Risking it all on Rocks Rd
Cyclists on Rocks Rd yesterday gave their verdict on what it’s like to ride the Rocks Rd danger-zone, and who should do it.
Rocks Rd is a treacherous route, according to local cyclists, but while some would never take their children near it, others are still battling through.
Cyclists are still being advised to choose alternative routes, because of reduced lane space and containers and barriers which further narrow Rocks Rd in places.
The road, which was closed twice during last month’s floods, is expected to be back to normal by the end of February.
However, Nelson resident Billie Mclean continues to bike to work each day along Rocks Rd.
‘‘It’s pretty dodgy. When you’re biking towards the city, there’s no room at all, [the road’s] only the size of a car. And then there’s the markers or barriers which mean there’s even less room. You actually have to go on the footpath. If there’s people coming you have to get off and just wait.’’
When he rode past the containers, there was barely enough width for his handlebars, he said.
If there was no room between the container and the line of barriers on the road, cyclists had no other option but to go out into the traffic, he said.
‘‘And if I see a truck coming, I just try to get away.
‘‘Cars have had to stop for me to get off my bike, and sometimes I’m pretty much riding in the gutter because there’s no room at all.’’
Nelson resident Chris Hughes cycles the road regularly, but said he would not take his kids down there.
‘‘The cars don’t give way or slow down. We get on the footpath at Richardson St and walk down.
‘‘I rode it [on Sunday night] as well, and saw a cyclist coming up to a sign where the containers were. There was a truck beside him but the truck didn’t slow down, so the cyclist had to put on his brakes hard, and then he hit the sign because the truck didn’t wait.’’
Pedestrian Judy Meads said it did not bother her if cyclists went on the footpath. ‘‘It’s a free world.’’
Meanwhile Nelson resident Lynn Burley, who walks Rocks Rd daily, said cyclists were already using the footpath a lot.
‘‘You almost get mowed down . . . or at least have to move quickly to the side. It does happen a lot. But while [the road] is like this, it doesn’t bother me. They need somewhere safe to ride.’’
Meanwhile, online comments to yesterday’s Nelson Mail article varied between those in support of cyclists’ rights, and why they should have to take another route if cars did not, and those who thought cyclists should stay well clear. Some said cyclists should be fined for using the route, and even cyclists said they should be banned for their own safety.
Others said this was clear evidence of the need for the Southern Link route to go ahead, or at least significant widening of Rocks Rd and barriers on the cliff-face.
Another woman, Ali, pointed out the alternative route was hilly and difficult, but the footpath was also not big enough for cyclists and pedestrians, and more con- sideration from all was needed. Others agreed cyclists needed to get off and walk if they used the footpath.