A bold new plan to improve the safety and comfort of cyclists and pedestrians in Richmond and Māpua is taking shape. The Richmond Streets for People project received government funding of $2.4 million while $840,000 has been earmarked for Māpua, to shape the beginnings of a network of safe walking and cycling spaces in our streets.

Over the next two years, we will create and improve spaces for safer cycling on Salisbury Road, Wensley Road, Queen Street, Hill Street, Champion Road, and Aranui Road in Māpua, linking places where people live with schools, commercial centres and the wider existing network of cycle trails.

Working groups for both the Māpua and the Richmond projects, including representatives of schools, residents, employees of larger companies, active travel users and various transport agencies and organisations, have met to discuss the first steps.

Our Transportation Manager Jamie McPherson says it’s extremely important that these groups set up the framework before wider public input is sought. He likens the Streets for People project to having a house built.

Jamie says the Council is effectively the architect and builder, and the working groups and wider community are the clients who will direct the project.

“When you are building a house, or in this case a safe cycling network, the architect needs to listen to their clients and make sure what they design will be the best fit for them, while considering the constraints such as budget and the site itself”.

He says the first meetings were very worthwhile with a broad range of issues and views brought to the table with numerous barriers and benefits identified. These meetings will continue on a regular basis going forward.