Waimakariri cycleway projects in limbo

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Northern Outlook

By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter

Three Waimakariri cycleway projects are in limbo following the change in Government.

Cycleways in Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend were included in the Government’s Transport Choices funding announced in December 2022, with Waka Kotahi set to fund 70% of the $5.8 million budget.

The projects were to be funded through the Climate Emergency Response Fund.

It is now on hold while Waka Kotahi waits for the new Government to set its transport priorities.

The Waimakariri District Council has already approved detailed design for the Kaiapoi to Woodend and Woodend to Pegasus cycleways, while detailed design was approved last week for a third cycle way in Southbrook, Rangiora.

Developing the Rangiora cycleway has had some challenges, with the council preferring a route heading up Railway Rd, along Torlesse and Coronation streets, up Ellis Road and Country Lane, and on to South Belt.

Pak’nSave and Foodstuffs South Island Ltd raised concerns about the lack visibility for truck drivers entering and exiting the supermarket on Railway Road.

"There has been some discussions around the location of the cycleway behind Pak’nSave, but the council felt it was a safer option for the cycle path than Southbrook Rd, where there are 26,000 vehicles passing each day," Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said.

He said council staff would continue to consult with Pak’nSave, KiwiRail and other businesses as the project developed.

MGordon said if the funding was not made available in the next three months, the council would reconsider the cycleways as part of next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan process.

The proposed cycleways came from the council’s walking and cycling network plan developed last year.

"We are seeing growth in alternative modes of transport and people are coming out here to experience walking and cycling in our district, which is something we are keen to encourage.

‘‘"Since the Northern Corridor opened with the cycle way alongside it, we have seen a lot more people cycling out to our district."

■ Public interest journalism funded through New Zealand on Air.