Bikes and cycleways

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Glen Innes

Introduction | Project status | Consultation | Preferred proposal

Consultation

During February- March 2008, community consultation was undertaken to understand what the impacts of the proposed options were. The Glen Innes community contributed detailed and informative feedback. By-and-large, feedback was positive, although some important concerns were raised about practicality and safety. Due to some of the points raised by the public, elements of the proposal were refined and added to, resulting in a preferred proposal. This has also been endorsed by the local community boards.

Summary of Consultation Responses

Apirana Ave North

Proposed improvements: On-road cycle lanes both sides.

This item attracted consistent support.

Housing NZ advised that it has no objection to the cycle lane on the western side of Apirana Ave, as its houses have good off-street parking. No response was received from properties on the eastern side of the road, most of the which are privately owned.
Six responses from commuters/ utility cyclists advised that changes need to be made at the top of Apirana Ave to allow cyclists to cross and join the main traffic stream on St Heliers Bay Rd. One response drew attention to the heavy use of St Heliers Bay Rd by weekend cyclists. Another asked for a cycle lane on St Heliers Bay Rd as well.
A regular cyclist on this route supported the cycle lanes as 'cars parked by the kerb create a hazard by obstructing visibility for cars backing from driveways'.
One cyclist suggested white parking lines as an alternative to cycle lanes, to reduce traffic speeds (by a perceived narrowing of the road), and to define space for cyclists.
Glen Innes Primary identified a need for at least a crossing refuge near the Eastview Rd intersection as 'Children as young as five regularly cross unsupervised from the western side of Apirana Ave to get to school. They are at risk from the traffic, and would be safer if encouraged to cross at a place where they are most likely to be seen'.
A significant number of cyclists who supported this route also asked for extensions to access the swimming pool in GI ...' There are heaps of committed cyclists who use the pool '.

Apirana Ave -Town Centre

Proposed improvements: On-road cycle lanes both sides.

This section of the street attracted strong interest from large commercial property owners, cyclists and the Business Association.

There was wide support for new pedestrian crossings to cater for new retail development on both sides of Apirana Ave, (Nosh/ Huckleberry Farm, and near the Hospice shop).... 'pedestrian refuges are too narrow to be safe, as vehicles hurtle past on both sites and I balance with full shopping bags. We have wonderful new shops which, should be treated as part of our town centre'. Another pedestrian described difficulties crossing the road between Nosh and Huckleberry Farms because of the constant stream of traffic, and suggested the vehicle crossings and parked cars at the Nosh/pet shop and VTNZ needed to be rationalised to improve safety.
The Business Association co-ordinator's response referred to a recent accident involving a pedestrian crossing this section of the road and suggested on-street parking should be restricted to improve visibility for pedestrians crossing the road. The response asked for new pedestrian crossings, including one connecting the supermarket and hospice shop.
All, but two of the property/business owners spoken to on Apirana Ave supported removing on -street parking north of Taniwha St to improve visibility for pedestrians crossing the road) and for vehicles (exiting driveways)....'loss of free parking is regretted, but safety is more important than this' .The Shell Service Station Manager reported a number of accidents at driveways in Apirana Ave, as ' vehicles leaving sites can't see on-coming traffic because of cars parked in the street, mostly for the park'n ride and also staff from other businesses '.
Two business owners who opposed proposal to remove street parking for the cycle lane on this section of Apirana Ave stated that the parking was vital for the vehicle related businesses in the immediate locality, and was also used on Thursdays (benefit day) by customers of town centre shops.One of the respondents advocated the use of the southern footpath for cyclists in preference to removing on- street parking for a new cycle lane.
Three respondents cautioned that many large trucks pass through and service the large retail outlets in Apirana Ave, e.g. the supermarket and Nosh. They advised that road space is needed to allow these trucks to use the driveways safely, without hitting the pedestrian refuge or blocking the road and other traffic, including cyclists. Wide painted median strips were also requested for this purpose.
Responses from a number of regular cyclists reported that they preferred to use this route for commuting, shopping trips and access to the university, despite the fact that they encountered problems with turning trucks, parked cars and vehicle speeds.
The roundabout at Taniwha St was described as being 'hazardous' due to conflicting traffic movements from the narrow exit from the railway park 'n ride. The Business Association and an adjacent business owner advised that the wide carriageway on Apirana Ave near Taniwha St is a problem as rather than slowing traffic, it allows drivers to 'speed' into the shopping area. They supported the proposed raised pedestrian crossing tables on Apirana Ave and Taniwha St to reduce traffic speeds and to increase pedestrians' profile. 'Pedestrians are in danger as they run to the bus stop in Taniwha St. They are more concerned to catch their bus, than reading the signs telling them to give way to cars'.
One large property owner suggested kerb planting to calm the traffic environment, and even offered to contribute to 'nikau planting'. Other responses warned to keep planting low on roundabouts and kerbside to avoid obscuring pedestrians.
A Mt Wellington resident who regularly cycles to GI for grocery and other shopping referred to poor driving practices, and suggested traffic speeds should be lowered to improve the cycling environment...'10 kmh off the speed limit makes no appreciable difference to traveling times, but makes a major difference to road safety with regard to braking distances, injuries sustained etc.'

Apirana Ave South

Proposed improvements: On-road cycle lanes both sides, with sections off-road on a shared footpath.

These lanes attracted relatively few responses, but the comments were clearly based on practical experience.

The lanes were supported by Housing NZ which reported that a resident on a mobility scooter regularly traveled on the road to access the Panmure Winz office for services not available in G.I. The off-road route was also considered to be useful, provided it was wide enough for shared use and sited clear of the trees to ensure personal security.
While the lanes were not seem to be vital, (because most of the area has 'no parking' lines already), they were regarded as beneficial to raise drivers' awareness of cyclists.
A regular cyclist supported off-road lanes on this section of the road because of the density of industrial traffic 'White lines do not protect anyone, especially vulnerable cyclists'

Line Rd North/ Eastview Rd

Proposed improvements: On-road cycle lanes both sides.

There were only three responses on this section. One advised that 'traffic speeds and volumes are safe for cycling without the cyclelane. ' and noted that the route is too indirect to be used by cyclists as an alternative to avoid the hazards of Apirana Ave. However two respondents suggested the school warranted extra provisions for cycling, including white parking lines to encourage less able cyclists.

The principal of Glen Innes Primary did not make any comment on the cycle lane, other than noting that students do not cycle to school, and that there are three walking school buses operating on the northern side of Apirana Ave. As noted above, she requested a formal crossing on Apirana Ave.

Line Rd -Town Centre

Proposed improvements: Speed tables or surface changes at Line Rd pedestrian crossings.

Many responses from community groups and stakeholders expressed serious concerns about pedestrian safety in this section of Line Rd.

Most responses asked for the removal of through traffic, as the area is an integral part of the town centre, with high pedestrian numbers, angled parking and many busy driveways. The environment was described as "too busy for cars to use as a short cut. People gathering at the seats near the crossing to the library, and the trees by the library obscure kids and old people waiting to cross. Traffic speeds and volumes are a threat to all the kids, babies in push chairs, old people and others in electric wheel chairs and mobility scooters who need to cross from the shops to the car park, library, marae and community centre. It's enough to deal with all the cars turning and backing from the angled parking spaces, the car park and other busy driveways, without having to cope with speeding through traffic ' .
The responses from Housing NZ and the Business Association detailed numberous instances of poor road design, uneven paving and other hazards faced by the high numbers of local residents with various disabilities.
Problems were identified from the use of the McDonalds and Mad Butcher sites as a short cut from Apirana Ave. Drivers are reported to speed from the wide driveways, checking only to the right, creating a hazard to pedestrians. Vehicles exiting from Maybury compound these dangers.
The Line Rd / Taniwha St roundabout was reported to be regularly blocked by vehicles waiting for pedestrians on one of the three crossings. Cars manoeuvring into and out of the angled parking also create congestion. 'Elderly people are frightened of the congestion at these pedestrian crossings'. The police response requested parking restrictions outside and opposite the police station

The majority of the responses fully endorsed the proposed raised tables at the Line Rd pedestrian and driveway crossings.

Merton Rd / Apirana Ave Roundabout

Proposed improvements: Cycle/pram ramps for on-road/off-road movements.

This section of the road attracted many responses deploring features of the roundabout. Respondents saw it as 'near suicidal for cyclists and pedestrians'.

The constriction of the road width by the railway overbridge 'squeezes cyclists off the road';
The existing cycle/pram ramp by the rail overbridge was described to be steep and difficult to negotiate. Respondents reported that drivers need to focus on negotiating the roundabout and easily miss seeing pedestrians and cyclists.
The roundabout design was criticised as it encourages vehicles to speed. Responses advised drivers on the southern approach on Apirana Ave tend to charge through as if it were a straight road.
The footpath environment was described to be poor, with a change in level, poor lighting and screening by flax bushes. It feels unsafe in winter, early mornings and dusk.
Many requests were made to provide a safer route for cyclists around the roundabout. An interim measure suggested by a cyclist proposed a painted line under the over-bridge or other device to draw attention to cycle traffic.
One respondent noted that 'A pedestrian access needs to be formed on the southern side of Merton Rd under the rail bridge. It is dangerous to cross and recross Merton Rd at the roundabout when running or walking up the southern side. Workers at the winery site risk their lives crossing to and from the train station at this point,'

Line Rd / Pt England Rd Intersection

Proposed improvements: Cycle / pram ramps for on-road / off-road movements.

Strong comments were made about the 'lethal' nature of this intersection. Most responses indicated that the roads need urgent and comprehensive changes to improve pedestrian safety. This was seen to very important as there are 36 purpose - designed units for disabled people and many elderly living in the new Talbot Park housing area.

Problems identified with the intersection were:

The refuge and ramps to cross Pt England Rd to the town centre are narrow and steep. Mobility scooters 'balance on the refuge, waiting for a gap in the traffic, then race to mount the ramp. Car drivers don't see them, as they are looking to the right for on-coming traffic.
The responses from Housing NZ and the Business Association were concerned that many cyclists, mobility scooters, electric wheel chairs and even cars cross directly from Pt England Rd to Line Rd, into on-coming traffic, instead of confronting the roundabout.
A bottleneck has been observed to form at the 'give way' at the south end of Line Rd. Drivers 'leap for a gap in the Pt England traffic, so miss seeing cyclists and other vulnerable traffic traveling to the town centre'.

Merton Rd

Proposed improvements: On-road cycle lanes both sides.

This section of the project attracted strong response, primarily from respondents based at the Tamaki Campus. The Campus Director fully endorsed the project's goal to increase public transport, cycling and walking and use of the town centre. This was reflected in responses from other staff at the campus.

These raised the following points:

Use of rail transport is important, but limited by poor lighting on the platform, and the path from the platform to Merton Rd, which discourages use in winter, early mornings and dusk. Over - growth from vegetation also threatens personal security. These factors also deter use of the Felton Matthew subway.
The pedestrian refuge on Merton Rd by the railway is too narrow, 'you are squeezed between fast trucks and buses', and difficult to access because of the traffic speeds and volumes, and the hazard of stepping out between cars parked on the street. The refuge is also subject to sun - strike to the west and east which limits drivers' ability to see pedestrians. A full signalised pedestrian crossing was requested to help provide safe and convenient foot access to the railway.
The footpath surface on the southern side of the road is badly worn and needs upgrading.
The proposed cycle lanes on Merton Rd are widely supported.
Improved direction signs and a safer footpath under the rail over-bridge would encourage more use of the G.I. shops. At present if people tend to drive if they use Nosh or similar shops. The new Stonefields shops will be more attractive and accessible to the campus .
Staff and students park by the campus on Morrin Rd and Merton Rd for an 'easy get - away' at the end of the day. These cars restrict visibility for vehicles using campus driveways and are unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians accessing the bus stop. The Campus Director advised that the campus has more than adequate free on - site parking, so parking restrictions should be imposed along the campus road frontages.
Signalisation of the Merton Rd / Morrin Rd intersection is needed to improved safety and convenience for walking and cycling to the campus and its recreation facilities.

No responses were received from the residential properties fronting the proposed cycle lane on the northern side of Merton Rd.

A significant number of respondents stressed the value of connections - ' Many of us would like to walk and cycle more, but the environment is car and truck dominated. The proposed cycle lanes are great, but I am unsure of what they connect to, e.g. as I turn out of Apirana Ave I need help to enter the stream of traffic on St Heliers Bay Rd. How can this be changed?' Another cyclist with teenage children referred to their family's range of commuting cycling and supported more cycling lanes on arterial roads connecting along the ridges and to St Heliers. A further cyclist referred to cycling regularly from Sandringham and requested a wider cycle lane network connecting to Greenlane/Balmoral.

A respondent who used Merton Rd to access the Pak'n Save supported the cycle lane proposals as ' fantastic' , but also asked for a pedestrian crossing at Merton Rd / Jellicoe Rd to help with the density of the traffic flow and problems accessing traffic lanes.

A cyclists' spokesperson and a staff member from the Landcare site in College Rd strongly supported the proposed cycle lanes and removal of on - street parking.

The spokesperson referred to both the Merton Rd and Apirana Ave cycle lanes .'These will dramatically improve cyclists' safety. It is not just about having a right of way. Parked cars on arterial roads are a major safety hazard for cyclists and pedestrians, by restricting visibility at intersections and forcing cyclists into the middle of the road to avoid opening doors. Restricting visibility at driveways has caused many near misses on Apirana Ave and Merton Rd as vehicles nudge out of driveways in an attempt to see around parked cars. This is a real problem on downhill runs, like in Merton Rd and Apirana Rd, as bikes traveling at speed need time to brake safely.'
The other response stressed that changes proposed by the project had to eliminate risk ' you cannot claim they are improvements if people feel they are no safer.' The respondent supported the proposed up-hill Merton Rd cycle lane, but stressed the hazard of cycling around parked cars ..'I risk my life each morning going uphill cycling around parked cars being passed by cars, trucks and buses'.