Reclaiming city for cyclists awork in progress
Palmerston North is trying to reclaim its reputation as the city of cyclists, but there is still work to be done to make its roads cycle friendly, an urban designer says.
Dozens of commuters cycled into The Square for free coffees and bike goodies put on by the city council yesterday morning as Bike Month winds down.
Half of those who do not cycle want to take up the eco-friendly commuter lifestyle, says council urban designer Dave Charnley, 44. About 45 per cent of people were interested in cycling, but had reservations about sharing the road.
He said lifestyle and safety were two major reasons why there had been a decline in bicycle use. ‘‘We have got busier lifestyles and car ownership has gone up, and children are not given the chance to ride and fall in love with cycling. Also, our street design has given a lot of priority to motor vehicles.’’
Under the city’s Urban Cycle Network Masterplan, the council plans to reduce traffic speeds around schools and shops, develop more marked and separated cycle lanes, and educate people about sharing the road. ‘‘I can’t really do anything about the wind though,’’ Charnley said.
Alex Hutson, 11, scored himself a florescent pack cover to keep his backpack dry and visible to drivers.
He and dad Shane Hutson, 36, were cycling through the city from Fitzherbert Ave to St Peter’s College – a trip Alex makes every day. Shane said it was much faster for Alex to bike than use bus services.
‘‘It takes about 21 minutes on the bike and 40 minutes on the bus... [but] winter will be a bit different.’’
Shane Hutson has had a few close calls with cars at roundabouts, but he thought drivers were slowly getting more careful.
Adam Jarvis, 29, agreed. He said he had never had a bad experience with drivers in the city, but thought more could be done to make it easier for the two modes of travel to share the road.