Concerns over shared pathways
Pedestrians in Nelson have raised concerns about the behaviour of cyclists on footpaths and other shared pathways.
The issue was discussed during deliberations on the Nelson City Council’s Annual Plan in the past week.
A number of submitters to the plan said they had felt stressed and intimidated by cyclists passing them at high speeds, with one saying footpaths had become ‘‘dangerous for pedestrians’’.
Councillor Matt Lawrey questioned whether there was any data to support such a claim.
Council group manager of transport Margaret Parfitt said there was a perception that footpaths were becoming more challenging for less-abled people, but police and ACC data did not back that up. ‘‘There is a perception, but I’m not convinced it’s real.’’
Cycling on footpaths in Nelson is currently illegal, with responsibility for enforcement resting with police. Parfitt said the council had supported a government proposal that could allow for cycles on footpaths, but would also include rules demanding pedestrian priority and imposition of speed limits.
Submitters also raised concerns about the behaviour of cyclists on shared pathways managed by the council.
In particular, submitters were worried that cyclists seemed to have priority over walkers in shared spaces. One said: ‘‘I’ve given up trying to walk in many areas due to the intimidation that I feel when sharing walkways . . . As walkers we must now have eyes in the back of our heads.’’
Several councillors said they had personal experiences with cyclists not obeying the rules.
Councillor Kate Fulton suggested a campaign to educate the public on footpath and shared space rules could be helpful.
‘‘I think one of the issues is that cyclists assume they have right of way, when they don’t . . . I certainly had that experience during lockdown.’’