Get moving: Northwest cycleway likely to be improved

Q: With Auckland's increasing congestion, rising fuel costs and the need for exercise, I was lured out of my car and on to my bike. The cycleway alongside the Northwestern Motorway looks very appealing, but peters out just east of the golf course and heads off into narrow and hilly local streets. Are there any plans to complete the cycleway, at least as far as Newton? Marty Vink, Titirangi.

A: Auckland City is reviewing parts of the northwestern cycleway as part of the major Mt Albert scheme. They are (now) aware of other issues closer to the city, so will take a long hard look at the whole route with a view to making improvements.

Q: I commute between Three Kings and Grafton by bike. I take the 'cycle route south' via Sherbourne and Valley Rds, but find the streets narrow and partially blocked by parked cars. Drivers seem unaware that this is a cycleway as the blue signs are small and often overlooked. Could the council consider more eye-catching signs, or even some painted on the road? Louise Yarrow, Three Kings.

A: Can and will. The council is really pushing for more people to bike or walk, so they will take a look at the signs and replace them with more noticeable ones where necessary.

Q: During peak hours a lot of traffic uses Rawhiti St and Oranga Ave in One Tree Hill as a rat run, or bypass. Where the roads intersect, cars often cut across to the wrong side of the road to make a faster right turn. Are there any plans for a traffic island to make things safer? Jacob Matchitt, Auckland.

A: Because of the slope of the streets concerned and other physical constraints, a roundabout is not feasible. However, the council will improve the road marking, and put in a centre line on Oranga Ave westbound to make the lanes clearer.

Q: When will the Tristram overbridge northbound be increased to three lanes? I thought it was going to be this year. Jeff Singleton, Mairangi Bay.

A: Construction of an extra lane between Northcote and Sunnynook, which takes in the Tristram overbridge, is due to start 2007/08. It will take between 18 months and two years to build. However, work won't start until the busway is finished, to minimise disruption to traffic.