https://ccc.govt.nz/the-council/haveyoursay/show/461

Introduction

Spokes Canterbury (http://www.spokes.org.nz/) is a local cycling advocacy group with approximately 1,200 members and is affiliated with the national Cycling Action Network (CAN – https://can.org.nz/).  Spokes is dedicated to including cycling as an everyday form of transport in the greater Christchurch area.

We would like the opportunity to appear at any public hearing held to consider submissions on these projects. Should there be an officer’s report or similar document(s) we would appreciate a copy(s).

If you require further information or there are matters requiring clarification, please contact our Submissions Convenor (and Secretary), Chris Abbott in the first instance.  His contact details are:

Address:          101B Nayland Street, Christchurch 8081
Phone:             021 654 344
Email:              secretary@spokes.org.nz

Spokes supports the submission of Halswell Residents Association (Inc) with regard to road layout and acknowledges the use of HRA’s submission in producing our submission.  Spokes has no comment on the proposed hours of operation nor on bus stops and shelters.

Spokes is pleased to see this proposal to increase the priority of public transport within Christchurch.  The improved provision of public transport:

• Favourably supports both CCC’s and the government’s response to our acknowledged climate change crisis
• Reduces congestion on Christchurch’s roads
• Improves the desirability and uptake of active transport due to a safer and less congested road network. This is helped by the ability of all Christchurch public buses to carry up to three “standard” bicycles.

Background

https://blog.altaplanning.com/understanding-the-four-types-of-cyclists-112e1d2e9a1b categorises cyclists into four arbitrary – but very useful – groups:

• Strong and Fearless: People willing to bicycle with limited or no bicycle-specific infrastructure
• Enthused and Confident: People willing to bicycle if some bicycle-specific infrastructure is in place
• Interested but Concerned: People willing to bicycle if high-quality bicycle infrastructure is in place
• No Way, No How: People unwilling to bicycle even if high-quality bicycle infrastructure is in place

https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/cycling/cycling-maps Christchurch cycle map

https://ccc.govt.nz/transport/cycling/cycling-maps Christchurch cycle map – detail

Lincoln Rd runs along the main yellow road into the SE (bottom right) corner of Hagley Park in the above map.  Spokes expects that the installation of peak-hour bus lanes along Lincoln Rd will reduce vehicle traffic (the majority of whom have a single occupant) by a little.

In particular Spokes reiterates Halswell Residents Association (Inc) section on road layout, reproduced below.

Road layout

1. “We [HRA] understand that Waka Kotahi will be installing a shared path along SH75, from Dunbars Road to Curletts Road that will provide a safe route to Hillmorton High School.
2. “The Nor’West Arc Major Cycle Route crosses Halswell Road around 150m from Curletts Road.
   1. The shared path that Waka Kotahi is providing should be extended as part of the current City Council project to the Nor’West Arc crossing of Halswell Road (essentially to Annex Road) and the cycling connectivity it provides.
3. “Not providing this shared path would generate a “gap” in the cycling route from Halswell; such gaps are well known to be major disincentives to more timid cyclists getting out on their bikes. Furthermore, the high frequency [bus] service[s] that will be operating along this route comprising routes 7, 60 and 100 mean that people on bikes will be sharing with lots of buses”.

Additionally Spokes notes:

4. Lincoln Rd is not a major cycleway but does have cycle lanes on both sides of the road. It is suitable for the strong and fearless, and many who are enthused and confident.  For the interested and concerned there are nearby but less direct off-road cycle paths as shown in the Christchurch cycle map above.

Summary

1. In general terms Spokes supports the introduction of Lincoln Road peak-hour bus lanes as detailed in this consultation. In particular Spokes appreciates:
   • The consideration given to safer active transport in general
   • The wider footpath along Lincoln Road between Curletts and Wrights roads – new width of 2.3 metres
   • The new various turning restrictions that appear to meet their aim of improved safety
   • The additional pedestrian crossings
   • Assessment of street lighting – hopefully with night-time cyclists in mind
2. Spokes asks that as part of these changes (or as soon as possible otherwise) the shared path that we understand that Waka Kotahi is providing be extended as part of the current City Council project to the Nor’West Arc crossing of Halswell Road (essentially to Annex Road) and the cycling connectivity it provides.
3. Spokes asks that CCC answer the questions in the following appendix please – in advance of any public hearing, so that we may better prepare our verbal submission.

Kind Regards, Chris Abbott
Secretary & Submissions Convenor, Spokes Canterbury
secretary@spokes.org.nz 
www.spokes.org.nz 
Cell: 021 654 344

Submitted online at https://www.ccc.govt.nz/the-council/haveyoursay/show/461 on 12/12/2021 at c.2210 by Chris Abbott,

Appendix 1 Questions

1. How will the bus lanes between Wrights Road and Whiteleigh Ave be used outside of bus lane operating hours? In other words, are there any restrictions on the use of these bus lanes outside bus lane operating hours?
2. Is there anywhere else within Christchurch where this treatment of bus lanes has been implemented on a four-lane road?
   • Is there anywhere else within New Zealand – or overseas – that this has been implemented?
   • Was consideration given as to whether T2 lanes would be more effective? If so, may we please see the analysis?
3. What width are the cycle lanes shown? (NB page 24, Section 2.2.4 of CCC’s Cycle Design Guidelines (https://www.ccc.govt.nz/assets/Documents/The-Council/Plans-Strategies-Policies-Bylaws/Strategies/ChristchurchCycleDesignGuidelinesWEB.pdf) specify that “The cycle path ideally needs to be wide enough for cyclists to pass one another (approximately 1.8m to 2m on both sides of the road).”
4. On the consultation page, under “what it means for cyclists”, it states “Wide 4.2 metre bus lanes on Lincoln Road between Wrights Road and Curletts Road, providing more room for cyclists.” These bus lanes are alongside existing cycle lanes. Spokes asks if we may see the safety analysis for this option please.
5. Can CCC please confirm that U turns will not be permitted at Twigger Street, or anywhere else along Lincoln Road? Spokes is generally opposed to any allowance for U turns on such a busy stretch of major road.
6. Can consideration please be given to starting bus lane times at 2:30pm in the afternoon on weekdays? Spokes believes that this should be the same across the entire city, as that is often when parents / caregivers start to arrive to collect children who aren’t walking / cycling / scootering / skating away from school.
7. Will the pedestrian crossing points be able to be used safely by those in wheelchairs and other mobility devices? One of Spokes’ very active members is a postie, and drives a NZ Post Paxster (similar to a golf cart) around the footpaths of western Christchurch. She observes that a lot of footpaths and crossing points are terrible, ie uneven and seemingly intent on throwing her off her vehicle and the mail that she is carrying onto the path! She states that many junctions are “only good for those walking (and with good balance and eyesight)”.
8. How is CCC aiming to create an environment that encourages a safer travelling speed, i.e. 50km/h or less? A lot of roads with raised medians are perceived to have a speed limit of 60 km/h.
9. What consideration has been given to possible push-back on preventing right-turns in and out of Domain Terrace. Spokes agrees that turning arrows are definitely needed for Lyttelton St/Lincoln Rd intersection (all options). What alternatives have been considered for Domain Terrace? Could full lights be installed at Domain Terrace, synched up with the Nor’West Arc cycle crossing? Did CCC assess whether access on the NE side into/out of Hillmorton should be restricted to left in/left out? Please may Spokes please see the safety analysis for this intersection?