HEARING LTCCP 26TH MAY 2009
Access to safe and sustainable Transport between Otaki and Peka Peka.
The Draft Choosing Futures Community Plan 2009 states:
“The Council is concerned with improving linkages between communities, especially pedestrian and cycling, in order to improve local choices and reduce reliance on vehicles.”
The Regional Cycling Plan (adopted December 2008) states:
“The NZTA is the road controlling authority responsible for managing the state highway network. Their role in implementing this cycling plan is to carry out improvements to the cycling network where appropriate and feasible on or across the state highway network, and to assist and advise TA’s make improvements broadly parallel to state highways. This will primarily be the urban and peri-urban environment and will seek to address needs identified by TA’s and the local community.”
In 2005 Transit undertook a survey of access between Otaki and Peka Peka, the results of the survey was given to Council. Linda Kerkmeester was asked to investigate and did so. In September 2007 Stu Kilmister and Liz Mikkelsen met with Fabian Marsh from Transit on-site for further discussions and Mid 2008 Mark Edwards, Transit cycling champion visited for another onsite meeting in which Stu Kilmister also took part. After this latest meeting Transit (now NZTA) has re-instated the shoulder at the entrance to Te Waka road (the shoulder had been taken for a LH turn lane).
Atawhai Cycleway in Nelson came about as a result of negotiations between NCC and Transit. Kapiti Coast District Council now need to negotiate safe access between Otaki and Te Horo Beach Road with Transit without any further delay.
Until the Coastal Walkway/Cycleway becomes a reality, we urge this council to negotiate access for Otaki ratepayers urgently. The economic reality facing us all now must make this the most pressing access and safety concern.
DVD shown at hearing.