Cyclists on the footpath
This errant cyclist seen in in Wellington is not only riding on the footpath but also not wearing a crash hat. She risks fines of $55 on each count.
Cycling on the footpath is illegal in Wellington, and cyclists can incur a $55 fine if caught in the act. However the Wellington City Council proposes to introduce a shared footpath in Karori.
“It just transfers a problem. Cycle lanes should be provided on the road,” says Liz Thomas director of Living Streets Aotearoa.
Her experience suggests that sharing a footpath doesn’t work.
“It puts cyclists and pedestrians in unnecessary contact. Cyclists belong on the road and [this proposal might] lead to cyclists riding on other footpaths,” she says.
The council proposal recommends a shared path be introduced on Birdwood Street, in Karori.
There are no cycle lanes along the street and this would allow cyclists to travel uphill on the footpath.
Cycling advocate Patrick Morgan of Cycle Aware Wellington would prefer an alternative solution. He says most walkers can recall incidences when cyclists speed past on shared lanes, with some showing disregard for those on foot.
“It’s a poor conclusion. What needs to be done is that vehicle speed needs to be lowered, and road space needs to be reallocated to make room for a lane that will accommodate uphill bikers,” he says.
The city council has received criticism from cycling groups in the past for its inability to make Wellington a cycle friendly city, and this proposal has a number of objectives that directly relate to the council’s 2008 Cycling Policy.
Greater Wellington’s active transport and road safely coordinator, Simon Kennett, feels shared lanes have a place.
“If they are well designed and in locations where cycle speed is low. Separate paths are ideal, but it’s not always possible. Often vehicle parking gets a higher priority than cycle lanes.”
Both cycling enthusiasts agree that one of the main issues that concerns walkers is reckless cycling on footpaths, and considerate riding is essential to make shared lanes work.
The proposal will be discussed at the council’s Strategy and Policy Committee meeting on September 2.
Have Your Say
2 Comments
Patrick Morgan at 4:03 p.m. on 2 September said
Sometimes cyclists are permitted on footpaths: if you are riding a kid's bike, delivering mail, or are on a shared cycle and footpath such as Oriental Parade or on the Waterfront. Pedal on.
liljana at 10:46 a.m. on 3 September said
Stop imposing fines on safer modes of transport. Cycling on footpaths works in Tokyo. It is safer then putting unprotected cyclist in the way of cars, trucks and buses.