Waimakariri cycleway projects in limbo
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Three Waimakariri cycleway projects are in limbo following the change in Government.
Cycleways in Rangiora, Kaiapoi and Woodend were included in the Government’s Transport Choices funding announced in December 2022, with Waka Kotahi set to fund 70% of the $5.8 million budget.
The projects were to be funded through the Climate Emergency Response Fund.
It is now on hold while Waka Kotahi waits for the new Government to set its transport priorities.
The Waimakariri District Council has already approved detailed design for the Kaiapoi to Woodend and Woodend to Pegasus cycleways, while detailed design was approved last week for a third cycle way in Southbrook, Rangiora.
Developing the Rangiora cycleway has had some challenges, with the council preferring a route heading up Railway Rd, along Torlesse and Coronation streets, up Ellis Road and Country Lane, and on to South Belt.
Pak’nSave and Foodstuffs South Island Ltd raised concerns about the lack visibility for truck drivers entering and exiting the supermarket on Railway Road.
"There has been some discussions around the location of the cycleway behind Pak’nSave, but the council felt it was a safer option for the cycle path than Southbrook Rd, where there are 26,000 vehicles passing each day," Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon said.
He said council staff would continue to consult with Pak’nSave, KiwiRail and other businesses as the project developed.
MGordon said if the funding was not made available in the next three months, the council would reconsider the cycleways as part of next year’s 2024-34 long-term plan process.
The proposed cycleways came from the council’s walking and cycling network plan developed last year.
"We are seeing growth in alternative modes of transport and people are coming out here to experience walking and cycling in our district, which is something we are keen to encourage.
‘‘"Since the Northern Corridor opened with the cycle way alongside it, we have seen a lot more people cycling out to our district."
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Poll: Are our Kiwi summer holidays helping us recharge, or holding the economy back? ☀️🥝
There’s growing debate about whether New Zealand’s extended Christmas break (and the slowdown that comes with it) affects productivity.
Tracy Watkins has weighed in ... now it’s your turn. What’s your take? 🤔
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72.8% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.1% Hmm, maybe?
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11.1% Yes!
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90.1% Yes
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9.9% No
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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