adaptation and zero carbon through comprehensive active transport. Advocates quiet shared spaces, speed reduction, and making active transport faster than driving. Shows international best practice understanding and supports rate restructuring for investment.
Kia ora Devonia,
tena koe nui for giving me the opportunity to reply to your questions - here are my answers:
My vision for Ōtepoti is to focus on climate adaptation and work towards the goal of zero carbon emissions through a well-connected network for all active transport users. This network offers safe routes so that barriers can be removed that stop citizens from Ōtepoti from using active transport now. These safe routes will be achieved through quiet, shared spaces and separate cycle/pedestrian routes where possible.
I will be advocating for an investment into tools that range from raised pedestrian crossings, built in islands, plantings and signals in quiet, shared spaces and speed reduction as an approach to make it safer for all traffic members (cars included).
Access via car into the centre of town needs to be possible, but all efforts need to be undertaken to discourage drivers from using their cars if they have alternative options such as well-connected, affordable and frequent buses (the ORC and DCC need to collaborate in this space), safe cycling, skateboarding and pedestrian routes. Parking needs to reflect the true cost to the city as carparks use space that could be used more constructively in a liveable city for healthy ways of commuting, recreation and in general a more attractive cityscape.
Cities around the world (and in Aotearoa) have ample examples of a healthy and well balanced cityscape where active transport is promoted. Bus transport for young people (including tertiary students) is free, there are bikes, even electric cars to hire and reduced speeds in large areas of cities so if transits are measured in time, one is definitely quicker using active transport.
Safe cycling axes through town via speed reduction, quiet and shared spaces are a must if we are serious about improving this infrastructure. I am thinking of Leith Street, George Street and Albany Street as examples.
Our council is faced with high expenditure for basic infrastructure such as water, risk reduction and healthy homes and in my opinion these and active transport are a must for a city that is serious about climate adaptation. I don’t think we can afford to delay these investments to future generations - we have to be honest and trustworthy to the electorate that people in Dunedin are happy to pay higher rates because they get value for their rates. We need to think about how rates are structured and fulfil our social contract (by looking after the wellbeing of our environment and communities) through a restructuring of our rates system.
As said above, I think it is vital for us to create a healthy, safe and liveable cityscape for our communities through quieter, traffic calmed streets. This includes in my view the calming of the Octagon to have a central, focal point where one can enjoy sitting in a restaurant without cars zooming by. I would also like to see this in other parts of the city - for example, in King Edward Street. Having calmed down Anzac Avenue in front of the train station is an example where access can be given when needed, and I think that is a really good model for other areas.
Ka kite,
Heike