Proposed RLTS 2010 - 2040

Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission on the draft RLTS. Please contact me to arrange an oral presentation.

Patrick Morgan, tel 385 4967, patrick@can.org.nz

Cycling safety

CAW strongly supports the material in the draft RLTS relating to cycling safety. As the document states, perceptions that cycling is unsafe are a major driver of low cycling rates. In many cases, those perceptions are well-founded.

We do not, however, support the emphasis on cycleways. While cycleways are always welcome (if well designed), they will never provide an extensive network. What we need is to redesign roads so they are safe for cyclists.

A key change that is needed on many roads is to widen the left lane and remove hazards from it - particularly parked cars. We could cite a number of roads where simply changing angled parking to parallel parking, or removing parking, would immediately make the route more attractive and safer.

Examples: Thorndon Quay, Featherston St, Oriental Parade, Lyall Bay Parade

Greater Wellington must take a far stronger role in setting regional standards for how people on bikes are treated, including by using the regional policy statement to require improved infrastructure design and operation.

Travel to educational facilities

CAW strongly agrees that more children should cycle to school.

This is the age where children should be learning to cycle, and building their skills. School children are easily targeted in programmes to encourage cycling, and it is also easy to provide facilities (e.g. bike parking). The RLTS needs to signal a greater emphasis on this problem, and should set a high target for the rate of school cycling.

Targets

We support having aspirational targets in the document, particularly for encouraging a shift from private car to cycle use.

Strategic transport network

We note that this does not include any cycling and walking systems.

We believe that the key cycling routes, such as the Great Harbour Way, should be explicitly reflected in Appendix 1. It is important that GW take a greater role in providing for core routes, or ensuring that other agencies (e.g. NZTA) do so.

We believe that GW should be setting standards for what a regionally significant cycling route should look like.

Mode share
The RLTS uses figures from 2001 when describing cycling's mode share (page 67).

More recent data would show much higher rates of cycling - closer to 3% in Wellington.

Public transport
We urge the Regional Council to integtate cycling with public transport.

Specifically: continue to provide free carriage on trains, and fit bike racks on buses. Both are standard practice overseas and we see no reason why Wellngtonians should settle for second class service.

Peak Oil and Climate Change
The proposed RLTS does not adequately consider the issues presented by Peak Oil and Climate Change. Many commentators say that business as usual is not an option. We recommend you look closer at these issues and how to mitigate the risks.

Investment in cycling and walking offers obvious way to mitigate the risks.

We congratulate the Council on its commitment to sustainable and active transport.