Woodend/Pegasus cycleways 'high priority'

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

From local democracy reporter David Hill:

A North Canterbury community board leader says a cycle way linking the growing towns of Woodend and Pegasus with Kaiapoi is a ‘‘high priority’’.

Woodend-Sefton Community Board chairperson Shona Powell (pictured) said a cycle way linking Woodend and Kaiapoi would give locals the option of cycling to Kaiapoi High School or into Christchurch.

The Waimakariri District Council has rated a proposed cycleway between Woodend and Kaiapoi ‘‘priority 2’’, as part of a three-year plan to upgrade the district’s walking and cycling network, which was consulted on last month.

A proposed Pegasus to Woodend cycle way is ‘‘priority 3’’.

A Woodend to Kaiapoi cycle way would complete the circuit linking Waimakariri’s three main urban areas, along with the Passchendaele Memorial Path (Kaiapoi to Rangiora) and the Rangiora-Woodend Path.

"I went to one of the drop-ins and there was one young lad giving his feedback and he said his ambition was to bike from Woodend to Kaiapoi when he goes to high school," Powell said.

"It gives people choice and that’s why it’s important. We want people to get out of their cars whenever possible.

"Children going from Woodend or Pegasus to Kaiapoi High School either need to take the school bus or private vehicle because it’s not safe to cycle, so they’re relying on mum and dad if they want to do after school activities."

She said the community board also supported a walking and cycle path between Kippenberger Ave and Mainpower Stadium, which would link with the Rangiora-Woodend Path.

"I’m sure parents would appreciate it as it would mean children can cycle safely from Woodend and Pegasus for sports at the stadium."

A council spokesperson said the lower priority for the proposed Woodend cycleways was due to the need to work alongside Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) as they would connect with State Highway 1.

But Powell said cycle and walking access were a ‘‘high priority’’ for Pegasus residents negotiating the Pegasus/Ravenswood roundabout on SH1.

"Pegasus is a town of cyclists. We’ve got two cycling groups in the town and quite a high proportion of mobility scooters.

"A lot of people moved here because of the quality of the footpaths and the pathway around the lake.

"People want to have the ability to walk or bike over to Ravenswood to pick up a few things from the supermarket or to have a coffee, but they don’t have that choice because it’s too dangerous."

Powell was hopeful long promised safety improvements in Woodend would be completed by NZTA soon.

Three proposed cycleways were rated priority 1 as part of the cycling and walking network consultation.

These include a cycle way along Tram Rd from Mandeville to Swannanoa School, and two pathways in Rangiora - one linking Ashley, Ivory and Percival streets and the other linking Railway Rd, Torlesse and Coronation streets, and Ellis Rd.

NZTA regional relationships director James Caygill said the agency’s vision was to have completed bike networks to support more people choosing to bike.

"We can do this by altering existing streets’ space allocated for cycling or shared paths, and in doing so, making cycling a more enjoyable and safe experience for everyone.

"Waka Kotahi would like to work with Waimakariri District Council to discuss the network plan and from there, how we can best support them."

Caygill said the agency’s SH1 Ashley to Christchurch safety improvements programme was ongoing, with the section between Tram Rd and Cam River, near Kaiapoi, being completed earlier this year.

Attention has now turned to the section from Cam River to Saltwater Creek, north of Ashley River. This section includes Woodend and Pegasus.

"We have some important planned and ongoing conversations with partners and key stakeholders – the people who may be more directly affected by this work and should be engaged with first," Caygill said.

"Once these conversations are completed, we will be coming to the wider community."