[Aside. Cr Benson-Pope floats the idea of free bells for bicycles.
Who can afford a bike? Who needs a bike or a bloody sponsored council bell?]
FAIL FAIL FAIL
Residents informed by letter drop last Friday route to be changed. Short timeline for feedback, 10 working days with just one meeting to discuss proposal (St Clair Scout Hall today). No option for residents to make formal written submissions. Lack of transparency about how residents’ feedback and concerns are collected and evaluated. Safety issues. Removal of car parks in busy seaside suburb.
### ODT Online Thu, 22 May 2014
Council cycle plan a ‘ludicrous idea’
By Debbie Porteous
A storm is brewing in Victoria Rd where some residents say the Dunedin City Council’s plan to install a shared walk/cycle path is rushed and a potential disaster. Residents are angry about the way they are being consulted on the proposed changes and say the option they have been offered is unsafe.
Read more
### dunedintv.co.nz May 19, 2014 – 6:55pm
Cycleway options move to Victoria Road
Residents and business owners along Victoria Road will have the option of a shared walking and cycle path from Queens Drive to the Esplanade soon.
Video
█ Proposed Route 8 (PDF, 4.9 MB)
Map of proposed South Dunedin Cycle Network Route 8
█ More on Route 8 (package 4) DCC Link
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TYPICALLY, DCC MEDIA RELEASE FAILS TO MENTION PROJECT COST TO RESIDENTS AND RATEPAYERS
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Shared Walkway/Cycleway Option for Victoria Road
This item was published on 19 May 2014
The option of providing a shared walking and cycle path from Queens Drive to the St Clair Esplanade is being discussed with residents and business owners along Victoria Road. Dunedin City Council Senior Transportation Planner Lisa Clifford says, “A shared path along Victoria Road would provide excellent access to a key destination and complete the South Dunedin Cycle Network.” The DCC is consulting with affected parties – those that live or operate a business along the proposed cycle route – and other key organisations, such as the Otago Regional Council, AA and cycle advocacy group Spokes.
The cycle route proposed is different from the original route planned for this part of the network. The intention had been to take the cycle route along the existing gravel footpath at the top of the sand dunes between St Clair and St Kilda beaches. This route is not viable, mainly because a cycleway would affect the structural integrity of the dunes and it would be difficult to keep the path clear of sand. Ms Clifford says there are two alternatives – provide a shared walkway/cycleway along Victoria Road to the Esplanade, or do nothing and end the cycle network at Kennedy Street.
Under the Victoria Road option, 38 parking spaces would be removed from the north side of Victoria Road as the road is not wide enough to have parking on both sides plus a shared path. Angle parking would be introduced in Bedford Street to provide nine extra car parks, reducing the overall loss of parking to 29 spaces. This option would also include speed platforms and road narrowing at various points to slow down traffic and make the area safer for pedestrians and cyclists. If the cycle network ended at Kennedy Street, on-street parking would remain, but the key destination of the St Clair Esplanade would not be connected to the rest of the cycle network. It would also mean cyclists wanting to get to the Esplanade/St Clair area would either use the footpath illegally or continue to use the narrow carriageway, potentially creating a safety risk.
Affected parties have been invited to a drop-in session at the St Clair Scout Hall on Victoria Road, on Thursday, 22 May from 3pm to 6pm. People will be able to discuss the proposed design with DCC staff and the design consultant. Consultation closes on Friday, 30 May. Other members of the public can also have their say by this date by contacting the DCC on 477 4000 or emailing transportation @ dcc.govt.nz. Consultation results will be reported to the Council at its 23 June meeting, where the Council will make the final decision about this last part of the network. For more details on the South Dunedin Cycle Network visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/sdcyclenetwork
Contact DCC Senior Transportation Planner on 03 477 4000.
DCC Link
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### ODT Online Fri, 18 Apr 2014
Cycle-walkways open soon
By Brenda Harwood
Cycle and pedestrian routes through the southern city are opening up and work on Package 1 of the South Dunedin cycleway-walkway is due to be completed at the end of this month. Among the most visible sections of the new network are the widened cycleway-walkway in Portsmouth Dr, the construction of a shared pathway in Shore St and its linked pathway on the city end of Portobello Rd, as well as a pathway in Royal Cres. Work has also started in Victoria Rd along to Tahuna School.
Read more
The $1.7 million project is the first stage of the $4.5 million South Dunedin strategic cycle network. (ODT)
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Related Posts and Comments:
4.12.13 Dunedin cycleways: Calvin Oaten greeted by DCC silence
17.11.13 Dunedin cycleways: Calvin Oaten’s alternative route
17.11.13 Cull and MacTavish… “Have you fixed the debt crisis?”
14.11.13 Cycle lane explosions and puncture kits (SPOKES grenades launch)
8.11.13 Dunedin Separated Cycle Lane Proposal [how to make a submission]
5.11.12 DCC, NZTA: Cycle lanes controversy
19.10.13 Cycle lobby games and media tilts
24.9.13 Mediocrity and lack of critical awareness at DCC [council reports]
8.7.13 Bloody $tupid cycleways and Cull’s electioneering . . . [route maps]
28.3.13 DCC DAP 2013/14: Portobello Harington Point Road Improvements
26.2.13 DCC binge spending alert: Proposed South Dunedin cycle network
22.2.13 DCC: Council meeting agenda and reports for 25 February 2013
31.1.13 Who? 2010 electioneering
21.11.12 Safe cycling -Cr Fliss Butcher
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Posted by Elizabeth Kerr
What if? Dunedin... 
I dropped into the “consultation” at the Victoria Road Scout Hall on my commute home.
Lots of people were there, talking to Council staff including Tony Avery, and also Kate Wilson. But there were hardly any cyclists. My impression was that it was locals not wanting the cycleway to take away their parking. Maybe the backlash has started.
Thanks for update! Backlash?? Let’s hope!
Tomorrow, ODT reports on the St Clair meeting. Barry Stewart on Ch39 said, “The 4.5 million dollar South Dunedin Cycle Network is under a bit of a threat as to whether it would be completed on time.” ODT was at this evening’s meeting “between outraged residents of Victoria Road” and Dunedin City Council….
A cyclewaywalkway? Call me Mr Addington, and many do, but these functions are not placed at the same level. Your walkway is raised and railed, it has railings. Meanwhile, north of the strait, Wellingtonians grumble at the proposed Island Bay cycleway, a biggie, from Wakefield Pk to town, hilly with it.
Non-comprendez. See New York High Line.
I’m sure I will one day, if New York State Freeway is not closed. Just don’t see combined cycle lanes and walkways as safe conduit. Zero pour conduit.
Some sympathy. When cycling I prefer the open road.
More on the DCC Transportation Planning Trolls, and their NZTA funding that attempts to drive bulldozers through residents’ rights in the name of public consultation.
### ODT Online Fri, 23 May 2014
Feedback taken on potential cycleway snag
By Debbie Porteous
The $4.5 million South Dunedin cycle network may not be completed within the Dunedin City Council’s four-year deadline, as Victoria Rd potentially poses another stumbling block.
Read more
On “Spokes”, I think it is about time we commenced a ginger group named “mags” or perhaps “Cars” is the best. I’ll give a chocolate fish for the winner of the “Whatif” competition to find the best name for the group of normal people who wish to drive into Dunedin for work, do not wish to be harassed by parking attendants (nee Gestapo), nor wish to be held up by 16 red lights even at 6am. With a fair wind, we should be able to outvote those who bike to work.
Drive? It’s a desirable quality.
Do you think the council has a fretful itchy-bug in its subconscious? Sad realisation that they’re trapped with bad decisions from the past plus an irresistible compulsion to continue on the same track, like mice in a wheel. Run and run and run as we do with our little mousy feet, Dunedin under our command cannot go ahead. But wait! There’s a way to make Dunedin “just like Auckland” , or London or……
We can make it just as difficult to drive in and just as impossible to find a park!
Look Ma – Big City!
Hype, That is exactly it! Why should the good citizens of Dunedin have a real advantage over London, Sydney, Auckland et al. We MUST stop the people getting home for lunch in 15 minutes, we must put a red light halfway down the peninsula road! No cars, we want to make it like Amsterdam. These people are mad, anti Dunedin and the proof of it is the lack of assistance to ANY business and the desire to stuff up all but the Mall dwellers.
A fretful itchybug? I didn’t think of that. I’d concluded that an evil bunch of defensive control freaks who think nothing of patronising and demonising the good people of Dunedin, had taken control of the local authority to clobber anyone who doesn’t think like they do. Council staff are now more likely to be the untested products of the failing academy (university courses with little or no formal professional accreditation – and the detestable self-important mindset that comes with that) – and given well-balanced New Zealand-born career stars aren’t likely to be attracted to Dunedin, or DCC due to what it is. Also, there’s the overpaid UK and Aussie contingent in the ranks that need to be flushed (Transportation Planning is in extremis). Various of the elected councillors are our fault. Enough said. But yes, altogether as itchy as chickenpox. John’s Cars group has power, it just needs to exercise it. Luckily, the residents of Victoria Rd and beachside St Clair are alert types. This better be counter-infectious.
[Saturday field class. How to mimic and understand an invasive DCC parasite.]
When I read of the Victoria Rd residents’ ‘nimby’ reaction to the cycleway proposals in their patch, it highlights the “boondoggle’ the whole thing is getting to be. Resident Megan McPherson said she gained the strong impression the dune track was still on the table, having been told that with “the right money” anything was possible. To me, that sums the whole DCC up. The “right money” is the operative clause, SH1 oneways, the Broad Bay school mothers, now Victoria Rd folk, who next? And we all know where the “right money” comes from, don’t we. This council is simply running on “dreams, visions and ‘claptrap’ assumptions,” with a gas tank showing dead empty and miles and miles from any refill station. Mayor Dave Cull on the ‘poop deck’ with his telescope to his sightless eye can see no problems with people, “when presented with a proposal they did not like, to blame the process”. Well he wouldn’t, would he?
Ms McPherson, in her public life, is the University of Otago’s Head of Communications.
I learned there is a small area where cycle access would be beneficial without inconveniencing drivers who park, that has “natural immunity” to cyclophilia. This is the Milburn-etc route through the old school property, used regularly by both pedestrians and cyclists but blocked by a wall. The reason for this wall is so that the property for sale is defined, its boundaries clear to prospective buyers, Strange, I thought at the time. Back when I was house-hunting, even today when I see properties with real estate agents’ For Sale signs, some have gates and some have merely a gap in the hedge or fence, and a path to the door. How odd, I thought, that investors contemplating purchase of such a large property would be so bewildered that they would run a mile rather than check the commercial viability of the property by gaps where a visible well-used pathway went through. In the meantime, authorities could proceed with negotiations about how this traditional shortcut could be retained, whether by purchase of a strip, easement, a rates rebate in consideration of public use or any other protocol. But no, short of civil disobedience cyclists and walkers have a long round-about trek. While one can hardly expect the DCC to take much interest in the disadvantaged of Corstorphine – not too many “stake holders” in that ‘burb, it’s a long way from Wanaka – surely cyclophilia should get their juices flowing.
Corstorphine Wall articles:
http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/300630/great-wall-corstorphine-error
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/301587/fence-upsets-community-hub-users
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/302435/builder-wall-has-no-plans-gate
DCC’s CEO has written two letters to the ODT editor to explain the situation upon investigation to concerned Corstorphine residents.
DCC Media Release
Council buys part of former school site [bypassing Corstorphine ‘wall’ and a reserve for $495,000]
DCC Chief Executive Officer Dr Sue Bidrose announced the purchase today. Dr Bidrose says following questions and concerns being raised about public access across the former Corstorphine School site, discussions were held between the DCC and the property owner/developer, LA Milton Limited.
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/latest-news/june-2014/dcc-buys-part-of-former-school-site
Well done, Ms Bidrose:
‘ “This is a great outcome which will save some residents in nearby cul-de-sacs having to walk two to three kilometres to get to the Corstorphine Community Hub or the Middleton Road bus stop, 200m away. That sort of arrangement is the ‘curse of the cul-de-sacs,” she says.’
‘ “Linking cul-de-sacs to amenities and providing recreational reserves are both important services delivered by Councils and rightly so.” ‘ Well said, ma’am.
I haven’t checked the map at the DCC media release. Suddenly, Corstorphine seems prime.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/306100/council-land-purchase-wonderful-news
It doesn’t elaborate on how much land is involved in the transaction, but at $495,000 I suspect Mr Milton will be well pleased. In the same vein as the stadium land purchases perhaps. Always a win when the other party are spending OPM. Not that I am opposed to the principle of the thing, it’s just the cost seems a bit off.
Calvin, this was a genuine case of “seller’s market” since there was no sensible option to providing continued use of the pathway to people who were otherwise faced with an extremely long walk. In the case of the Great Fubar, an unnecessary extra stadium was announced, it HAD to be on that real estate… not for any good reason, unless being well out of the way of access from North, South and Central with no parking was desired… or (perhaps) creating a sellers’ market for, golly gosh knock me down with a feather what a coincidence, certain people’s jolly good chums.
### dunedntv.co.nz July 30, 2014 – 7:06pm
Nightly interview: Lynley Hood
The Corstorphine community has banded together over the last few months, making positive changes for all residents. Author and Corstorphine resident Lynley Hood has been at the centre of the action. She joins us to talk about her improved neighbourhood.
Video
That dreadful John Evans of “Otakou”. Shocking!
Did you read his letter to the ODT today??!
Tells the council to declare no-vehicle streets where the two student ‘investigators’ (of the trial closure to lower Octagon and part of Stuart St) live.
Pure HAVOC. The man should be locked up for inciting civil disorder.
But oh no, that is not enough for our Mr Evans. The ratbag goes on to inconvenience civil servants. He proposes barring council staff and councillors from using cars in Dunedin for about a week. Yes, seven days of penury.
Mr Evans needs to take a calming pill and apologise.
I have been away and therefore could not reply to these heinous accusations. I am now online and in a position to tell all interested parties that all of the approbation heaped upon me is true. I am indeed an intrepid supporter of keeping public servants from driving cars, there are obviously too many cars at the DCC offices, staff are having to sell them to make ends meet. I’m in support of closing the streets around this area of the proposers as I understand that Jinty will still be able to get to council meetings as she lives with the proposers, she won’t be affected, but hopefully the neighbours will bitch and moan and public dissent will overcome stupidity. As to taking a pill, I take regularly pills to alleviate dealing with fools, negating the influence of green monsters and for generally ensuring that the sanity of the general populace is maintained.
Personally, I advise the councillors and mayor to take some general intelligence pills, commons sense pills are unobtainable.
Yes, birching would be too good for him. Fancy castigating two non rate paying students for having the temerity to put honest retailers trying to make a living and serve the public at the same time, at risk by getting the council to agree to close of Lower Stuart St. from motor vehicles for a trial period. He, of all people should appreciate just how accommodating council can be for these bright young things.
Personally l am ok with this idea IF the shop owners concerned are receptive. The young people who have promoted this idea apparently presented a researched report to council. Presumably they interviewed the affected parties. Do we know about their feedback?
Haven’t read the lovely multi-page report – reading copies will be available at Customer Services and the Public Library (third floor). However I’m greatly disinclined to touch it with army tank patrols. Better to blow it up.
Because the street areas affected are public roads the consultation really has to go wider than just the immediately affected businesses – to include the general public and consultation with emergency services, commercial public transport providers (taxis, buses and shuttles), Regent Theatre management and users et al.
As stated elsewhere I’m fully and vigorously opposed to the proposed road stopping, temporary and permanent. And that goes for crazy ideas to stop parts of George Street. All floated by simpletons who mostly do not lease or own expensive commercial retail space by the square metre in the CBD’s premier streets.
Could be wrong. I realise it’s not my view that counts. Was taught removal of vehicles in a struggling New Zealand mainstreet-orientated town is not the answer early on my architectural and urban design education. Moreover, Dunedin isn’t like other centres – even if Auckland’s Kobus Mentz and his Urbanism Plus want to overlay the same drawings on every New Zealand city it gets consultancy work at.
If Central Dunedin becomes pedestrianised/plaza-rised then I’m moving out of the CBD if not out of the city altogether. But not without a massive fight.
Get ready for more urine, vomit and mayhem outside your shops and cafes, entries to upstairs legal offices and contemporary jewellery studios et al, oh and more broken window panes. Surveyor of Dunedin City, Charles Kettle is rolling in his grave – which, incidently, is about to be restored in the Southern Cemetery, thanks to Stewart Harvey and the Historic Cemeteries Conservation Trust (NZ) – and all kind business donors.
Interesting timing. Quite a lot of pedestrian only roads already in Kettle’s inspiration. And soon to be more.
http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/transport/plan-makes-city-more-pedestrian-and-cycle-friendly-1-3326358
Old cities grew in the days when horses’ and people’s feet were the way to get around. The best road or path was the shortest distance between two points.
Those cities had the opposite problem to Dunedin, most of our city apart from North East Valley (over the hill from landing at Port Chalmers) to the (old) harbour and immediate hillsides, then on to the flat areas in South Dunedin, were grid pattern and shortest-distance. Hills? Early cars struggled with steep hills and it was not unknown to have to reverse up. Baldwin and View Streets were not planned with cars in mind! We are having to adapt to walkers and cyclists a city that has in recent decades been designed for the private car, and even struggles with that now that each person in a household may have their own vehicle, and no off-street parking space at home. Older cities have had to demolish whole rows of housing to create roads for cars where there were only narrow lanes one car wide, goodbye wing-mirrors.
Following the welcome news from Sue Bidrose that part of the Corstorphine school property has been bought to allow the informal pathways to be reinstated to save residents ‘having to walk two to three kilometres to get to the Corstorphine Community Hub or the Middleton Road bus stop, 200m away’, I looked at the map. Horrible, horrible culs de sac! They were fashionable for a time, post-private car of course, these tarseal emblems of suburban neurosis, Daddy going off to work, Mummy describing herself as “just a housewife”. Such nice houses, pity about the dead end street.
Wouldn’t it be a great project for students, if instead of working out reasons closing the Octagon so drunks can collapse in the roadway without being inconvenienced by motorists. they recorded all the well-used shortcuts that cut significant distance of walker and cyclist journeys. Another project I suggest is identifying potential pathways among the culs de sac and winding vehicle roads, so that when buildings are demolished or there is road, flood protection, drain renewal work being done, such passages could be developed for the use of pedestrians and, if not so steep that steps are necessary, cyclists.
I think people need to know where and how such closures have worked elsewhere…..or not.
If there are workable positives l would be happy to see the proposal trialled first.
The anti social aspect does extend beyond the Octagon already. Maybe that is one of those issues that still needs tackling on a wider level. However l presently see little progress on this front going by ongoing community concerns.
We still seem wedded to booze for social lubrication despite all the tut tutting.
Though we are making progress on drink driving, I think, through education and heavier penalties.
### ODT Online Mon, 26 May 2014
Ideas aired; cycleway decision some way off
By David Loughrey
Opposition to the St Clair leg of the $4.5 million South Dunedin cycle network was anything but united last night. A meeting to ”put the Dunedin City Council on the right path” heard strong opposition to a shared cycle/walkway on Victoria Rd, but a wide variety of views on what should replace it.
Read more
Looking at the photograph with the news item on the St Clair meeting last night, we see the following councillors present:
Richard Thomson
Andrew Whiley
John Bezett
David Benson-Pope
Andrew Noone
Doug Hall
(can’t decide if it’s Mike Lord in the back row)
Any others?
Andrew Whiley, they are all on their bikes, no news yet of any accidents.
Thanks! (have now added)
### ODT Online Wed, 28 May 2014
Residents feel left out of cycleway planning
By Debbie Porteous
If, as one city councillor said this week, any decision involving road changes will upset some people, then inserting a large network of new cycleways on top of existing streets must be up there as a challenge for a city. […] After years of hearing from cyclists demanding improved cycleways, the Dunedin City Council in 2011 approved a ”strategic cycle network” for the city. Now the network is being built, the council is hearing from a different group of people – those affected by the work being done.
Read more
At ODT Online:
Student no-cars proposal
Submitted by ej kerr on Wed, 28/05/2014 – 5:33pm.
Through the auspices of your newspaper I respectfully request that DCC chief executive Sue Bidrose publishes the full 36-page student proposal for the lower Octagon and a section of lower Stuart St at the DCC website, with an easily discoverable pagelink at the home page.
Let’s have full transparency and accountability now, not later by LGOIMA request when it’s all too late and the genuinely affected have not been fully compensated by the council in accordance with market values.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/303799/police-endorse-octagon-closure#comment-57409
“Let’s have full transparency and accountability now….” What?
Elizabeth, have you no respect for Tradition?
Seems not, or the unfavourably long historical dig for a non-corrupt DCC leads by tunnel to China, with no treasures found.
### ODT Online Sun, 1 Jun 2014
Routes could be less safe, resident fears
By Dan Hutchinson
Some residents alongside planned cycle routes are concerned cyclists will actually be less safe on the roads. Silverton St resident Tubby Hopkins said one design he had seen for his street had a cycleway between the footpath and parked cars and at risk from passengers opening doors. Silverton St is included in the next stage of the routes to be built, once the council had finished the contentious final section of stage one. That section – the St Clair end of Victoria Rd – sparked a flurry of public debate last week after plans to build the cycleway on the dunes was dropped in favour of an alternative proposal to use the road.
Read more
█ Report – ISC – 03/06/2014 (PDF, 2.5 MB)
Update on the South Dunedin Cycle Network
The report will be discussed at the Infrastructure Services Committee meeting on Tuesday 3 June 2014 held in the Edinburgh Room, Municipal Chambers, at 2pm.
Council to vote on next cycleways
[see street map with article]
City councillors will vote today on changes to the next set of cycleways to be built in South Dunedin streets. The South Dunedin Cycle Network, the first of several cycle networks that will eventually link the city, is being designed and built in four stages.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/304503/council-vote-next-cycleways
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Hardest cycleway votes last
Decisions on the most controversial routes of the South Dunedin Cycle Network will be saved until last.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/304516/hardest-cycleway-votes-last
The terrible farce continues for South Dunedin, yesterday’s meeting shows how weak the elected members of council mostly are, with two notable exceptions. We also caught another glimpse of the towering and profound degree of staff obfuscation and lack of fairness in respecting the rights of residents, property owners and vehicle users. The epitomy of poison is the import Ms Connolly and her import sidekick, but Gene-O is a zesty militant too where NZTA finance rules. Read on.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/304674/no-stopping-cycle-plan
DCC’s plans for the Victoria Rd (St Clair) cycleway might be up for redesign after resident pressure was applied. Yay Dunedin!!!
See tomorrow’s ODT.
Connolly takes a hit.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/305304/feedback-may-lead-redesign-cycle-path
DCC Media Release – [donated cycles from Christchurch quake times coming to South Dunedin’s bike library – hallelujah Daaave]
What is the meaning of life.
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/latest-news/june-2014/donated-bikes-coming-south
But. FIRST, give the people smart new frequent public shuttle services and smartphone apps – hail your door-to-door rides. Oil reserves ain’t done yet.
### dunedintv.co.nz June 17, 2014 – 7:12pm
Trial of road markings hoped to improve safety
New cycle symbols will be painted on George Street and King Edward Street next week, as part of a nationwide trial to improve road safety. The New Zealand Transport Agency is co-ordinating the trial, and is assisted by various local authorities including the Dunedin City Council. The road markings show a bicycle with two chevrons, indicating a shared lane for cyclists and motorists. The transport agency will assess how effective the markings are, before deciding whether to adopt them. The symbols have been shown to improve safety and general awareness of cycle routes overseas, and are used in Australia, Canada, and the United States. About 45 markings will be painted on Dunedin roads, where they will stay at least until the trial ends in November.
Ch39 Link
### ODT Online Wed, 18 Jun 2014
‘Sharrows’ to help cyclists
By Debbie Porteous
It might be a little safer for people to cycle in central Dunedin from next week.
The city council is about to begin painting ”sharrows” on stretches of Moray Pl and King Edward St as part of a national trial. Sharrows, short for shared-lane arrows, acted much like cycle lanes.
Read more
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DCC Media Release
### ODT Online Fri, 20 Jun 2014
Council to carry cost of sharrows, monitoring
By Debbie Porteous
The cost of a Dunedin trial of ”sharrows” – symbols painted on roads to tell motorists the roads are to be shared with cyclists – will be carried by the city council. The five-month trial, which includes monitoring of how the sharrows are working, will begin next week, when contractors start painting the sharrows – symbols of bicycles with two chevrons above – on parts of George St and King Edward St. Council transportation planning manager Sarah Connolly said the sharrows – part of a national trial the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) will consider before making them legal road markings – would cost the council $1684 to install and $12,000 to monitor during the five-month trial.
Read more
### ODT Online Thu, 26 Jun 2014
Median lines may aid path sharing, crash victim says
By Debbie Porteous
A Dunedin cyclist smashed into by another cyclist on a shared path last week says his accident was a reminder care still needs to be taken in cycle lanes. Shared paths were safer than mixing with traffic on the roads, but some median lines separating cyclists and pedestrians might not go amiss, Garth Christensen said.
Read more
Rules for use of shared path (via ODT)
• A person using the path must use it in a careful and considerate manner; and not create a hazard to other people using it.
• Cyclists and riders of mobility scooters and skateboards, or other wheeled devices, must not travel at a speed that constitutes a hazard to other people using the path.
• If a sign or marking on the path gives priority to pedestrians or cyclists, users must follow the signalled priority.
• No user may unduly impede the passage of any other user, whatever priority the sign or marking gives.
Source: Land Transport (road user) Rule 2004
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Reminder to share the space
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/307149/reminder-share-space
“Dunedin City Council says it will still be weeks before the problem is sorted.”
Another major FAIL, yet another expensive cock-up by DCC transportation planning:
### ODT Online Wed, 25 Jun 2014
Cycle lane usage confusion reigns
By Debbie Porteous
Changes made to accommodate a cycle lane on Portobello Rd continue to generate complaints, but the Dunedin City Council says it will still be weeks before the problem is sorted. The four-lane section of Portobello Rd, between Andersons Bay Rd and Portsmouth Dr, was reduced to two lanes earlier this year as part of the South Dunedin Cycle Network.
Read more
****
But then, AHOY! city residents get organised on another major FAIL…. Go, you good people!!!
### ODT Online Wed, 25 Jun 2014
Dissatisfied residents sign up
By Debbie Porteous
Resident backlash against the South Dunedin Cycle Network continues with a 270-signature petition to be presented to the Dunedin City Council urging it to reverse changes made to Marlow St to make it safer for cyclists. Under the new layout, a two-way intersection at Marlow St and Royal Cres became a one-way exit-only from Marlow St. The change created a “quiet street” and forced people who had used it as a through-route to find new ways to schools and work. The inconvenience, extra petrol costs from driving the extra four or five blocks required and annoyance at not being consulted before the change prompted Marlow St resident Trevor McStay to start the petition.
Read more
****
26.6.14 See following comment for Trevor’s contact number (texts only).
A splendid illustration of the belief that we can be jerked around and meekly comply: “The change created a ”quiet street” and forced people who had used it as a through-route to find new ways to schools and work.”
They can stop us doing things the way we want to. They can’t make us do things the way they want. Another example is ratcheting up landfill charges. Some pay, others find “alternative” places to dispose of their rubbish. What does it cost to clean up those messes?
The idea that landfill operation should pay for itself sounds smart. It doesn’t reflect the truth when the cost of cleaning up the mess created by objectors to the higher charges are not factored in. Landfill is only one aspect of de-rubbishing the city. De-rubbishing needs to be seen in its entirety when the sums are being worked out.
Likewise, possible undesired consequences of other changes should be looked at. Ask a few people who aren’t starry-eyed idealists. I suggest Doug Hall and Lee Vandervis as 2 whose minds have the flexibility to think outside the “Truthiness de jour”. People who live in an area that’s about to be affected tend to know a thing or two too, even the ones without a diploma in planet saving.
“Why do invisible cyclists need a veritable road of their very own to go in a direction they don’t want to go, on a cycleway they don’t use?”
from comment by Bridget_S http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/307012/dissatisfied-residents-sign#comment-58820
Comment at ODT Online:
Signing petition
Submitted by trevmc on Wed, 25/06/2014 – 9:03pm.
If you are keen to sign the petition feel free to text me on
0211269251.
Thanks for your support, Trevor.
+$325,000 +$325,000 +$325,000
DCC MORONS
### ODT Online Tue, 7 Oct 2014
Cycle lane version two improved
By Debbie Porteous
A stretch of Portobello Rd that has been confusing motorists since the introduction of a cycle lane has been redesigned. The Dunedin City Council is seeking feedback from affected residents, by Friday, on new plans for the road layout. The section of road between Portsmouth Dr and Andersons Bay Rd was reduced from four vehicle lanes to two, to accommodate a separated cycle lane that makes up part of the new South Dunedin Cycle Network.
Read more
Uh-oh… increasing numbers of disenfranchised Dunedinites give Council pause for thought – although, not sure DCC Transportation Planning has ability to think without NZTA subsidies, or the likes of Beca on exponential consultancy rates.
Dunedin TV says tomorrow’s ODT will cover DCC’s review of the South Dunedin Cycle Network. ROFL
Do love a dose of understatement of a morning.
DCC amateurs! (other words come to mind) Experiment on the masses why not, they’ll pay!
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### ODT Online Fri, 27 Jun 2014
Cycleways ‘a bit more difficult’
By Debbie Porteous
The Dunedin City Council says it is taking stock of the South Dunedin cycle network and reviewing the way forward as project costs and complications start to mount. The review may result in changes and/or delays to what has already been described as an ambitious plan. The council wants to build the network of cycleways criss-crossing South Dunedin over 18 months, for $4.5 million. But after completing one stage of the four-stage project, a third ($1.6 million) of the budget has already been spent, even with one of the routes bumped to a later stage, and with the most complicated stages still to come.
Read more
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What did we say would happen? …that ratepayers and residents would be faced with more than the projected cost because “this is DCC”. And we definitely discussed squashed chickens. ‘So Much’ for Dunedin’s Integrated Transport “Strategy”.
[I can’t believe how many posts and comments we have at this website on the subject of cycleways. Shove the word *cycle* into the search box at right.]
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South Dunedin cycle network: (via ODT)
Project budget: $4.5m (funded two-thirds by NZTA, one-third by ratepayers).
Spent: $1.6m on cycleways in Portsmouth Dr, Portobello Rd, Royal Cres, Victoria/Tahuna Rds, Shore St.
Left to spend: $2.9m.
Left to do:
Stage 2 (pre-tender estimate $1.1m): Cycleways in Auld, Marlow, Tedder, Fingall, Broughton and Waverley Sts, Coughtrey, Richardson, Bellona, New and Rugby Sts; Neville, King Edward and Princes Sts (along the Oval), Wilkie Rd. (Routes agreed).
Stage 3: (no cost estimate): Cycleways in Law St, Bathgate Park, Kirkcaldy and Moreau Sts; Musselburgh Rise, Silverton St, Tainui Rd, Cavell St. (Routes agreed).
Stage 4: (no cost estimate): Cycleways in Forbury, Macandrew, Hillside Rds, the remainder of Victoria Rd, South Rd, Wharf St, Gordon St and Vogel St. (Routes still to be agreed).
Timeframe: All cycleways to be built by July 2015.
“Staff were now ”re-forecasting” the project budget to find out what it would actually cost.”
OK, so how much is it costing us for hire of the Mk2 Ouija Board?
We may never know.
Yup. Commercially sensitive innit.
AMBITIOUS plan,eh?
“The review may result in changes and/or delays to what has already been described as an ambitious plan.”
Is this like when Sir Humphrey said to politician Jim Hacker “A COURAGEOUS decision, sir” ? Meaning, you have to be out of your tiny mind to consider it… with respect, sir.
It might well pan out OK. Dave and ‘Okley Dokley’ Staynes might get an offer they can’t refuse and stay in China.
Ha! If only. Or lost on the boat to China.
Dunedin has a problem with The Minority of Cyclists (anti-democratic lobbyists spurred by social media) expecting Ratepayers/Taxpayers to fund cycleways worth tens of million of dollars in A City of Motorised Vehicle Users.
I laughed at online comments down on cyclists after viewing this video, GREAT truck btw:
Stuff: Christchurch Airport gets $1.6m state-of-the-art fire truck video
Last updated 14:19, April 19 2015 (via The Press)
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/67843072/christchurch-airport-gets-16m-stateoftheart-fire-truck
Dunedin City Council – Media Release
Harbourside Cycleway Concept Plans Released
This item was published on 23 Jun 2014
Revised options for a cycle route through the harbourside area are now out for discussion.
The Harbourside Advisory Group, formed by the Dunedin City Council to engage community representatives in the process, has released four different cycle routes for the harbourside area. The Group’s preferred option would see the cycleway run along Wharf Street, which is the most direct commuter cycling route and follows the path of most cyclists now. This option also includes improvements at the intersection of Roberts and Wharf Streets, which will address safety concerns for all road users.
The Group has representatives from harbourside businesses, the Automobile Association (AA), cycling advocacy group Spokes, KiwiRail, Police and the NZ Fire Service, supported by DCC transportation staff.
AA Otago District Councillor Hudson Biggs says, “The AA believes that its involvement in the Roberts Street project has been beneficial for all road users. The preferred option has the AA’s support; it preserves road access, with enhanced safety layouts.”
Spokes Dunedin Chair Dr Robert Thompson says, “The newly proposed changes to the Roberts Street/Wharf Street intersection will significantly improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians while still allowing vehicle access. The preferred option presents a real safety solution that should work for everyone.”
DCC Senior Transportation Planner Lisa Clifford says initial consultation on cycleway options was carried out in April last year. Due to strong objections to the proposed closure of the Roberts Street/Wharf Street intersection, the Harbourside Advisory Group was formed in late 2013 to oversee further analysis and the development of alternative options.
With the aim of finding a suitable cycle route through the harbourside area, the Group surveyed businesses in the area regarding property access and parking needs. The feedback from that survey, along with relevant traffic data was presented to the Group to begin the discussion on issues and options for a cycle facility from the Portsmouth Drive cycle path to Birch Street. The result is the development of four concept options.
Option one, Wharf Street, is the preferred option. The intersection redesign in this option will create two extra car parks, but additional on-street parking changes requested by an adjacent business owner will result in the loss of four car parks, meaning a net loss of two car parks.
The other cycle route options are:
◦ Option two – Kitchener/French Streets
◦ Option three – Kitchener/French/Roberts Streets
◦ Option four – Kitchener/French/Buller Streets
The original option for full closure of the Roberts Street/Wharf Streets intersection has been discounted.
█ Consultation with affected parties and stakeholders closes on Friday, 4 July. Other members of the public are also invited to give feedback by this date by contacting the DCC on 477 4000 or emailing transportation @dcc.govt.nz
█ For concept maps and further details visit http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/sdcyclenetwork
Contact Lisa Clifford, Senior Transportation Planner Dunedin City Council on 03 474 3877.
DCC Link
This is where (“the force”) Mayor Dave Cull and Cr Jinty MacTavish come unhitched on their heavy-handed “our way or the highway” approach to public consultation as carried out by the (recently described as) “out-of-control” Transportation Planning department.
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### ODT Online Fri, 4 Jul 2014
Businesses opposed to cycleway
By David Loughrey
A group of Dunedin businesses is the latest to take a stand against cycleways in the city, getting together to oppose a route through the harbourside industrial area. Representatives from five businesses in Roberts St say a proposal to run a cycleway along Wharf St will promote a dangerous mix of cycling and industrial activity.
Read more
Hang on…
“Due to strong objections to the proposed closure of the Roberts Street/Wharf Street intersection, the Harbourside Advisory Group was formed in late 2013 to oversee further analysis and the development of alternative options.”
Yet these businesses say that they knew nothing about it.
Someone is telling porkies here.
DCC says via this dedicated webpage:
“The Harbourside Advisory Group, formed by the Dunedin City Council to engage community representatives in the process, has released four different cycle routes for the harbourside area. The Group’s preferred option would see the cycleway run along Wharf Street, which is the most direct commuter cycling route and follows the path of most cyclists now. This option also includes improvements at the intersection of Roberts and Wharf Streets, which will address safety concerns for all road users.
The Group has representatives from harbourside businesses, the Automobile Association (AA), cycling advocacy group Spokes, KiwiRail, Police and the NZ Fire Service, supported by DCC transportation staff.”
http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/your-council/latest-news/june-2014/harbourside-cycleway-concept-plans-released
See council budgets and projections in this story for city infrastructure.
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### ODT Online Sat, 12 Jul 2014
Orange markers reign supreme
By Debbie Porteous
At least $40 million is being spent on roadworks by the city council and New Zealand Transport Agency each year and another $50 million on cycleways over the next decade – not to mention the roll-out of ultrafast broadband. Debbie Porteous discovers digging up Dunedin is big business. The Dunedin City Council’s roading department says work it contracts out leads to more than 200 sites around the city being dug up each year.
Read more
Cycleways (via ODT)
Portobello Rd widening – $25.4m (over 10 years)
South Dunedin Cycle Network – $4.5m
West Harbour shared path – about $10m
SH1 cycle lanes – up to $5m
Hill suburbs cycle routes – plus Town Belt $8.5m
Mosgiel cycle routes – $2.5m
City to Mosgiel and Brighton – $5m (excludes tunnels option)
* Estimated figures
NZTA and DCC (via the National-led govt) have a bulldozer to plonk cycle lanes on our State Highway 1 one-way system. How dumb and “how quick” is that. Very – if the two organisations don’t sink under ANGRY crossfire.
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### ODT Online Thu, 17 Jul 2014
Cycle lane funding consent ‘next month’
By Debbie Porteous
Confirmation of funding for the crucial next stage of the controversial project to build separated cycle lanes on central Dunedin’s one-way system is expected next month. But the project will still have a significant hurdle to clear after that before lanes can be built. The next stage is the preparation of detailed business cases outlining preliminary designs and costs for the three options on the table.
Read more
Poor people in South Dunedin exposed to hard tactics of the Nazi DCC transportation planning department. Get your heavy equipment out people, one bulldozer blade and the shit is gone.
No-entry markers arouse further ire
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/310123/no-entry-markers-arouse-further-ire
“So far about 600 people, many from surrounding roads also affected by cycleway works, had signed the petition, which residents plan to present to the council at a meeting on Thursday.”
“We’re doing this [whack] for your own [whack] good [whack].”
Received.
Message: How DCC determined the need for cycle lanes
Supplied. OMG
Code: Mother Duck loses ducklings
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“Dunedin city councillor Kate Wilson explains why change can be good and why she strongly supports cycleway developments.” (ODT)
### ODT Online Tue, 22 Jul 2014
Opinion
Times change, and we must change with them
By Kate Wilson
I stood as a Dunedin city councillor to make change happen. I think when I was first elected people were concerned about a number of things. One was a lack of transparent processes. One was debt levels and addressing those – I failed to stop Forsyth Barr Stadium, but I think we have addressed, and continue to address, those debt levels in a prudent manner. The last issue was a lack of vision for the city and the need to stall the slow decline. While people want different outcomes, are they prepared for change?
[YES, GET OFF THE CITY COUNCIL]
Read more
Am I alone in thinking these comments have the tone of people responding to a plaintive call to “please mate, contribute a positive comment!” :
http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/310102/times-change-and-we-must-change-them#comment-60009
and
http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/310102/times-change-and-we-must-change-them#comment-60026
“Miss Miss please Miss, I’m going to really-truly ride my bicycle every day Miss.”
“Two” against 600 signatories to the South Dunedin petition….
I feel a little song coming on.
Please listen: residents’ petition seeks reversal of cycleway changes
A South Dunedin resident upset at cycleway initiatives has presented a 600-strong petition to the Dunedin City Council calling for the changes to be reversed.
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/310662/please-listen-residents-petition-seeks-reversal-cycleway-changes
And another, dutifully answering the call:
http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/310102/times-change-and-we-must-change-them#comment-60037.
It’s a funny tone/register, reminds me of those “unsolicited” testimonials to the excellence of Product Wow in late night cheap TV ads. “I have always used Bisto on my hair. It keeps my natural rich brown colour. With Bisto I know I am not using nasty chemicals that could affect my children, and that is important to me.”
The only thing I wonder about Kate is does she ride a two wheel bike or a three wheel trike? If the former does she have trainer wheels fitted? Alternatively, does she ride in a kiddy box behind Dave? Who would know?
Ohh. Published by ODT, at 8:53 pm!
Dog’s dinner RRP
new
Submitted by ej kerr on Tue, 22/07/2014 – 4:09pm.
cumberland_jack, no-one in their right mind at Dunedin City Council commits to a multimillion-dollar cycle spend with or without NZTA subsidy, for just one person (your good self), but may I suggest you’re in a very serious minority despite Mayor Cull’s claim about the weight and length of consultation in yesterday’s letters to the editor. Not to negate how convenient, efficient and well designed new cars and vehicles are becoming. And hey, DCC knows all about the popularity and pull-power of cars, fleets and such, well lately it does.
http://www.odt.co.nz/opinion/opinion/310102/times-change-and-we-must-change-them#comment-60033
I wonder why it wasn’t published?
They did in the end, about 5 hours later.
Received from Brian Miller who isn’t confident ODT will publish:
From: Brian Miller
Sent: Tuesday, July 22, 2014 8:38 AM
To: ODT
Subject: Letter to the Editor
The Editor ODT
The integrity of Cr Kate Wilson now lies in tatters with her statement in today’s ( 22/07/2014) ODT opinion piece “I failed to stop Forsyth Barr Stadium”. For the record the final full council resolution (the one that counts)for the stadium to proceed clearly shows that Cr Wilson supported the stadium. The record also shows that Cr Butcher and Cr Stevenson were the only two councillors to vote against it.
Regards
Brian Miller
Brian: Correct. Wilson, Staynes and Cull all voted for the stadium. However, the myth later developed that Cull (and Greater Dunedin with him) opposed the stadium and that the vote was only ‘procedural’. Myth developed with significant assistance of ODT and despite Cull’s own quoted words saying he didn’t oppose the stadium. No, he had a bob each way and got votes from both sides. Watch out for headlines of ODT stories about local government issues here – they can give a completely different impression to the actual content of the story. Press monopoly here is very bad for Dunedin so very good to have What If where people can express alternative views.
That business of the vote still rankles with me because I can’t see any more barefaced lie being pulled off than to try to claim that yes means no! Am still puzzled by a senior council officer’s apparent support of this ‘procedural’ nonsense. Did the ODT really quote them accurately? Or do DCC staff, especially at a high level, believe that their job descriptions include lying to cover local elected reps’ ….., whatever they are doing? A similar, recent case seems to be a DCC manager’s claim about ‘natural servitude’ being relevant in the Portabello Rd stormwater issue where it is not because the stormwater has been channeled. (And, surely, a person qualified in water management MUST know that.)
If we really want a new institutional culture of integrity amongst DCC staff, then I think it needs to be accepted that being a little bit honest, or honest only when it suits the interests of the council or the interests of the current elected reps isn’t good enough.
By golly Diane, you express it well.
I like the way even though you have firm opinions, you observe and then record your observations with two-eyed clarity.
### ODT Online Sat, 26 Jul 2014
Please listen: residents’ petition seeks reversal of cycleway changes
By Chris Morris
A South Dunedin resident upset at cycleway initiatives has presented a 600-strong petition to the Dunedin City Council calling for the changes to be reversed. Trevor McStay presented the petition, signed by 657 residents, to councillors at a public forum at the start of Thursday’s infrastructure services committee meeting. Mr McStay said he wanted the change, and others in the area, reversed, and the council had been ”underhanded” in not keeping residents adequately informed.
Read more
### dunedintv.co.nz July 28, 2014 – 8:30pm
Decision to close off South Dunedin street unpopular
Pressure is mounting on the Dunedin City Council to reverse its recent decision to close off part of a South Dunedin street.
Video
Olivier Lequeux, have to hand it to him… :D
http://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/310666/cyclist-providing-pedal-powered-way-get-perked
So much for the Dunedin cycling revolution; and DCC wanting to take over the buses from ORC (there will be NO PROFIT for ratepayers).
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### dunedintv.co.nz February 5, 2015 – 6:35pm
Dunedin car statistics out
Of all households in Dunedin, 5,000 don’t have access to a motor vehicle.
And there are almost as many with two vehicles as there are with one, making up the vast majority. On the last census day, almost 30,000 Dunedin residents drove a private car, van or truck to work. That’s about half of all employed residents.
Throughout the country it’s most common for households to have access to two motor vehicles. And the proportion of those with three or more vehicles is increasing.
Ch39 Link [no video available]
Well trust the DCC to push s**t uphill. WE will have public transport and cycle lanes whether you like or not – because ‘WE’ know best. See.
I see, I see. Mick, with your magnifying glass upon it.
But-but-but – have you forgotten? HUGE numbers of us said we would get around by bicycle if only it were safer, i.e. the council squashed cycle lanes into the existing width of streets, including SH1. Do you think we might have been fooling? Fooling ourselves, perhaps, like when we say that from now on we are going to give up chocolate, and go for a half-hour brisk walk every evening, and go to a gym at least once a week, and clean the spouting instead of waiting till the first major rainstorm of autumn when they block and overflow and run down your neck and down your sleeves when you’re up a bloody ladder missing the ending of the TV series you’ve been following red herrings through blind alleys and now all the loose ends are being tied up while your fingers turn blue and water has reached right through to your underwear.
Good intentions. We like to believe in our own, we’d like other people to believe we’re that kind of exceptionally fine citizen.
JOKE hahahaha “Local government solves local problems”
—DCC Transportation Planning wouldn’t know ‘its arse from its elbow’……
Did someone mention RUGBY STADIUM— [SH88 realignment, the farce, the rort, the DCC corruption]
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### dunedintv.co.nz Thursday, August 13, 2015
The traffic industry’s movers and shakers are in town, discussing future networks. They’re part of the national traffic institute’s annual conference. And they say Dunedin’s leading the way in certain respects.
Ch39 Link
39 Dunedin Television Published on Aug 13, 2015
Traffic industry movers and shakers in town
****
Meanwhile, bigger picture….
Presumably some NZTA staffers are at Dunedin this week ?!?!
### NZ Herald Online 4:26 PM Wednesday Aug 12, 2015
Revealed: Road safety staff broke speed limits thousands of times
By David Fisher – NZ Herald
New Zealand Transport Agency staff have broken speed limits on thousands of occasions and Minister of Transport Simon Bridges is very angry. “To say I’m unimpressed would be one of my big understatements. I’m very disappointed. Road safety is a clear government priority and (for) a road safety agency, I’m sure New Zealanders would expect it to lead by example. Clearly here it has not already been the case.” NZME
Read more
Yet another bloody cockup. “Most of the controversial concrete kerb blocks in Brighton will be removed this week.” How many thousands of ratepayer dollars are going into fixing up the continual cockups by the council ?