Safe Crossing of Cobham Drive - Action by YOU!

Judy from Breaker Bay

Many of you will have seen a plan for a pedestrian/cycle bridge which would cross Cobham Drive and safely connect the cycle-way to the ASB Sports Stadium [Ref Neighbourly: Safe Crossing from ASB to Cobham Drive by Joe Horvath from Kilbirnie]. Joe's suggestion stimulated more than 150 overwhelmingly positive responses. But at the moment, sadly, it's just a plan.

How can we make it a reality? Well, NZTA is responsible for SH1 and that means we have to approach the big boys and girls in the Beehive. Phil Twyford who has ministerial responsibility for "Transport" also has the portfolio for "Housing and Urban Dvelopment" which is the hot potato at the moment so it's likely our crossing will not have crossed HIS desk. But his associate minister for transport, Julie Genter, ALSO looks after health so is the obviously person to take this on.

You may know she is backing the “The Aotearoa Bike Challenge" (which starts today, 1st February) and says...

“A 10-minute ride could be part of your commute to work or a trip to the park with the kids. It’s an achievable goal that will help you feel great and build a positive habit in the new year ahead. This year we hope to see even more New Zealanders get on their bikes with some great prizes on offer for participating, including e-bikes.”

Well a 10 minute bike ride which crossed Cobham Drive could be the end of your commute to work unless some action is take to make it safer. Perhaps, better than factuous prizes, money could be spent on tender documents for "Joe's Bridge".

If you feel strongly about this, contact Julie [Email: j.genter@ministers.govt.nz / +64 4 817 8726] and let's get some action.


Richard Scales