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Cycle Action members are members of CAN, NZ's national voice for cycling.
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walk/cycle way over |
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We're campaign for a walk/cycle way to be included as part of the clip-on stregthening project due to start in mid 2008. Isn't it time we were able to walk or cycle over the Auckland Harbour Bridge? You can over the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so why not in Auckland? Here's what Transit have to say about providing the walk/cycle way and how it can be funded. Here are diagrams of how a cost effective walk/cycle way could be implemented by 2011. We believe these optimised designs have the following advantages over Transit's 'high cost' design:
Over the years Transit have revealed their relunctance to dedicated to the walkway / cycleway over the Bridge. As a result of our petition to Parliament, Transit had to look at potential solutions but have chosen a 'high cost' option of $30 to $40 million - making it very unlikely to ever be approved. Want to help? Hand out flyers to encourage your friends, work mates and family voice their support for 'getacross'. Please e-mail Bevan if you'd like to get more involved. We have a campaign meeting over lunch, 1pm each Wednesday at Cycle Action's office which isn't vital you attend each one but a good opportunity for everyone to catch-up. Questions? Have a look at our 'Frequently Asked Questions'. Here's the latest as our campaign proceeds... May'08: We presented to the Transit Board in Wellington and got a very good response. February'08: The team working on the additional Waitemata Harbour Crossing have agreed to look at the options for the walkway/cycleway over the Harbour Bridge as advised by Transit on Feb 27... "The Implementation Executive has agreed to jointly manage a study to look at the options to provide walking and cycling links across the harbour. This study will include but not be limited to the option presented by CAA. The study will assess identified options in terms of: 1) The expected demand and utilisation of the crossing option 2) The connectivity to the networks on either side of the harbour 3) The impact of each option on the operation of the bridge and other parts of the network 4) The cost of the option The IE are currently agreeing on a proposed brief and hope to have it signed off by the end of this week and will look to appoint consultants once the scope and the terms of reference have been finalised." December'07: Jon Bridges was on Friday's National Radio 'Panel Discussion' and gave a very good overview of the walkway/cycleway situation, which included describing our Harbour Bridge as "an embarrassment". November'07: We're putting together a campaign team for the
project as we believe there is a distinct window of opportunity over the
few months to get the walkway/cycleway approved, given the requirement
for Transit to start the clip-on strengthening project in mid 2008. June'07: Slowly but surely seems to be the theme here. Transit have received the final design and costing report which shows a cycle way and walk way are all do-able. It now goes Transit's management team for approval before going to the Transit Board later this year. All going well, construction could start next year! Feb'07: Transit have completed their feasibility study and it looks promising. A final design and cost project has been commissioned and this is due by June'07 June'05: Transit tries to backpedal on bridge cycleway plans- see Herald article. August'04: Government has ordered a feasibility study to be carried out for a cycle/walkway on the bridge- see Herald article. July'04: Action on Auckland Harbour Bridge cycle access When local cyclist Graeme Knowles got serious about wanting a cycle and walk way over Auckland's Harbour Bridge he never thought it would see him called to the Beehive. In March 2003, Northcote MP Ann Hartley announced the beginning of the 'Bike-n'-Hike' campaign and Mr Knowles initiated a 6,000 signature petition which has led to a request for a submission to be made this week to a Parliamentary Select Committee. On 29 July 2004, Mr Knowles and a contingent from Cycle Action Auckland presented their case to Parliament for a feasibility study into a cycle and walk way over Auckland's Harbour Bridge. They were supported by a wide range of Auckland community institutions and councils, including North Shore City Council, Auckland Regional Council and AUT. "We are seeking a feasibility study to be carried out, with collaboration and cooperation between those parties concerned. This shouldn't be a huge ask, but given that it's a vital step we need to make it happen as it hasn't happened yet." With a hint of anticipation, Mr Knowles says, "This is an exciting time and it could open up mode-of-transport opportunities that simply have never existed in Auckland before." When the bridge was first planned in the 1950s a cycle and walk way was included but cost-cutting saw it removed. "Our bridge is so significant yet it lacks public walking and cycling access - what sort of message does that send?" Mr Knowles says "Because cycling and walking are not permitted on the Auckland Harbour Bridge this has effectively turned Auckland into a car dependant region and recent upgrades of the public transport network struggle to deal with the varied destinations sought." Auckland needs to find new alternatives to our reliance on cars, and Aucklanders need to do some exercise as five times as many people die prematurely from inactivity, than from car crashes. Chairperson Sally McAra says Cycle Action Auckland is keen to be involved and to assist with design and access issues. CAA predict a significant rise in cycling numbers should the project proceed, especially if you consider our need to reduce air pollution and get people out exercising. "Future events such as the proposed hosting of the V8 car race will require a huge reduction in car transport, and alternatives provided, so we see this proposal as both logical and timely." FAQs about the proposed Auckland Harbour Bridge cycle/walkway here. For further info contact: Graeme Knowles, Deputy Chair, Cycle Action Auckland, tel 443-0956 (home) , 443-2722 (work) or 021-732 442; email shiralee@xtra.co.nz News articles:
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