Fraser Newman: Cutting car parks for cycle route

FILE

There are plans for a new cycle way to go through the CBD. Currently it would go from Kuirau Park, up Haupapa, down Tutanekai and then into Hinemoa before exiting the CBD at Fenton Street. This is all part of moves to revitalize the CBD and bring life back to the heart of our city.

I have some serious concerns about this project.

The move will require car parks to be cut out along the route.

Planning is not finalised so it is hard to say how many car parks may have to go, but it is fair to say we are looking at between the 50 to a 100 mark. RDC claims that parking is only at 70 per cent capacity, leaving room to spare, but these numbers are from studies at low points during the year. At Christmas time our CBD is packed and there is a serious shortage of car parks.

This is like conducting a study on our national motorway requirements at 2am but neglecting to check the traffic at 8am. It doesn't work.

Years ago when City Focus was constructed the council made a similar blunder by cutting approximately 50 odd parks. The backlash to this resulted in the central parking up and down Hinemoa and Haupapa Streets.

Another reasonable concern is over safety. A busy CBD with cars reversing, tourist drivers, pedestrians and other hazards is hardly the place to put a major cycle way. The cycle way will also have to cross Ranolf Street, make it to the intersection of Tutanekai and then get out safely on to Fenton. This is asking for trouble, especially if we are asking tourists to take this route.

How many people want a dedicated cycleway into our CBD anyway and how many people will use it? Sure it sounds nice. For certain political leaders it rings of warm fuzzies and progressive policies. But the chances are it will end up poorly used and unrecognised.

It certainly won't help the CBD. Lost car parks aside, I doubt people will shop more because they can balance shopping on their handle bars and cycle home.

Perhaps instead if they have to have one they should put it in via the lakefront. Cyclists could then stop off at the museum cafe, in much need of help itself, and exit somewhere near the Polynesian Spa.

My only hope is it won't be added to the roll-call of other under performing council projects such as the airport, stadium, events centre and museum cafe.