July 2024 Newsletter

Posted by 744sc on July 16, 2024

https://www.cyclewellington.org.nz/july_2024_newsletter

Kia ora koutou -

Thanks to everyone who submitted against the Minister’s terrible recent consultation aimed at raising speed limits across the country.

Wreath and banner laid at the Mourning the Future Fallen ceremony held at Pukeahu National War Memorial recently.

The intention of the Minister seems to be to ram through an unaffordable, aggressive amount of road building and private vehicle provision that will worsen car dependency for generations to come.

The proposals in the Speed Rule would make it harder for road controlling authorities (like WCC) and local communities to deliver safer transport projects in their area, as well as constricting the evaluation of the pros and cons of each project. It will make consultations weaker and local voices will have less influence.

A highly objectionable proposal involved forcing dangerous default speed limits on city streets and rural highways, completely disregarding recent work by communities that has delivered lower speeds and is saving lives and reducing harm. There is an unworkable attempt to only keep kids and communities safer around schools using small time windows at the beginning and end of the school day.

The overreach is galling, and the direction is unacceptable. We call on the Minister to retract the Rule in its entirety and return this programme of work to officials who better appreciate what the evidence demands of us to make the transport system safer and more sustainable.

Read the full submission from Cycling Action Network.

Ngā mihi nui,

Alex Dyer and Linda Beatson
Co-Chairs Cycle Wellington

Upcoming bikeness

Next Cycle Wellington Meeting

6pm Tuesday 6 August 2024

Sustainability Trust, 2 Forresters Lane, and online.

Project updates

WCC

Construction continues one the Karori and Berhampore to Newtown routes. Work can be slowed by the cold weather.

Bus stop bypass platform upgrades are still progressing on Adelaide Road near the Basin Reserve. Thanks for everyone’s patience and feedback as these are implemented.

The programme of future work that council officers can commit to is still waiting on an updated ‘National Land Transport Programme’.

Cycle Wellington asked about how council might be able to do more to address an apparent increase of abuse and aggressive behaviour from some motorists towards people on bikes recently.

Recent goings on

New Local Bike Shop in Island Bay

Wellington's newest bike shop has set up right in the Island Bay shops, at 133 The Parade!

Local Bike Shop is open now and is thanks to the hard work of Jordan Roy and his sidekick, Whittaker, who is a very good boy.

We think it's rad to see the addition of a bike shop here and encourage folks to head along for maintenance help with your bike, new bikes and parts, and advice.