Boardwalk to stay cyclist-free

Concerns have been raised that children could get knocked over if cyclists were allowed on Pilot Bay boardwalk. Photo / Andrew Warner

The Pilot Bay boardwalk will remain a cyclist-free zone after a petition signed by 200 people asking for a shared space failed to gain enough supporting votes at a Tauranga City Council meeting.

Petition author Jo Wills presented her views on why the boardwalk should become a shared space for cyclists and pedestrians at a council meeting yesterday.

Ms Wills said The Mall was not a safe road for cyclists to use, despite efforts to make it so by lowering the speed limit.

She said the road was narrow and cars parked on both sides, either putting cyclists in danger of opening car doors or causing them to ride near the centre of the road, blocking traffic.

Jo Wills yesterday presented her petition to council asking for the Pilot Bay boardwalk to become a shared space for pedestrians and cyclists. Photo/John Borren

Pilot Bay had always been a shared space and, while the boardwalk had been an attempt to improve access to all parts of the community, it had alienated cyclists, Ms Wills said.

"I would really like to stress that we can create the community we want to create by encouraging positive behaviours ... We will create an active city where people are learning to be in the same spaces. That's the type of message I want to get across."

Councillor Bill Grainger shared his concerns that children could be hit by cyclists.
Ms Wills said she had not heard of this happening, although that did not mean it had not happened. She said the whole issue came down to common sense versus regulation.

Councillor Leanne Brown asked transportation manager Martin Parkes about the possibility of creating signs in the area, asking drivers to be careful when opening their doors. Mr Parkes said plans to this effect were already in motion.

Councillor Matt Cowley supported the petition and referenced a decision made about the walkway along Beach Rd towards Fergusson Park.

"There are cyclists that are riding all around Mount Maunganui, I'm not condoning it, but some don't wear helmets. Their regard for the rules is somewhat fluid.

"It worked well on Beach Rd and it can work well here ..."

Councillor Steve Morris disagreed with the proposal as Pilot Bay in summer was heavily populated.

Mr Cowley was the only councillor to vote for the shared space.