If we improved walkways and cycleways to make it safer and easier for people to get around, alternative transport could become our 'new normal'. An urban mobility network has many benefits:
Waipā has some problems:
Safety for pedestrians and cyclists
Safety is the biggest concern for the public to walk or bike in towns. We have a yearly average of 17 reported crashes in Te Awamutu and Cambridge involving pedestrians or cyclists. More than half of the are injury crashes. Unsuitable cycleway design at intersections or roundabouts is a key reason people don’t want to bike on the road.
Travel choices
One challenge is a dependence on cars. It results in traffic congestion, air pollution and parking pressure in our towns. Cycling, scootering or walking for shorter commutes reduces the need to travel by vehicle.
Linkage
Waipā has invested in cycleways around the district, however many of these don't link to other routes. The cycle routes should link to as many possible origins and destinations so they are easier and more convenient to use.
Demand
Waipa is growing, more people are working here, and we’re enjoying larger visitor numbers. There are very limited facilities available for cycling to cater for growing demand.
The community provided strong support to roll out an urban mobility network in Cambridge and Te Awamutu to better connect places like schools, shops and workplaces for cyclists, pedestrians and scooter users.
While there are many benefits to safer cycling walking and scootering through an urban mobility network, such as less traffic congestion, reduced vehicle emissions, better safety, less demand on parking, and more vibrant towns, Council did acknowledge that a willingness to change our behaviours to benefit wellbeing can be difficult for some residents, as we have seen through the Streets for People project.
So while Council has committed to roll out an Urban Mobility Network, Council would like to set up an independent committee or community working group in the best interests of good community outcomes.
The Urban Mobility Network will cost $10,920,120 with $5,569,261 in funding from Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
OPTION 1Status quo - do nothing |
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OPTION 2Build a network of cycling routes |
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This option:
But:
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This option:
But:
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COST: |
COST: |
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$0 |
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$10,920,120 with $5,569,261 funding from Waka Kotahi (NZTA) |
impact on rates: |
impact on rates: |
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$0
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Year 1 = $7,350 Year 2 = $35,941 Year 3 = $68,782 Year 4-10 yearly average = $203,584 |
impact on debt: |
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impact on debt: |
$0 |
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$5,106,731 |
In summary: |
In summary: |
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In a nutshell, Option 1 has no cost impact, but it’s not sustainable. We miss an opportunity to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists, we remain more dependent on vehicles, and parking woes intensify with growing towns. |
An urban mobility network is an important way for us to respond locally to the impacts of climate change. If we have a safe and easy to use walking and cycling network, we rely less on vehicles, promoting sustainability, and returning our streets back to people. |
We think the health benefits for residents, reduced air pollution, reduced traffic congestion, improved road safety, and better connectivity in our towns far outweighs the status quo.
Using feedback you gave us about Urban Mobility last year, we’ve created two plans which show a potential walking and cycling route could look like in Cambridge and Te Awamutu.
These plans :
We’re seeking feedback on these maps too.
If enough residents like Option 2, we’ll get started on the detailed design for these maps at the end of the year.
We’ll also consult with you as we progress, so you’ll get a chance to let us know your thoughts on the finer details of the Urban Mobility plans.
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