ON YER BIKE
Capital’s cycle lane plan a Kiwi first
Central Wellington looks set to become more cycle-friendly, with the introduction of the country’s first contra-flow bike lanes.
The lanes would allow cyclists to travel against the flow of other traffic on a one-way street. They are planned for Cuba and Willeston streets as part of a bid to improve connections in the capital and make it safer and easier to get places by bike.
About $1.5 million from the Government and Wellington City Council has been allocated for minor cycle improvements in the CBD as the city awaits the outcome of the Let’s Get Wellington Moving project and any major transport initiatives that it might usher in.
The contra-flow lanes are one of six cycling improvements proposed for the central city while other options are being developed.
Paul Barker, the council’s network improvement planning manager, said the contra-flow lanes would be in areas with low traffic volumes and speed.
They could be added without removing any existing parking spaces.
‘‘There are not many, if any, contra-flow lanes in New Zealand but they are common overseas.’’
Councillor Sarah Free, who holds the city’s public transport, cycling and walking portfolio, also said the lanes, which were used in Australia, would be a first for this country.
‘‘They are a simple, effective way to improve connections and allow people on bikes to take a more direct route.’’
Other proposed improvements, which the council will seek public feedback on, include marking a new one-way cycle lane on Rugby St for people riding from Adelaide Rd towards Tasman St.
This would require the removal of six coupon parking spaces. But Barker said those spaces were used mainly by commuters, and their loss would not impact nearby home owners.
Another proposal includes designating Bunny St, between Victoria University’s business and law schools, as a shared zone.
The council has also suggested allowing cyclists to ride both ways in lower Cuba St and between Lambton Quay and Featherston St.
Motorbike parking in Grey St would be relocated around the corner to Featherston St, where it would replace two pay-and-display parking spaces. This would make room for 20 bike parks on Grey St.
The council also wants feedback on a bid to a turn an off-road biking connection in Newlands into a cycle route. It suggests upgrading Wakely Rd, which connects Newlands to State Highway 1 and Ngauranga, by improving drainage, levelling and paving the road’s surface.
Chris Calvi-Freeman, the city council’s transport strategy portfolio leader, said the improvements aligned with the Let’s Get Wellington Moving project.
‘‘It will make getting places easier, particularly for less confident riders. They are a small part of a much bigger plan to create a safer cycle network, help tackle congestion and make Wellington an even more sustainable and attractive place to live.’’
If approved at a council meeting in mid-September, the new road markings will be implemented early next year.