My letter was published in North Shore Times - February 2008 - at a time when strong opposition was being organised locally.....
"A decade ago when it was suggested North Shore needed buslanes on roads, many strident voices were raised in opposition. But today public transport is accepted, and its infrastructure demands tolerated.
The current debate about cycling on North Shore, triggered by the Lake Road cyclelanes, is similar. There are strident supporters and strident opponents.
It is a fact that the majority of trips are made by car. But that need not mean provision should be ignored for other modes of transport - like walking, cycling or buses.
Roads are a finite resource and need to be shared by us all.
Change in the allocation of road space, so that popular methods of transport can use roads safely is always a challenge. We see this with new bus stops, bus shelters, traffic lights, bus-lanes, cycle-lanes, and widened footpaths.
However a peaceful community is one which tolerates different choices, and provides for them in public life. Car transport is relied upon by the majority, but cycling is valued by many, and there will be more. This is a real need.
Civilised cities are built upon tolerance.
North Shore City Council shows wisdom and care through safely providing for cycling, walking, buses, as well as cars, on our shared roading network."
The current debate about cycling on North Shore, triggered by the Lake Road cyclelanes, is similar. There are strident supporters and strident opponents.
It is a fact that the majority of trips are made by car. But that need not mean provision should be ignored for other modes of transport - like walking, cycling or buses.
Roads are a finite resource and need to be shared by us all.
Change in the allocation of road space, so that popular methods of transport can use roads safely is always a challenge. We see this with new bus stops, bus shelters, traffic lights, bus-lanes, cycle-lanes, and widened footpaths.
However a peaceful community is one which tolerates different choices, and provides for them in public life. Car transport is relied upon by the majority, but cycling is valued by many, and there will be more. This is a real need.
Civilised cities are built upon tolerance.
North Shore City Council shows wisdom and care through safely providing for cycling, walking, buses, as well as cars, on our shared roading network."
1 comment:
I know this letter is a few months ago, but I completely agree with the sentiment. Since installation and some mid-course correction we have seen patronage of the lanes on Lake Road almost double - and that's in winter. Cycling has increased a lot to the schools on the lane too. I look forward to further increases after Christmas Day and a hot summer.
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