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Current councillor and avid cyclist (6000km/year) with proven advocacy record. Champions slow streets concept and win-win solutions. Strongly supports Portsmouth Drive crossing fix and criticises lack of political will. Emphasizes safety for vulnerable users.
Kia ora Devonia
As a current City Councillor who cycles over 6000 kms per year, both for commuting and recreation, I will continue to advocate for the maintenance and expansion of current walking / cycling opportunities in Ōtepoti. I was literally ‘dragged’ into politics through my advocacy chairing the Harbour Cycle Network back in the early / mid 2000’s calling for various agencies to progress the now completed Shared Path to Port Chalmers, arguably one of the best inner city shared paths in the world.
Cycle use & bus patronage has continued to increase year on year, particularly since Covid so it’s important that we continue to support investments in appropriate street designs whether that’s dedicated cycle / walking lanes and / or better use of the ‘slow street’ system which is becoming increasingly popular in more bike-friendly countries, and of course doesn’t come with the same fiscal constraints as dedicated and separated infrastructure.
Dunedin’s strategic vision to become ‘one of the world’s great small cities’ will never be fulfilled if we look to limit opportunities for residents to choose their preferred mode of transport. Seeking to support walkers, cyclists, bus users and other mode shift options doesn’t come at the expense of car drivers but simply offers a viable and safe alternative for those seeking to travel differently.
Most walkers and cyclists are also car drivers, so what better way to ‘unclog’ and protect the roading system than have alternative options for others to enjoy when they so desire - In essence it’s a win-win!
Firstly, we need to make sure that any roading upgrades related to the Dunedin Hospital build incorporate safe options for walkers and cyclists. We also need to create safer ‘linkages’ to already established cycle networks (such as the Harbourside shared path). We need to invest in safer crossing options, particularly on Portsmouth Drive as this is an accident waiting to happen.
As alluded to above, I’m a great fan of slow streets which still accommodate cars, but at the same time create traffic conditions that favour and protect walkers and cyclists, again it’s about looking for those win-wins that work for everyone, but underpinning it is the safety of children, the elderly, vulnerable cyclists etc etc. This stuff isn’t difficult or costly and is proven to work elsewhere - the only thing holding it up is a lack of political will around the council table!
I think I’ve mostly answered this in my previous two responses, but hey George Street was the end of the world, eh? - but now look at the public response. The street wins awards, and it’s the envy of centres across New Zealand.
Again, with the right political vision we can actually be leaders in terms of providing options for our citizens who want to travel differently. We need to move beyond the ridiculous discourse offered by others of “cyclists / walkers are all anti-car, anti parking, anti-development extremists”, it’s nonsense and is literally akin to saying Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Vienna, Freiburg, Berlin, Utrecht—the list is endless btw—all don’t function as vibrant and progressive cities. If that’s how other candidates for this election feel, then they really do need to get out more!!!
Steve Walker JP
(Dunedin City Councillor)