Proposed Harewood Road Cycle Lane Extension

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