KEY POINTS:
I am new to cycling but enjoy riding from St Heliers to the city and back. However, when I get to Ngapipi Rd citywards, the bike lane seems to end and I have a choice of trying to pedal across the bridge, to the annoyance of motorists, or struggling up a high kerb to get back on to the cycle lane on the footpath. Could we please have a cycle ramp at the corner of Ngapipi and Tamaki Drive? Pip Richards, Kohimarama.
But you already do. I've just been out for a look, and the cycle lane along Tamaki Drive goes across the slip lane left into Ngapipi Rd, alongside the traffic island, ducks across the slip lane from Ngapipi to Tamaki Drive and then up a little ramp back on to the cyclepath beside the pedestrian footpath. There is even a bar you can hang on to on the little traffic island so that you don't have to dismount. However, the council's transport team are currently reviewing this intersection to see whether any improvements are possible, with particular emphasis on benefits for cyclists.
* * *
A short way north of the Gillies Ave onramp northbound, the Nelson St sign appears above the centre lane of the five available lanes. When you actually get to the Nelson St offramp you find you should have been in the lane second from left. Is the sign in the wrong place or have I missed something? Vernon Kennerley, Epsom.
The sign cannot be placed any further to the left because the State Highway 16 (Waitakere) link sign is in the way. In the new year, when the Central Motorway Junction upgrade is completed (hurrah!) new sign gantries will be erected which should make lane destinations clearer. The gantries will include electronic signs with speed limits and arrows for lane changes.
