Recently, our new representative for the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area, Chris Werry, attended the Local Board meeting in June. He proposed that CAA put together a list of micro projects that the Local Board could then focus on completing.
The aim is not to complete major projects that require a lot of time, money or consultation but rather to concentrate on small changes that can be made to existing infrastructure to make it more cycle friendly. That could be:
- better markings on the road/shared path
- a corner made less abrupt/more visible for cyclists
- a cycle friendly path through a bulb out to eliminate a pinch point
- smoother ramp to transition from the road to shared path
- Alleyways that could be better signposted or made more cycle friendly
We were inspired to do this by a positive response from Auckland Transport on a suggestion I made using its online form. On Hamana Street, the sharrows have encouraged more cyclists but the cyclists are then expected to use the very narrow and steep pram ramp up onto the shared path to Narrow Neck.
This was particularly bad for our Christiania tricycle as it is not good on slopes and it did tip over one time.
I wrote to Auckland Transport using their online form and suggested that the ramp be widened and angled toward the road to make it easier for cyclists (but will also benefit families with prams and people with mobility scooters).
Within a month or so I was called by AT and told that would happen on their next maintenance of the footpath. It is only a small thing but sometimes it is just small things that make the difference and get that next group out on their bikes.
The photos on right show a couple of potential projects Chris and I have identified.
If you can think of any small changes that could be made in the Devonport-Takapuna area to improve your cycling experience, please let us know in the comments.
We will be putting together a report to go back to the Local Board and we have been promised that they will do whatever they can to get those micro projects actioned.
Unfortunately this is only for the Devonport-Takapuna Local Board area for now. However, if you think the same approach could work well in your local board area, we really encourage you to get in front of your local board and challenge them to do the same. If you need any support, we are always ready with advice and some template documents to get you going.
