On Monday, the Planning and Environment Committee, a sub-committee of Palmerston North City Council, voted against another cycling initiative. A Council staff report had recommended that the district plan be amended to encourage cycling. New developments would have needed to take into account cyclists by providing cycle parking, just as they are already required to provide car parking.

Cycle Aware Palmerston North is stunned by our City Councillors’ actions over the last couple of months. First, Council slashed funding for cycling in the draft annual plan. Now they are rejecting their own staff advice on promoting cycling.

Spokesperson Donald Kerr said, "This Council Committee has rejected the whole philosophy of the Bike Plan. In 1998 the City Council decided to promote cycling and provide facilities for cyclists. This policy was called the Bike Plan. Now the Council has done a U-turn and has abandoned cyclists."

"Improving cycling infrastructure and encouraging cycling are goals of the Bike Plan. This proposal would have done both of these. However the majority of the Planning and Environment Committee seem intent on favouring cars and excluding cyclists."

"The Council won’t commit funds for cycle safety. It won’t encourage cycling. It won’t provide facilities for cyclists. It certainly isn’t providing the leadership it promised in the Bike Plan."

"Let’s look at what this Council is in favour of. It wants to increase rates to fund a growth strategy, to bring another 13,000 people into the city within ten years. Will all these people drive cars? How much will it cost to upgrade the city roads? Will anyone be safe cycling with all the extra traffic?"

Back to this proposal: Cycle parks are much cheaper than car parks. In the long term, a retailer who encourages staff or customers to cycle could have lower costs. And more space for sales. And healthier staff.

"To borrow another transport metaphor, planning should be like driving a horse and cart. Sticks and carrots, or rules and incentives, help the wheels go round. But this Council seems to have let go of the reins."

CAPN understands that two members of the committee voted in favour of cycle parking standards. Heather Tanguay and Marilyn Brown. We invite other Councillors to say how they plan to give leadership to promoting cycling in Palmerston North.

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