Please remove concrete lane separators from Mapua
These concrete separators were installed by TDC in late 2023 as part of the NZTA-funded 'Streets for People' programme, in which a bunch of raised crossings, cycleways, planter boxes and lots of bright yellow and green paint were applied to the roads of most of New Zealands cities, towns and villages without much thought as to whether they were needed or not. They were apparently installed "to create a physical barrier between cyclists and motor traffic to increase the perceived safety of cycling", but this has not eventuated and has only resulted in multiple incidents of damage to people, bikes and cars as well as much anger from locals who didn't think they were needed in the first place.
Following the successful petition to rid Mapua of the unsightly and unnecessary planter boxes, we are asking TDC to please now remove these dangerous, damaging and unsightly concrete land separators. A recent One News article confirmed that the same concrete separators on Salisbury Road in Richmond are to be removed after locals protested. TDC Councillor Glen Daikee confirmed "The reason we put these in, which I voted for, was to keep cyclists safe. We have inadvertently made it more dangerous."
We don't need large objects or gaudy green paint on our roads. A simple, low profile rumble strip would achieve the same outcome without the hazard.
At the very least, please remove them. If you must replace them, please consider a rumble strip.
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Personal experience and feedback from Mapua locals includes the following quotes:
"They are not well lit. I almost ran into one in my motorhome. It just appeared out of nowhere. No warning or anything. Dangerous! At least I can see bikes and kids etc." Joanne Bagley, Mapua
"I’ve hit one and so nearly fell off into the road. I’ve also witnessed a lady fall off and injure herself quite badly when they first went it." Melanie Sparks, Mapua
"Our son recently hit one accidently and had to buy a whole new tyre. While we were there, Jacks Tyres said they have at least 3 customers a week replacing tyres because of these. Great business for them, not so great for anyone else." LJ Lawson, Ruby Bay
“I saw a child hit one hard last week and he fell off his bike. If a car had been near him it would have been very serious” Rachel Ison, Mapua
“It is bizarre that our council went ahead with a dangerous road layout sacrificing carparks while putting cyclists at risk and creating obstacles and distractions for motorists” Martyn Barlow, Mapua
“They are just a tripping hazard for people with mobility problems like myself” Veronic Chatwin, Mapua
“These are dangerous. If I had a child in Mapua I would not let them bike along that cycleway. Too easy to catch it and fall into oncoming traffic” Susan Lane, Upper Moutere
“I have personally picked up one child who came to grief because of these concrete things” Deana Insley, Mapua
“My husband hit the first obstacle after the zebra crossing near the Mapua school to avoid a vehicle reversing from across the road” Kerrin Mazey
“For decades Aranui Road has been shared by motorists cyclists and pedestrians without incident. The essence of the lovely seaside village has been compromised and road users safety has been compromised” Kathryn Barlow, Mapua
“as a keen cyclist I have often come close to toppling over when encountering these concrete annoyances” Lou Gallagher, Upper Moutere
“They are dangerous and make access to the businesses in Aranui Rd difficult” Annie Coster, Mapua
“They are a hazard. I have nearly hit them when looking around for school kids at break up time” Dawn Winter, Upper Moutere
“I’m a cyclist myself and the last place I am going to ride is on the inside of those concrete blocks as the less confident older cyclists are so nervous when biking it not fair to take the space they need so they don’t hit them and hurt themselves!” Cheryl Young, Mapua
Sally Hargraves Contact the author of the petition