Letters, Sep 8
Cycling on footpaths
I agree with Liz Thomas (Living Streets) and Patrick Morgan (Cycle Aware) in last week’s issue that cycles don’t belong on footpaths – generally. However there are exceptions. Topography and narrow roads mean sometimes innovating and sharing. We allow footpath cycling (in theory at low speed) on Oriental Parade, large numbers of cyclists use the Hutt Road footpath. The very real risk there is vehicles crossing the footpath into local businesses, rather than with pedestrians. We are looking at improvements there. We recently allowed cycling following the green line from the Met Office to the top of the Cable Car. That seems to be working well. I find it a safe way to ride home to Karori. Of course most tracks are also shared. Yesterday I cycled in town down Tinakori Hill and met walkers, then ran home round the Sanctuary and met cyclists – a little mutual courtesy and such encounters are perfectly pleasant. Last week’s article was about allowing uphill only cycling on Birdwood St into Karori. Birdwood St features many bends where uphill motorists can’t see cyclists ahead because of steep hillsides. That’s a real safety hazard. We can’t reallocate road space as suggested. The road is between an erosion prone cliff face and a drop. It’s a major entry to Karori and a bus route. Simply what is being offered is the chance for slow uphill cyclists (it is steep) to get off the road. From experience I don’t see it adversely impacting on the modest number of pedestrians. In discussion with both cycling and walking advocates, I am looking for as many opportunities as possible to make life safer and more attractive for cyclists and pedestrians. Narrow streets and topography make it challenging but there are a lot of initiatives on the way.
Andy Foster, Wellington City Councillor (Transport Associate - Cycling and Walking)
Cycling on the footpath
Cyclists should be allowed to share the footpath with pedestrians. Until there are designated cycle paths on our roads, it is much safer all round for cyclists to be on the footpath. Sharing the pavement is probably not practicable in the central business district but everywhere else it should be. We are not a big city with a big population and very often our footpaths are far from crowded, even in inner-city suburbs and especially so during weekdays. But cyclists need to behave. i.e: not coming up behind a pedestrian without a warning bell-ring; cycling on footpaths should be done at low speeds etc. Perhaps licensing cyclists would be a way of improving behaviour which a few cyclists need.
Judith Doyle, Oriental Bay
(abridged)
Cycling on footpaths
I would like to draw attention to the photo showing the cyclist on a wide footpath, wide as half the road carriageway between the parked cars, so why not a dual-use pathway? The precedent has been set for dual-use pathways in the city, e.g. Oriental Bay and Evans Bay, and they are now generally accepted and function well. I bike on the Oriental Bay pathway on the busiest of days and have seen little disrespectful usage, but acknowledge that there needs to be policing of the rules of conduct on these pathways just as there needs to be on the adjoining roadways. On a recent visit to Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, I was impressed at how well the bus roadside pathways were functioning with dual-usage. Cyclists were numerous. If it works well there, surely we can make it work here in our less-crowded city?
Phil Valentine, Lyall Bay (abridged)
Cycling on footpaths
As a regular pedestrian in Karori, I’m delighted you’ve raised this matter, and, at last, cycling on the footpath has clearly been defined as an offence carrying a fine of $55. I’d accept the sharing of some specified footpaths under two conditions. 1. A bicycle bell to warn of silent approach, especially from behind (mandatory in earlier years). 2. A defined and enforced speed limit, as modern cycles can reach the speed of cars, and probably should carry some means of identification. I write this with much feeling, as cyclists, both children and their parents have frequently sped behind me to only just miss hitting me, though, recently I was bowled over by a wobbling child cyclist who cleared off very quickly!
Margaret Nielsen, Karori
Cycling on footpaths
Your article regarding cycling on the footpath missed an important point. Cyclists are not just a menace to pedestrians, they are a menace to cars as well. Too many times I have been forced to take evasive action when a lunatic on a bicycle swerves in front of me - usually swearing and gesticulating like an ape while they do so. I have also experienced near-misses on the footpath. Bicycles should have to be registered, with identifiable registration plates to be visible on the bicycle. This way they could pay an ACC premium to help cover the expense their injuries cause the hard-working taxpayers of New Zealand, and also help identify rogue riders who flout the rules. There should also be instant fines for those halfwits who ride two abreast and hold up traffic for miles. One hundred dollars would be a reasonable penalty. Cyclists need to learn to that their anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
Ronald R Smythe, Mt Cook
Native weeds
In A friend with weeds is better (25 August), gardening expert Jim O’Gorman gives sound advice on dealing with weeds, on the benefits of mulch, and on suitable vegetables for Wellington’s climate. However, Jim errs in stating that tree lucerne, Chamaecytisus palmensis, is native. It is native to the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic; it is not native to New Zealand. Despite its agricultural usefulness in fixing nitrogen, providing early food for bees, and fodder for stock, it is so fast growing and seeds so abundantly, that it often becomes weedy. Tree lucerne is listed as a pest plant in the Regional Pest Management Strategies of several regional councils. It can grow rapidly to 5 metres tall and over 20 cm diameter, and (as examples in Kelburn show), can live for well over 50 years. Karamu, taupata, flax, and ngaio, are among many species of quick-growing, ecologically-appropriate, native plants ideal for shelter purposes in Wellington gardens.
J Chris Horne and Barbara Mitcalfe, Kelburn
Plastic bags
I see, because they litter the landscape and despoil the environment, that they’ve made plastic bags illegal in Western Samoa. I hate the mess they leave (the plastic bags, not the Samoans).
Those Samoans now will have to use biodegradable non petroleum plastic for their shopping bags, or paper bags or nothing. Why don’t we do that? It makes so much sense, can’t cost much, might save the world, and I’d like to help. Lets do it.
Andrew Jamieson, Mt Victoria
Shame on Kiribati
Murray McCully goes to lay a wreath to commemorate the deaths of 17 New Zealanders who were beheaded by Japanese 70 years ago during WWII on the Pacific Island group of Kiribati. The monument was smeared with human excrement and rotting fish guts. One can only imagine the stench. NZ diplomatic staff explained to an embarrassed McCully that it is an ongoing problem, and they were unable to keep up with the cleaning of the memorial site. What a disgrace to the memory of fallen New Zealanders. Is this the same Kiribati that is forever asking for aid from New Zealand? Is this the same Kiribati that claims to be sinking due to global warming and wants NZ to help with their resettlement? They have gotta be kidding!
Julie Raroa, Wellington
Jetpack delight
In the 1940s when we were kids we used to thrive on the Buck Rodgers comics. Buck was a space man who wore a belt about the size of a life jacket. It was a personal jet propulsion machine. I am delighted to see they have finally arrived even if they have some way to go for size. Congratulations to Glenn Martin.
David Underwood, Kelburn
Unfare increase
I have just read the latest Fare Increase brochure and it affects all passengers (Rail and Bus). So much for getting more people to use public transport. In my own case I used to make use of the Gold Pass for $99 a month... they have done away with that. I can now get a Snapper pre charged for $182 for 30 days or a Platinum Pass for $200 for a calender month. That is an increase of $25 a week or a $100 for the month. This will affect a lot of travellers. On top of the Tax Cuts and GST increases... haha.
Trevor Guilbert, Strathmore
How to make a quick buck?
After seeing how easy it is to get the government to refund money on investments that take a dive, I decided to try my luck. If Cantabrians can get away with it, why not me? So, armed with grocery money I ventured forth to turn $200 into a possible fortune. Day one I invested the lot, but much to my disappointment my dreams of financial security vanished along with my bad judgement within hours. A brief claim to the worker’s friend, Bill English, would solve my problems and have the money restored to my hot little hands. Imagine my dismay and disappointment to get a reply from my ex-friend Bill, explaining that the government scheme did not cover investments made with the TAB. The Cantabs have outwitted me again.
Ron Blair, Te Aro
I agree with Liz Thomas (Living Streets) and Patrick Morgan (Cycle Aware) in last week’s issue that cycles don’t belong on footpaths – generally. However there are exceptions. Topography and narrow roads mean sometimes innovating and sharing. We allow footpath cycling (in theory at low speed) on Oriental Parade, large numbers of cyclists use the Hutt Road footpath. The very real risk there is vehicles crossing the footpath into local businesses, rather than with pedestrians. We are looking at improvements there. We recently allowed cycling following the green line from the Met Office to the top of the Cable Car. That seems to be working well. I find it a safe way to ride home to Karori. Of course most tracks are also shared. Yesterday I cycled in town down Tinakori Hill and met walkers, then ran home round the Sanctuary and met cyclists – a little mutual courtesy and such encounters are perfectly pleasant. Last week’s article was about allowing uphill only cycling on Birdwood St into Karori. Birdwood St features many bends where uphill motorists can’t see cyclists ahead because of steep hillsides. That’s a real safety hazard. We can’t reallocate road space as suggested. The road is between an erosion prone cliff face and a drop. It’s a major entry to Karori and a bus route. Simply what is being offered is the chance for slow uphill cyclists (it is steep) to get off the road. From experience I don’t see it adversely impacting on the modest number of pedestrians. In discussion with both cycling and walking advocates, I am looking for as many opportunities as possible to make life safer and more attractive for cyclists and pedestrians. Narrow streets and topography make it challenging but there are a lot of initiatives on the way.
Andy Foster, Wellington City Councillor (Transport Associate - Cycling and Walking)
Cycling on the footpath
Cyclists should be allowed to share the footpath with pedestrians. Until there are designated cycle paths on our roads, it is much safer all round for cyclists to be on the footpath. Sharing the pavement is probably not practicable in the central business district but everywhere else it should be. We are not a big city with a big population and very often our footpaths are far from crowded, even in inner-city suburbs and especially so during weekdays. But cyclists need to behave. i.e: not coming up behind a pedestrian without a warning bell-ring; cycling on footpaths should be done at low speeds etc. Perhaps licensing cyclists would be a way of improving behaviour which a few cyclists need.
Judith Doyle, Oriental Bay
(abridged)
Cycling on footpaths
I would like to draw attention to the photo showing the cyclist on a wide footpath, wide as half the road carriageway between the parked cars, so why not a dual-use pathway? The precedent has been set for dual-use pathways in the city, e.g. Oriental Bay and Evans Bay, and they are now generally accepted and function well. I bike on the Oriental Bay pathway on the busiest of days and have seen little disrespectful usage, but acknowledge that there needs to be policing of the rules of conduct on these pathways just as there needs to be on the adjoining roadways. On a recent visit to Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, I was impressed at how well the bus roadside pathways were functioning with dual-usage. Cyclists were numerous. If it works well there, surely we can make it work here in our less-crowded city?
Phil Valentine, Lyall Bay (abridged)
Cycling on footpaths
As a regular pedestrian in Karori, I’m delighted you’ve raised this matter, and, at last, cycling on the footpath has clearly been defined as an offence carrying a fine of $55. I’d accept the sharing of some specified footpaths under two conditions. 1. A bicycle bell to warn of silent approach, especially from behind (mandatory in earlier years). 2. A defined and enforced speed limit, as modern cycles can reach the speed of cars, and probably should carry some means of identification. I write this with much feeling, as cyclists, both children and their parents have frequently sped behind me to only just miss hitting me, though, recently I was bowled over by a wobbling child cyclist who cleared off very quickly!
Margaret Nielsen, Karori
Cycling on footpaths
Your article regarding cycling on the footpath missed an important point. Cyclists are not just a menace to pedestrians, they are a menace to cars as well. Too many times I have been forced to take evasive action when a lunatic on a bicycle swerves in front of me - usually swearing and gesticulating like an ape while they do so. I have also experienced near-misses on the footpath. Bicycles should have to be registered, with identifiable registration plates to be visible on the bicycle. This way they could pay an ACC premium to help cover the expense their injuries cause the hard-working taxpayers of New Zealand, and also help identify rogue riders who flout the rules. There should also be instant fines for those halfwits who ride two abreast and hold up traffic for miles. One hundred dollars would be a reasonable penalty. Cyclists need to learn to that their anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.
Ronald R Smythe, Mt Cook
Native weeds
In A friend with weeds is better (25 August), gardening expert Jim O’Gorman gives sound advice on dealing with weeds, on the benefits of mulch, and on suitable vegetables for Wellington’s climate. However, Jim errs in stating that tree lucerne, Chamaecytisus palmensis, is native. It is native to the Canary Islands, in the Atlantic; it is not native to New Zealand. Despite its agricultural usefulness in fixing nitrogen, providing early food for bees, and fodder for stock, it is so fast growing and seeds so abundantly, that it often becomes weedy. Tree lucerne is listed as a pest plant in the Regional Pest Management Strategies of several regional councils. It can grow rapidly to 5 metres tall and over 20 cm diameter, and (as examples in Kelburn show), can live for well over 50 years. Karamu, taupata, flax, and ngaio, are among many species of quick-growing, ecologically-appropriate, native plants ideal for shelter purposes in Wellington gardens.
J Chris Horne and Barbara Mitcalfe, Kelburn
Plastic bags
I see, because they litter the landscape and despoil the environment, that they’ve made plastic bags illegal in Western Samoa. I hate the mess they leave (the plastic bags, not the Samoans).
Those Samoans now will have to use biodegradable non petroleum plastic for their shopping bags, or paper bags or nothing. Why don’t we do that? It makes so much sense, can’t cost much, might save the world, and I’d like to help. Lets do it.
Andrew Jamieson, Mt Victoria
Shame on Kiribati
Murray McCully goes to lay a wreath to commemorate the deaths of 17 New Zealanders who were beheaded by Japanese 70 years ago during WWII on the Pacific Island group of Kiribati. The monument was smeared with human excrement and rotting fish guts. One can only imagine the stench. NZ diplomatic staff explained to an embarrassed McCully that it is an ongoing problem, and they were unable to keep up with the cleaning of the memorial site. What a disgrace to the memory of fallen New Zealanders. Is this the same Kiribati that is forever asking for aid from New Zealand? Is this the same Kiribati that claims to be sinking due to global warming and wants NZ to help with their resettlement? They have gotta be kidding!
Julie Raroa, Wellington
Jetpack delight
In the 1940s when we were kids we used to thrive on the Buck Rodgers comics. Buck was a space man who wore a belt about the size of a life jacket. It was a personal jet propulsion machine. I am delighted to see they have finally arrived even if they have some way to go for size. Congratulations to Glenn Martin.
David Underwood, Kelburn
Unfare increase
I have just read the latest Fare Increase brochure and it affects all passengers (Rail and Bus). So much for getting more people to use public transport. In my own case I used to make use of the Gold Pass for $99 a month... they have done away with that. I can now get a Snapper pre charged for $182 for 30 days or a Platinum Pass for $200 for a calender month. That is an increase of $25 a week or a $100 for the month. This will affect a lot of travellers. On top of the Tax Cuts and GST increases... haha.
Trevor Guilbert, Strathmore
How to make a quick buck?
After seeing how easy it is to get the government to refund money on investments that take a dive, I decided to try my luck. If Cantabrians can get away with it, why not me? So, armed with grocery money I ventured forth to turn $200 into a possible fortune. Day one I invested the lot, but much to my disappointment my dreams of financial security vanished along with my bad judgement within hours. A brief claim to the worker’s friend, Bill English, would solve my problems and have the money restored to my hot little hands. Imagine my dismay and disappointment to get a reply from my ex-friend Bill, explaining that the government scheme did not cover investments made with the TAB. The Cantabs have outwitted me again.
Ron Blair, Te Aro
Have Your Say
2 Comments
kerry at 10:49 p.m. on 8 September said
In Response to Ronald R Smyth: Cycling on Footpaths. A more patient approach to people riding on the rodes instead of your apparent roadrage tendencies., Cyclists have as much right to be on the road as cars, unfortunately for us there arent cyclelanes. Maybe you should get yourself a bike and be kind on the environment instead of moaning about nothing.
Jane at 10:53 p.m. on 8 September said
UNFARE BUS FARES: I was disappointed at the proposed bus fare increases and they are getting rid of the gold pass with no alternative. It hardly makes buying the 30day pass or the other one. It ends up been a rip off. They are increasing fares but not improving services, just today a lady waited 40minutes for a bus that didnt turn up. I will be now looking for alternatie ways to travel and will not be wasting my money on there bus services anymore.