Dunedin cyclists are being asked to share their knowledge of
the city's streets with the New Zealand Transport Agency, in
a bid to improve safety and prevent further fatalities.
The death of 34-year-old cyclist Dr Li Hong ''Chris'' He on
Cumberland St in November prompted calls for urgent action
from cyclists, cycling groups, Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull and
the Dunedin City Council.
The agency asked Dunedin cyclists to identify the main issues
and areas of concern, and what they would like to see done.
It also asked for information about which routes were most
popular as alternatives to the one-way state highway systems
and whether any alternatives could be better developed.
Agency acting state highways manager Simon Underwood said the
closing date for feedback was February 18.
The agency had already received a large number of emails from
Dunedin residents since Dr He's death, Mr Underwood said.
He posted a message detailing the agency's cycle safety
review for Dunedin on the website of cycling group Spokes
Dunedin on Thursday.
Mr Underwood said the review would identify possible ''quick
wins'' for the one-way system, as well as whole-of-city cycle
safety improvement for the longer term.
''Overall, the current cycle lanes and shared paths along the
one-way system comprise a network of some 8km.
''The quick wins are, therefore, aimed at addressing or
improving any key site specific safety risks along this
network,'' he said.
Best practice elsewhere would be researched to determine how
safer long-term cycle travel in Dunedin could be provided.
''This is expected to lead to longer term measures and
involve further design development, planning and financial
programming, wider community input, as well as adaptation of
current standards and statutory requirements,'' Mr Underwood
said.
Spokes Dunedin said it planned to make a submission.
''We are encouraged by the experience of the NZTA team
looking at the issues, the willingness to receive cyclist and
community input, and the acknowledgment that further design
development and planning and financial programming will be
part of a long-term effort,'' its website said.
Asked this week about the council's cycle safety initiatives,
Mr Cull said they included the cycle skills training in
schools and the implementation of a strategic cycle network,
which would provide ''significant improvements'' in cycle
safety across the city.
''This will start with construction of facilities in the
South Dunedin area this year,'' Mr Cull said.
He said council staff were actively working with the agency
on its review of cycle safety within central Dunedin, and it
was not possible to progress with any action in respect of
the state highway network in the interim.
Feedback to: dunedinshcyclelanes@nzta.govt.nz
- rosie.manins@odt.co.nz
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