Submission to:		Square Redevelopment Project Steering Group

From:			Cycle Aware Palmerston North

Date:			19 September 2001

Re:			Infrastructure and facilities for cyclists in Square Redevelopment

1.	Over a long time Cycle Aware Palmerston North (CAPN) has made submissions on various PNCC planning documents which highlight the need for the CBD to be cycle-friendly.  In addition, we strongly support the aims of the Bike Plan to encourage and increase cycling in Palmerston North.  We are very much supportive of the benefits of cycling for fitness, health, and the environment (clean air, sustainable energy use, etc).

2.	We are very excited about the prospect of a revitalised Square being more convenient and safe for pedestrians and cyclists.  We look forward to the provision of secure and sheltered facilities for parking bicycles.  At the present time, the only secure facilities are those that have the ‘toast rack’ design and it is a matter of some urgency that more such stands are installed in the CBD.  We have made submissions and suggestions on this matter for several years and are concerned that there is so much potential for bike theft because of the shortage of secure facilities.  This lack of secure facilities is a discouragement to cycling in the CBD.  We would also like to see many more cycle parking facilities distributed right around the CBD.  At present there is much greater scope for motorists to park outside the business or retailing premises they wish to visit than there is for cyclists.  We seek a situation where cycling is actively encouraged and promoted by making it more convenient and more safe than it is for people to bring a vehicle within the ring road.  (Having said that we are fully supportive of convenience for people who have mobility difficulties.)  To demonstrate a commitment to valuing and wanting to increase cycling Council should ensure that there is a reasonable supply of sheltered cycle parking facilities.

3.	We are very concerned to ensure that the changes to the carriageway around the Square do not result in the situation that has happened in King St.  The redesigned carriageway in King St, which is often occupied by large vehicles or backing vehicles, as well as the effect of the humps (which means that cars accelerate and decelerate more slowly than cyclists, and which creates a very bumpy ride for cyclists) has resulted in severe discouragement of cycling.  Many cyclists now avoid King St altogether.  We would like the Project Steering Group to provide assurances that cyclists will have smooth and convenient movement on the carriage way around the Square.  It is very discouraging for cyclists to be stuck behind stopping and starting vehicles, or to experience congestion due to queuing of vehicles, when those vehicles are emitting carbon monoxide.  If possible wide footpaths which are able to be used by cyclists and non-motorised scooters etc should be provided.  We would also strongly advocate advance stop boxes for cyclists at any intersection.

4.	We are aware that there is a proposal for two boulevards within the Square itself.  It is vital that these be designed to accommodate cyclists.  For years, CAPN has highlighted the importance of allowing cycling within the Square as it is a major advantage for cyclists to have the shortest access from one side to the other.  Requiring cyclists to use a carriageway that is on the perimeter of the Square is a significant disincentive to cycling, especially if the conditions on that carriageway are anything like King St (and indeed the sections of Broadway and Main Street between Princess St and the Square).

The section 14 of Austroads (Guide to Traffic and Engineering) provides useful advice about how to design a dual mode path (accommodating cyclists and pedestrians).  We know these work successfully in CBD areas in other cities.   It is absolutely essential that cyclists be welcomed into the Square through having access via these boulevards.  We realise that there is sometimes a need for cyclists and pedestrians to become used to having a shared mode or dual mode facility and we appreciate that there may initially be some conflict.  However we are confident (based on experience elsewhere) that any conflict will be of a temporary nature if the appropriate signage is erected.  

5.	We strongly urge you to incorporate our suggestions here and in previous submissions to PNCC draft annual plans etc regarding on road and off road facilities and infrastructure.  It is important that the Square Redevelopment reflects the unique identity of the City and it is time to be visionary and develop facilities and infrastructure that represent best practice in terms of provision for and encouragement of cycling.  Let Palmerston North be a New Zealand leader.  At present there is a risk that  Palmerston North is going to be left behind as other local authorities recognise the long-term and present importance of cycling a convenient, healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transport and take significant steps towards encouraging cycling.

6.	We would be pleased to meet with the Project Steering Group to discuss our recommendations about provision for cyclists in the Square Redevelopment project.