Currently cyclists only have a shoulder to keep them safe on Napier Road, at some points it is only 0.1m wide. Photo / Paul Taylor
Currently cyclists only have a shoulder to keep them safe on Napier Road, at some points it is only 0.1m wide. Photo / Paul Taylor
Hastings District Council is considering a $1.6 million improvement to cyclist safety on Napier Rd, as traffic is increasing due to the completion of the Whakatu Arterial Link.
HDC's Works and Services Committee is meeting on Thursday is discuss the possibility of a new cycleway along Napier Rd.
Council expects an increase in traffic along Napier Rd due to the completion of the Whakatu Arterial Link, from 4000 vehicles per day to 6000 in eight years' time.
There are currently no provisions for cyclists along most of the road.
Ramblers Cycling Club chairman, and cycling advocate, Don Kennedy said they would welcome any cycling improvements in the area.
He said the best option for cyclists would be a cycle pathway which was separated from the road, although he understood that option was more expensive.
"From a commuter point of view, that's going to be the safer option, because it separates you from the traffic."
"Anything that improves the safety for cyclists and creates a more viable traffic corridor then, you'd have to be in favour of it."
He said the Ramblers regularly ride down the road and he was not aware of any near misses on the road, as they ride single file.
"Obviously you get some people coming closer to you than you'd prefer, that's inevitable."
Council officers are recommending a 1.5m cycle way with a 1m buffer to keep cyclists safe along Napier Road. Photo / Supplied
He said it was important for motorists and cyclists to respect each other.
"Most motorists do that, but there's always a few that, for whatever reason, want to have a go at us, just like there's a few renegade cyclists that ride in an erratic manner."
About 70 people ride along Napier Rd each day.
The recommended option would put a 1.5m cycleway on either side of the road, with a 1m buffer between the cycleway and the road.
There would also be 2.5m two-way concrete path, separated from the road, between Romanes Drive and Thompsons Rd, which would cost and extra $160,000.
It is not the only option being looked at by the committee.
A separated, concrete path, either down one side or down both sides on Napier Rd is another option being considered, although this could stretch the price tag to an estimated $2.5million.
A Hastings District Council spokesperson said the road had been identified as one of the top five routes for cycleway treatment, as it serves as the most direct route between Havelock North and Whakatu to Clive.
