by Jack Marshall
It’s clear that bikes and cars don’t mix well on the same roads designed primarily for four-wheeled vehicles.
We must find ways to separate these modes of transport – ideally without causing the pushback we’ve seen from the Grey St “Streets for People” project.
Despite the project being 90 per cent funded by central government and largely run by volunteers, the opposing voices seemed to feel they were losing something that belonged to them. Anyone with those feelings is likely to speak up.
We need to think smarter.
When it comes to new cycling projects, the council needs to first bite into the sweet and cheap low-hanging fruit.
I’m talking about areas of town where we can build cycle paths without removing roading or car parks. This is less likely to annoy the cult of the car and quickly expand our cycle network to get bums on bicycle seats.
For the longevity of our transport system, it’s critical we build community support for these projects, and there are no louder advocates than cyclists.
The Wainui cycle path into the city is a perfect example – it allows cars and trucks to barrel along the road unimpeded, while pedestrians and cyclists have their own safe, separate path. This has improved safety and avoided pushback.
The council has a master plan with an array of off-road active transport routes.
There are two key cycle paths to get the city cycling.
The star of the show is the Taruheru cycle path along the river from the Botanical Gardens to Campion College. Conveniently off the road, it will provide a safe route for students and workers to commute without spooking those protective of tarseal.
But first, I think we should connect Makaraka with the city.
Behind the Gisborne Park Golf Club is the retired Makaraka train line that heads all the way into Waikanae.
This revitalisation project would be simple, cheap and easy.
It takes nothing away from motorists while creating an important link with Makaraka (not to mention connecting the city to the airport).
And if we want to put in cycleways and remove on-street parking, we should do so on quiet roads with low-traffic areas so we don’t anger the wasps’ nest.
If we can learn anything from the pushback from the Streets for People programme, it’s that motorists love their roads and will rise up in anger if they feel like they are losing out.
Sometimes it’s important to take a hard stand, do what is best for the city and push on.
At other times, it may be wise to pick the easy fruit first.
- Jack Marshall is a freelance writer from Tairāwhiti and a former Gisborne Herald reporter.
