Thank you for your email and for enlightening me on the subject of utility cycling, a term I had not heard used before, but which I see is a very useful one.
I live in Diamond Harbour and I am standing for the Lyttelton/Mt Herbert Community Board. It is rare to see utility cyclists in our electorate, mainly, I guess because of the hills and the rather narrow winding roads. The only people I know who regularly cycle in Diamond Harbour are the few school children, over 10 years old (it is a school rule), who bike to school.
The council own quite a lot of land up behind the settlement of Diamond Harbour which will be subdivided in the next few years to accommodate the growing population. One thing I am keen to see is the development of a sealed cycle/pedestrian route along much of the length of the settlement which provides an alternative to the main road for people getting to and from the school, or indeed, moving thorough the settlement for any reason.
I know the current Community Board have been pushing for a cycle taxi to help people get their bikes though the Lyttelton Tunnel. The tunnel is a significant barrier to the growth of utility cycling here. The idea of all city buses having bike racks would be even better.
To answer your questions:
Yes, I would actively pursue policies that work in favour of utility cycling.
No, I would not lobby to recind the compulsory helmet law because I understand there is statistical evidence that wearing helmets reduces head injury. Do you ask this question because you see the compulsory helmet thing being a barrier to utility cycling?
Re:cycle lanes vs kerbside parking. I do not think we are ready for this yet, but maybe in some locations it could be tried in the future, and if it works, be implemented more generally as people convert to utility cycling.
Re:cyclists sharing footpaths as interim measure. I am not sure this city's footpaths are wide eough to allow this to happen in safety. Certainly, here in Diamond Harbour (where people tend to walk rather than cycle as an alternative to taking the car to the shop or the pub or church or school etc) the footpaths are barely wide enough for one person.
Yes, I would support improved awareness of the range of utility cycling products available, and I can see the council having a role in this. I think the fleet of cycles for council staff is a good idea. Maybe they already have some?
Yes, I would support consideration of a proposal to install bike racks on all public transport.
No, Alan, I do not cycle myself, I love to walk. But all the othe 4 people in my family cycle, mainly for recreation and fitness though. My daughter currently bikes to school and my nine-year-old will too, next year.
I would recommend others cycle generally, and the flat parts of the city of Christchurch are ideal, but I think the conditions around here are possibly too challenging for the elderly and I do not think the main road is safe enough for younger children on their own.
I think it is great that you are getting people to think about these matters and I hope you keep up some pressure on the council and community boards in the future.Thanks for your work on this. Paula Smith
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