Inclusive approach to cycleway lauded
A community inclusive approach for plans to build a cycleway in Tahunanui could benefit more people than cyclists, an advocate says.
Chris Allison of Bicycle Nelson Bays said the Nelson City Council’s recent decision to spend a further $80,000 to come up with the best route for the cycleway with a consultation group was ‘‘a really good idea’’.
He said while there were frustrations over the council’s loss in momentum and increased costs for the project, he was confident the result would welcome ‘‘more than just a cycling project’’, that’s better for the community in the long-run.
‘‘I do think it’s going to be a really constructive project,’’ Allison said.
He said initial route didn’t hit the mark because it steered away from a desire to link cyclists to the coastal route. The route included Golf Rd and Bolt Rd, but was not supported by cycle advocates or the Tahunanui community.
‘‘The big linkages we were looking for were between the Stoke Railway Reserve and Rocks Rd.
‘‘We want a proper alignment this time.’’
The project was brought back to the council table last week.
Works and Infrastructure Committee chair Stuart Walker, councillor Matt Lawrey, representatives from Bicycle Nelson Bays and the New Zealand Transport Agency, and council officers will be on the new advisory group to finalise the cycleway route.
The project was to be funded one third by ratepayers, a third by New Zealand Transport Agency and a third by the Urban Cycleways Programme, a central government fund to increase cycle networks nationwide.
However, delays to the project means ratepayers’ contribution has increased from 33 to 50 per cent.
The project could now cost up to $2 million, up from $1.3m.
The new advisory group’s options will be presented to the works and infrastructure committee meeting in March and if successful, building will begin.
The Tahunanui cycleway has been in the planning phase for four years.