Spokes Core

Back2School by Bike Maintenance Day

Date: 13th February 2010, 1:00 to 4:00pm

Location: Linwood Community Art Centre, 388 Worcester Street.

What's happening: Do you have a bike or old clunker that requires some work or been lying unloved and neglected in the shed? We're having free bike maintenance/tune up workshop and invite all bike owners to come along. You can participate in the process, and learn the basics of how to maintain bikes: fixing punctures, lubing chains etc.

Sunday 31st January 1-4pm (including cafe afterwards!)
Meet at Armagh St entrance to Hagley Park by 12.50pm (will return near here at ride’s end)
Spokes Core member Glen Koorey will lead cyclists on a quiet ride from town first out west through Riccarton to Upper Riccarton, then head south through Middleton, Spreydon and Addington before returning back to town for a casual debrief over a cuppa. Along the way, Glen will discuss various Council projects past, present and future affecting cycling.
This ride will generally entail quiet streets and pathways suitable for less confident cyclists, with plenty of stops. Younger cyclists are welcome, so long as they are accompanied by a caregiver, and they should be OK with riding for long periods of time. Bring a drink, some nibbles, your camera, and suitable protection from the elements (hot or cold).
(see route map below)
See you there!

This is a street "renewal" project on Simeon Street, which also happens to be on an excellent cyling route from Hagley Park to the Heathcote River, and will be identified in the forthcoming cycling guide (map). 

The proposal is to extend the curbing out and increase the berm area between Coronation Street and Andrew Crescent.  This has already been done to a short section of Simeon St and to part of Collins Street.  A potential problem is that this narrows the carriageway and if cars are parked along the curb (there can be a surprising number around the Brougham St intersection) this pushes cyclists out into the traffic.

It may be better to provide indented parking areas along the proposed new berm areas to overcome this.

The consultation plan is attached.  Submissions close Wednesday 4 November, 2009.

An email submission has been sent as follows:

Dear Angela

Thank you for the opportunity to make a submission on this proposed street renewal project.  Simeon Street forms part of an excellent quiet cycling route from Hagley Park to the Heathcote River, and is identified as a route on the Council's Season of Cycling website at:  http://www.seasonofcycling.co.nz/rides/getting-around/25-somerfield-city

While Spokes is generally in favour of projects that involve traffic calming and street "greening" we are concerned that the proposal to narrow the width of the carriageway between Coronation St and Andrew's crescent may reduce the attractiveness and safety of this road for cycling.  The reason for this is that the previous street renewal works in both Simeon and Collins Streets on either side of Brougham Street (and Grove Road)have narrowed the carriageway to the extent that there is no longer separate road space for parked cars, cyclists and other vehicles.  As a result "pinch" points are created in these areas when cars are parked on both sides of the road and passing traffic can be intimidating for cyclists.  Parking appears to be a particular problem at weekends, and on Collins Street regularly includes a delivery truck.  An extension of the existing street narrowing south down Simeon Street could exacerbate this conflict, particularly if more road side parking or urban intensification occurs in the future, as appears to have happened in both Collins St and Grove Road .

We consider that a simple solution to this issue would be to recess parking into the berm area, so that parked cars do not extend out beyond the proposed curb line.  This would provide additional "greening" of the street, and ensure that cyclists are more visible and have adequate road space.  If parking is not recessed, then more road width should be provided.   We also note that, with the wider berm, some residents appear to be parking cars on the grass rather than the road.  Providing dedicated parking areas may help reduce this practice.

We also consider that the curve in Simeon Street at house numbers 148/ 161 is two gentle.  It appears to be geometrically designed for 60-70 km/h speeds rather than a neighbourhood street.  We request that the curve be engineered to a tighter radius to suit local traffic conditions.  This would also contribute to traffic calming in the street.

The approaches on both sides of Coronation Street should be reduced to 6 metres in width from the proposed 7 metre so that overtaking of cyclists and "pinching" them to the curb just before the intersection is discouraged. 

Thanks again for the opportunity to consult.  Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any queries or require further information.  We would like the opportunity to attend any site meeting or hearing held to consider the project.

Yours sincerely
Robin Delamore

Cycling Improvements convenor - Spokes

These works mainly arise from laying the tram tracks - there will be double tracks over this section.  This part of High St will be a "slow street" and space appears to being created for cyclists as well as the trams.  In addition, cycle stands will be provided! 

The trams have to cross the pedestrian area at the junction of High and Lichfield Sts in order to cross the intersection into the next section of High St.  This may provide an opportunity to improve cycling ccess between these two sections of High St as well (currently linking them requires an awakward devisation via Manchester St).  However, the current proposal doesn't appear to provide for this.

A plan of the proposal is attached.

An email submission ha sbeen lodged, as follows:

Dear Anne

Thanks for the opportunity to comment on this project.  We see a number of potential issues arising from the installation of tram tracks in High Street, and the way this has been addressed in the proposed design.  Unless these issues are addressed, they will significantly diminish the usefulness and pleasantness of High Street for cycling, particularly if the same design is extended to the other sections of the street.

Of particular concern is the space designated for cyclists between the parking bays and the outer tram track (approx. 1.7 metres). A cyclist riding between parked cars and the outer tram track and trying to avoid opening car doors will be very close to the track, and a minor movement outwards could see them getting their front wheel caught in the rail. As we know from the Armagh / Rolleston intersection, this can result in frequent cycle accidents.

To make matters worse, the parking bays are very narrow at 2.0 metres. For years, CCC has been building parking bays at 2.3 metres, as this reflects driver behaviour. Drivers having to manoeuvre into a parking bay across a V channel often end up significantly further away from the kerb than where a parking lane is marked on the carriageway (the V channel is only shown on the cross section; the plan view doesn't give this detail).

With the layout proposed, cyclists riding between the outer tram rail and parked cars will constantly within the door opening zone, as the proposed corridor is too narrow for this, and the parking bays are not deep enough (and are a departure from Council’s own practice). Opening car doors are the main hazards for cyclists in the midblock.  Cycle safety problems have therefore been engineered into the proposed design, as it stands.

It will be far safer to cycle between the tram rails, i.e. in the same position where a tram would position itself. This is already common practice on other sections of road with straight stretches of tram lines (e.g.  Worcester Boulevard). For this to be comfortable for most cyclists in this location, we suggest:

Posting a 20 km/h speed limit for the street (which would support Council’s aim of creating a slow street environment),

Making the carriageway narrower, so that the gap between parked cars and the tram tracks reduces to something that is obviously too narrow for cyclists to use (We suggest reducing the carriageway width from 8.3 metres to perhaps 7.0 metres, which gives another 650 mm on each side to footpaths and/or some more width to the parking bays), and

Marking the location between the tram lines with some road markings other than the normal cycle logo (as that defines a cycle lane which no other traffic can routinely use) so that all road users know that this is where cyclists are supposed to be.

The trams will cross the pedestrian area at the junction of High and Lichfield Sts in order to cross the intersection and gain the next section of High St.  This should also provide an opportunity to improve cycling access between these two sections of High St (currently linking them requires an awkward deviation via Manchester St).  Cyclists could simply use the same signals as the trams will use to cross the intersection, while other traffic is stopped.  We request that the project be amended to make provision for such improved access.  The pedestrian crosswalks at the Lichfield / Manchester intersection will also need to be adjusted to take account of the tram tracks and tram movements in the area.

Once again, thanks for the opportunity to provide comment on these projects.  We would like to be heard in support of our submission.

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any queries or require further information.

Yours sincerely
Robin Delamore

Robin Delamore
Cycling Improvements convenor - Spokes

The Law Commission has been asked to review alcohol legislation. What they recommend will likely result in new legislation. Part of this process is the request for submissions on their proposals. You can read the summary and access the submission process by going to http://www.lawcom.govt.nz/ProjectOccassionalPaper.aspx?ProjectID=154 

The summary and submission form are fairly easy to read, understand and use.

Some of the issues are:

• Drinking Age
• Lower blood alcohol limits while driving/riding
• Advertising
• Alcohol sales licensing and hours
• Alcohol taxes
• Alcohol and criminal behaviour
• Simplification and focus of alcohol legislation

If you would like to read some background you can also go to http://www.ahw.co.nz/pdf/AHWbriefingpaper_2004-1_SOL.pdf

Why bother? Its your community. Alcohol abuse is a major contributor to traffic fatalities and to crime. If you are lucky some drunk may just steal your bike.

Submissions are due by 30 October. Take 20 minutes or more and you can do your part.

Thanks, PX 10

This link takes you directly to the summary and submission form

The Council is proposing to single lane the stretch of Harewood Rd between the Bishopdale roundabout and Nunweek boulevard, and install cycle lanes.  Apparently the reason this section was chosen (as opposed to the horrible bit between Greers Rd and the roundabout) is partly because of funding allocated for the Breens Gardiners intersection improvements and the intermediate school bubble.

The project looks pretty good - shame about the bit closer to town!  There are some issues with cyclists wanting to do a right turn into the Bishopdale shops, but overall it looks OK.

Because of the amount of road space, the single lane-ing will result in the creation of a flush median on each side of raised centre median. There here may be an opportunity to dispense with this flush median, and instead provide some separation betwen the cycle lane and the vehicle lane, possibly through a flush median in this location instead.a photo of an example from Melbourne (courtesy of Glen) is attached.

A PDF of the consultation leaflet with a detailed plan of the project is attached.  Submissions close on 2 October at 5pm.  A draft submission is proposed as follows:

Dear ...

Thanks for the opportunity to make a submission on this special consultative procedure.  Spokes strongly supports the provision of cycle lanes along Harewood Road between Highsted Road and Nunweek Boulevard.  The project will assist local cyclists and school children, particularly those using the Breen's/ Gardiners Rd intersection.  

It is disappointing that cycle lanes are not being provided between the Highsted Road intersection roundabout and Greer's Road, as parking along on this dual carriageway section makes it extremely cycle unfriendly, particularly during periods of busy traffic.  As such, it tends to create a barrier for cyclists wishing to travel between this part of Bishopdale to Papanui and beyond.

Spokes considers that there are several areas where the proposed cycle lane project could be improved.   An issue with cycle lanes throughout the city is that often fail (at least in the minds of those using them) to provide sufficient separation between cyclists and passing cars, particularly when cars are parked on the inside of the lanes.  This situation can cause discomfit, and put off less experienced riders.   With the single lane-ing of Harewood Road,  the road is being narrowed by the provision of a flush median adjacent to the raised central median.  There is an opportunity to shift this median space away from the centre of the road and use it to provide additional separation between the cycle lane and other traffic.  This approach has been used for cycle lanes in both Australia and the USA, and we would urge its consideration for this project.  

There is currently no provision in the design for cyclists heading SE who wish to access Bishopdale Mall (and facilities such as the supermarket and the gym) at the Mall vehicular entrance and exist just before the roundabout (opposite No 330).  The design of this intersection does not appear to have been developed with cyclists in mind and would be be unfriendly and possibly dangerous, particularly with three lanes to cross.  The intersection design needs to be re-thought with cyclists in mind.

The crossing and refuges on Harewood Road just before the Bishopdale roundabout are the only means by which less confident cyclists can gain access to Bishopdale Mall from Highsted Road and vice versa.  The alternative is an intimidating trip around the multi-laned  roundabout, or a difficult crossing of Harewood Road at the Mall vehicle entrance and exit discussed above.  The profile of the crossing needs to be raised for cyclists, and a short section of cycle lane provided on the wide section of footpath on the corner of Harewood and Highsted Roads to provide safe access back on to Highsted Road at the Caltex entrance.  The bus shelter on Harewood Road outside the Caltex Station also needs to be moved as this currently blocks sightlines for pedestrians and cyclists using this crossing.

We would like to be heard in support of our submission.  Please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any queries or require further information.

Cheers
Rob

Robin Delamore
Cycling Improvements convenor - Spokes

Spokes Strategic Gathering Part 2.

Saturday, 26th September starting at 12:30pm, concluding at about 5:00pm.

A limited supply of sushi will be available plus BYO food for a shared lunch to kick off, plus bring a small plate for afternoon tea).

Everyone welcome, come even if you can only be with us for part of the afternoon. 

Agenda:

12:30 to 1:00pm Introduction: Doing the formalities.

1:00 to 2:00pm Presentation on "Paths to Persuasion": A basic outline on what is required long before making a submission or proposal. Covers issues related to understanding how politicians think and make decisions. Followed by a discussion session. Led by Bill Demeter.

2:00 to 3:00pm Looking Back/Looking Forward:  Review of last meeting and identifying broad goals for the future. Paul 

3:00 to 3:15pm:  Afternoon tea.

3:15 to 3:45pm Sub-committee conveners: give a brief on what is happening in their area of interest (10 minutes each) and discuss opportunities for improvements.

Publicity and Information - John

Cycle Improvements -  Robin

Major Submissions - Dirk

3:45 to 4:45pm Workshops: Planning for the future. 

4:45pm to 5:00pm Conclusion: Wrap up the day's event.

Bring your bicycle or walking shoes to the opening of the newest
section of the Railtrail between Prebbleton Village and Hornby.

Four different consultations on inner city streetworks/ improvement projects are currently being undertaken at the moment, and submissions are due in over the next few weeks.  These projects are:

Regent Street parking - comments due by 5pm 19/08/09.  This is basically about controlling parking on New Regent St., but we need to ensure that cyclists will still be able to use the street.  Details are at:

http://www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay/ConsultationView.aspx?ConsultId=643

Deans Ave Parking and Safety Improvements - comments due 28/08/09.  This involves narrowing the road and providing parking along the section of Deans Ave between Riccarton and Moorhouse.  We need to ensure that these moves slow traffic, and don't make this route more dangerous for cycling.   Details are at:

http://www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay/ConsultationView.aspx?ConsultId=645

Hereford Street upgrade - comments due 02/ 09/ 2009.  This is a very interesting proposal to partially narrow and "slow " Hereford Street between Oxford Tce and Manchester St.  No separate provision for cyclists (other than stands), but looks like a potential improvement as long as traffic speeds are actually lowered. Details are at:

http://www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay/ConsultationView.aspx?ConsultId=647

Oxford Street traffic changes - comments due 09/09/2009.  This involves reversing the one way direction of part of Oxford St along "the Strip", making it two directional south of Cashel St., and providing a turn in and pedestrian refuge off Durham St.  Potentially an opportunity to improve off-street cycling faciltities in the area. Details are at:

http://www.ccc.govt.nz/HaveYourSay/ConsultationView.aspx?ConsultId=635

CCC are consulting over two options for the final section of the Little River Rail Trail into the old Little River railway station. One route (Option 1) follows on from the existing temporary trail which ends at Kinloch Road, and runs parallel to and on the west side of the State Highway (SH) into Little River with a crossing over the SH to the station. Option 2 involves an underpass of the SH near the Little River hotel, and then pretty much follows the old railway formation east of the SH through to the Station. The Rail Trail trust favour Option 2, the Community Board like Option 1.

Option 2 appears to have several advantages: it removes the need for a crossing over the SH and has greater separation from the SH than the existing section of Option 1, and it more or less follows the historic line of the old railway. However, retention of the existing path to Kinloch Road would be a good idea if Option 2 proceeds as would give access from the Rail Trail to Kinloch Rd for those cyclists venturing up to Bossu Rd via Reynolds Valley, and/ or doing the Birdlings Flat circuit.

The council leaflet with a plan of the two options is attached below.

Kakariki Sustainability Conference ‘09
www.sustain.canterbury.ac.nz/ksc09

This years’ Kakariki Sustainability Conference will help you target areas of your lifestyle which can contribute significantly to your environmental impact. Learn what you can do right now to make a difference. The conference line-up includes an international carbon-fee lifestyle guru (by video conference), local experts in transition initiatives, diet, and home gardening and waste minimization.
When: From 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday the 25th of July.
Where: Ground floor of the Erskine Maths building, corner of Science Road and Engineering Road, University of Canterbury (map available through the website)
Cost: $10, or $5 for students includes admission to the conference, lunch, and morning and afternoon tea.
More info: For registration or more information check out the website at www.sustain.canterbury.ac.nz/ksc09

All students, staff and members of the public are welcome! Please register ASAP through the website, so we know how much lunch to make :)

Jellie Park includes several combined walking and cycle paths which link schools and residential areas on both sides of the park.  The draft management plan proposes the following actions:

"Paths / cycleways
Widen the two path / cycleway routes linking Greers Road & Ilam Road and realign the links to Truman Road & Chateau Drive. Add a minor pedestrian route connecting areas 9, 3 and 4. Improve the linkage from the schools on Ilam Road to Truman Road.
...
Remove duplicate paths"

These measures sound sensible - however, it is not clear from the plan exactly where the improvements will be carried out.  

One of the paths through Jellie Park also forms part of the CCC cycling route 9.  Currently this is poorly signposted and confusing to use, and the opportunity should be taken to identify this route through the park, and also where it crosses Ilam and Greers Rds.  It may also be appropriate to improve the crossings on these roads. 

A copy of the draft managment plan is attached below.  Submissions close on 27 July at 5pm.

These plans set out proposals for the managment of public lands around Brooklands Lagoon. They contain a lot of interesting information about the area but the key issue from a cycling presepctive is the proposed combined mountain bike and walking path fom Spencer Park to the Brooklands settlement near the mouth of the Styx River.

This path would provide an important linkage between cycle paths from north Brighton through Bottle Lake Park and the rough but cycleable route down the Waimakariri River stopbanks from McLeans island which is proposed to be upgraded as part of the development of the Waimakariri Regional Park.

Generally a promising proposal overall, and one worth supporting.

The masterplan is attached below. The management plans can be obtained from Councils consultation website at:

This project includes a combined walking and cycling path along the section of Cambridge Tce between Barbadoes Street to Fitzgerald Avenue, in line with the Avon masterplan.  Looks good, and contributes to the slowly developing Avon River promenade and improved cycling facilities down the river. 

The only thing missing is an upgrade (widening) of the path along the river to the Fitzgerald/ Kilmore intersection which provides handy access to River Road and on down the Avon.  No doubt this will be covered in any submission.  

A project information evening will be held on Tuesday 2 June at the Christchurch Bridge Club 21 Nova Place, Christchurch from 4.45 to 6.45 pm.

A plan of the proposal is attached below.

Emailed comments were sent as follows:

Philippa Upton
Consultation Leader - Transport & Greenspace
Christchurch City Council
Ph: 03 941 8808
Email: philippa [dot] upton [at] ccc [dot] govt [dot] nz

Dear Phillipa

Re:  Cambridge Terrace (Barbadoes Street to Fitzgerald Avenue) Street Renewal and Landscaping projects

Thanks for the opportunity to comment on this project.  Spokes strongly supports the proposal to provide a combined walking and cycling path between Cambridge Terrace and the Avon River as part of this project, in line with the Avon River Masterplan.  We also support the proposed provisions for seating in the area.  We make the following additional comments.

Linkage to path between Fitzgerald Ave and river, and path widening

As discussed with you by phone, we would like to see the existing pathway that runs from the eastern end of Cambridge Terrace to Kilmore Street along the river below Fitzgerald Ave upgraded, and linked with the proposed combined path that is part of this project.  This existing path provides walking and cycling access from Cambridge Tce to River Road via a crossing refuge on Fitzgerald Ave (by the bridge), and then on down the true left of the Avon River.  This path needs to be widened as part of the project, as it is currently too narrow for two-way walking and cycling traffic, and is overgrown in places.  Opening out the path should also encourage more people to use it, as it is somewhat enclosed and hidden away at the moment.

Other matters

Suitable connections should also be provided from the new shared path along Cambridge Tce to the existing Fitzgerald Ave - Heywood Tce crossing, and hold rails should be provided at crossing points.

If Cambridge Tce is to remain open to Fitzgerald Ave, it would make more sense to have one of the street narrowings/ crossing at the lychgate entrance; have another one somewhat further south of the proposed eastern one (e.g. about where the lower "9.0m" dimension is), and a third one closer to Churchill St (to discourage traffic using the river section).

Cyclists currently ride through the cemetery to reach Barbadoes St.  It would be desirable to have some connectivity (e.g. through a wider path suitable for shared usage) from the lychgate to the Cambridge Tce crossing a bit further east, so that one can get to and from the path that runs alongside the river.

We would also suggest that a footbridge across the Avon at Churchill and Bangor Streets (as suggested in the Avon River Masterplan) would improve walking and cycling connectivity in the area.

Thanks again.  Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any queries, or require further information.

Cheers

Rob

Robin Delamore
Submissions coordinator - Spokes