Public Consultation on the CCC Draft Annual Plan 2008/09

Like your proposed changes Axel, but I wonder if the 2 matters on the list implies that we don't have other priorities as well? What do you think about the idea of attaching the updated "Top 10 priorities" (acknowledging that they may change) and adding wording to the submission along the lines of:

"Significant initiatives that Spokes considers would improve the cycling environment in Christchurch and that we would like to see implemented through the Annual Plan are attached to this submission. In addition we would like to see:

Opening of City Mall for cycling, and
The completion of the Little River Rail Trail in Little River."

Here is a draft submission. Also attached as a Word document above. Will send it out Monday.
21 April 2008
Christchurch City Council
P O Box 237
Christchurch
SUBMISSION FROM SPOKES ON THE CHRISTCHURCH CITY DRAFT ANNUAL PLAN 2008/09

Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission. Spokes Canterbury is a local cycling advocacy group with approximately 900 members that is affiliated with the national Cycling Advocate’s Network (CAN). Spokes is dedicated to including cycling as an everyday form of transport in the greater Christchurch area.

Generally
Spokes is concerned at the state of the environment for cycling in Christchurch and considers that traffic conditions and the lack of infrastructure, facilities and other supporting measures are discouraging the uptake of cycling in the city. Implementation of cycling provisions through Council’s work programmes is currently limited, uncoordinated, and piecemeal in nature. It is our view that a significant increase in cycling participation is unlikely to occur unless a more supportive and integrated approach towards cycling is adopted within Council, and there is greater investment in cycling infrastructure, facilities and promotion.

In general, we believe that cycling and walking are addressed quite well when undertaking major street improvements or new road construction. We consider that recent street renewal examples such as the upgrade of Matai St and linkages with the Railway cycle path are excellent, and should inspire Councillors toward what can be achieved. However, much more work is required on upgrading existing infrastructure and improving the environment for cycling generally. In this regard, we endorse the proposals contained in the “Significant Cycle Projects” report prepared for Council by MWH (Aug 2006).

Significant initiatives that are important to Spokes are:

• Opening of City Mall for cycling, and
• The completion of the Little River Rail Trail in Little River.

Spokes considers that with a relatively modest but well targeted and co-ordinated investment in cycling through the LTCCP and Annual Plan, a significant increase in the numbers who find bicycling a safe, convenient, and practical way to travel around Christchurch could be achieved. This would assist in meeting the objectives and targets contained in the CCC Cycling Strategy, the vision, goals and targets for cycling contained in the draft Regional Land Transport Strategy (which has been supported by the Council in submissions) and Council’s overall goals of achieving a more sustainable and healthy city.

Capital Works Programme (page 24)

We are pleased to see an $185,000 increase in cycleway funding in the capital works programme, but the projected total of $1.8 m pales into insignificance against the $21m allocated to street renewals. Cycleways only represent 2.5% of the total capital works streets and transport budget (although we do anticipate that cycle paths will be included in other street projects). We would like to see further funding re-allocated from the street renewal budget to cycleway development.

Streets and Transport (page 37)

The table headed Streets and Transport – Costs of proposed services states that operational spending for “cycle and pedestrian linkages–off street” in the draft Plan is to be reduced by $172,000 relative to the LTCCP. In contrast, the spending on off street parking is planned to rise by $63,000 and on streets in general is planned to rise by $15 m.
We consider that spending on cycle and pedestrian linkages within Christchurch needs to be increased, not reduced, and wish to see the level of funding for these activities returned to at least the levels projected in the LTCCP.

Thanks again for the opportunity to make this submission. If there are matters requiring clarification, please contact our Submissions Co-ordinator Robin Delamore in the first instance. His contact details are:
274 Highsted Road
Casebrook
Christchurch 8051
Phone: 3599746
Email: robind [at] actrix [dot] co [dot] nz

Matthew Cutler-Welsh
Chairperson
SPOKES Canterbury

Thanks for the call to action and for those who attended a breakfast meeting yesterday to address this.

Key points for submission
-As stated above, the Annual Plan discusses implementation of the LTCCP

-Page 37 states that operational spending (maintenance) for cycle and pedestrian linkages is to be reduced by $172,000 relative to the LTCCP. In contrast, the spending on off street parking is planned to rise by $63,000 and on streets in general is planned to rise by $15 m.

-Pleased to see a $185,000 increase in projected cycleway funding in the capital works prorgamme, but the total pojected $1.8 m pales into insignificance against the $21 m allocated to street renewals. As such, cycleways only represent 2.5% of the total capital works streets and transport budget (although we do anticipate that cycle paths will be included in other street projects).

-In general, we believe that CCC caters for cycling and active transport quite well when building new roads. More work is needed on upgrading existing infrastructure

-CCC would benefit from using the "12 priority" projects as identified by MWH

-Good examples of upgrades such as Matai St should inspire Councillors toward what is achievable. This looks great for our city.

-Need more attention on finish Little River Rail Trail

Other issues raised:
-Spokes should at some stage discuss the emphasis we want to place on lanes vs paths, and if the much touted "Making Cycling Irresistible" article gives the right message
-We would be happy for SOC to use our submission as a template and help present a united front for active transport and sustainable urban design

Just a reminder that submissions are due on the 21 April, so any comments people have will need to be circulated in advance of that (3-4 days preferably).

Is Spokes doing a submission on this?
Due Monday 5pm April 21.

I would like to contribute but no time to write it.