PHOTO
A planned new cycleway connecting central Christchurch and New Brighton is now a step closer to being built.
Christchurch City Council staff presented the preferred route for the Puari ki Te Karoro cycleway to the Waipapa Papanui-Innes-Central and Waitai Coastal-Burwood-Linwood community boards at their information session meetings on Monday night.
Formerly known as the Avon-Ōtākaro route, the cycleway would run from Fitzgerald Ave to Marine Parade, via Pages Rd, and link up with the Rapanui-Shag Rock and City to Sea cycleways.
City council planning and delivery manager Jacob Bradbury said the route will provide a safer and more convenient option for cyclists.
“Puari ki Te Karoro will create an important connection between the central city and New Brighton, linking people to destinations such as the beach, pier and He Puna Taimoana (New Brighton hot pools), along with businesses and commuter destinations,” said Bradbury.
“Starting the route selection process is an important step towards developing a cycleway that is safe, connected and meets the needs of people who live, work and travel in the area.”
Puari ki Te Karoro is one of three remaining major cycleways being considered for a rapid rollout approach.
Bradbury said this approach could allow cycleways to be developed faster, using temporary, lower-cost infrastructure, such as plastic bollards and paint and road marking.
“A rapid rollout approach can make it easier and safer for more people to cycle sooner,” Bradbury said.
“By understanding the likely route that council will choose, it will allow us to look for designs that will most improve safety where it is needed, while managing costs.”
City council staff will now take a report on the planned new cycleway to Christchurch city councillors.
Bradbury said public consultation on the cycleway will take place before a final decision on its future is made.
-Allied Media