Cycle lanes could go
BY JODEAL CADACIO
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The controversial cycle lanes on Lake Rd may be removed after North Shore City Council voted narrowly to have the matter investigated yet again.
Council officers recommended in a 36-page report to retain the cycle lanes, with Cycle Action Auckland and the Devonport Community Board backing it.
But committee chairman Ken McKay put forward a motion requiring officers to look into "options, the process, costs and funding for the cycle lanes south of the Bardia St-Winscombe St intersection if on-road cycle lanes are to be removed".
He wanted the committee to consider options to address the problem on Lake Rd instead of "leaving the cycle lanes there forever".
The estimated 300 cyclists using the Lake Rd cycle lanes represent only 1 percent of those using the road, he said.
He said the committee cannot also merely gloss over the 2700 signatures by the Cycle Lanes Action Review Association lobbying against the cycle lanes.
Councillor Grant Gillon moved for an amendment to the motion stipulating that this section of the Lake Rd cycle lanes be "enhanced for traffic management and safety, including possible removal".
The amendment narrowly passed the committee, with Mr McKay’s casting vote breaking the deadlock.
It was also Mr McKay who broke the deadlock when his amended motion was put to a vote.
Fireworks erupted when councillor Chris Darby, speaking against the motion, took Mr McKay to task for saying in previous meetings that if cyclists want to use the road they have to take the risk.
Mr McKay shot back saying he didn’t utter those words and that Mr Darby should withdraw what he had said.
Mr Darby said he stood by what he claimed were Mr McKay’s own words spoken on record.
Mr Darby and councillors Margaret Miles and Lisa Whyte criticised the motion for defying commonsense and succumbing to pressure from vocal groups.
The Lake Rd cycle lanes have been studied extensively by officers, as shown by their voluminous report to the committee, said Mr Darby.
"Relitigating it puts the credibility of this council on the line. It’s also a waste of ratepayers’ money," he said.
Ms Miles said removing the lanes would mean the council repaying the $440,000 subsidy from the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Those who voted against the re-investigation included councillors Heather Brown, Dianne Hale and Ann Hartley.
Those who voted with Mr McKay and Mr Gillon were deputy mayor Julia Parfitt and councillors Joy Brett, Tony Holman and Jan O’Connor.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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As a keen cyclist, I find the cycle lanes are working well. I cannot understand the oposition, the created lanes, have not reduced the NUMBER of lanes, just made the exisiting slimmer, which has had a positive effect of safety for other users. Since the lanes have gone in cyclist numbers have doubled using this stretch of road, in part because it is safer to do so. a logical conclusion is, it allows children to ride to school safely, in turn keeping down congestion, as mothers would not have to drop them off, in their cars. Councillors like McKay, are not looking at the long term, or taking an wholistic approach, but appear to be pandering to appease Dr Reynolds whose view on the matter, is entirely self oriented.
Removing the cycle lanes is a retrograde step. Since implementation, cyclist numbers have increased by 50%, and cyclists feel and are safer. The cycle lanes are endorsed not just by cyclists, but by the Devonport Community Board, and the principals of both Takapuna Grammar and Belmont Intermediate. Off-road paths are not an option for much of Lake Rd due to the lack of road reserve and conflict with pedestrians and driveway vehicles.
The cycle lanes are not part of the congestion problem, they are part of the solution. The real problem is tens of thousands of motor vehicles clogging Lake Rd because most drivers insist on taking up road space in their single occupant car rather than hopping on a bus, ferry or bike. Council's bus transponder studies show the cycle lanes have had a negligible effect on motorist delay.
This is a time when we should be focusing on reducing our carbon footprint, encouraging sustainable transport, and improving the health and safety of our children. The cycle lanes should stay, and completion of Council's strategic cycle network accelerated.
Delighted that the council is moving to remove the cycle lanes. Their implementation was the result of shoddy research, limited consultation with the community and no information on the negative effects that the lanes would have on traffic congestion - particularly in the Bardia/Winscombe intersection.
Cycles should be catered for but not at the expense of the vast majority of road road users - private, commercial and public transport vehicles (used by approximately 50,000 people per day - average of 1.5 persons per vehicle). On road cycle lanes do not work. Parallel cycle ways, separate from the road are acceptable but are not a priority on one of the North Shore most crowded arterial roads. Well done the I and E committee members who backed their chairman!!
Denture Centre, 45 Clyde
I am shocked a doctor who should well know the health benefits of cycling is backing a move to get rid of the cycle lanes.
Cycle lanes are part of the answer, less cars in congested areas is the answer, not more room for more cars.