[!ai]
Enthusiastic supporter of comprehensive active transport including passenger rail advocacy. Emphasizes benefits for all users including drivers through reduced congestion. Strongly supports extending George Street pedestrianization. Prioritizes accessibility and education for road users.
I believe that council should actively promote passenger rail, insist on better and more frequent bus services and work on initiatives to get people walking and cycling safely around the city! The benefits of doing this are multiple, not only does this get more cars off the roads, meaning those that need to use motor vehicles have less traffic to deal with and more parking spaces to choose from, but it also reduces emissions and promotes healthier outcomes and wellbeing. I would like to see council engage with local community groups to better understand what local initiatives require their support and would like to see them actively being involved in educating all road users in the benefits for EVERYONE (including car users) of providing a wide ranging choice of transport options to meet everyone’s needs!
It’s vitally important that a city the size of Ōtepoti has safe walking and cycling infrastructure and that people are encouraged to use it. Investment in this infrastructure is paramount and I would be advocating for council to continue to build on the excellent cycleways and walkways we already have and continue to connect the more far flung parts of our beautiful city. I would hope that a new council would see the benefit in restarting investment in the tunnels trail and see helping the community connect Dunedin and Mosgiel in a safe and accessible manner as a priority.
I would love for the Totally Georgeous George Street project to continue through to the Octagon and further in to Princes Street as originally planned and make our CBD the envy of the South Island. Accessibility is a huge priority for me and I would be advocating that council address this as a priority in all our public spaces. People should not be excluded from enjoying our outside and public spaces due to disability or any other form of accessibility issues. I would like to see the council investigate more pedestrian only spaces and envisage a time when George St is no longer used by motor vehicles.
Ngā mihi nui
Richard Knights
Please Vote #1 for me for Dunedin City Council