Plans out for new South Express cycleway in Christchurch

Consultation has begun on the proposed route for a major new cycleway that will make it easier for people to bike between Templeton and Christchurch’s city centre.

The new South Express cycleway is part of the network of major cycleways that Christchurch City Council is building to encourage more people to travel by bike.

Usage of the city's new cycleways is exceeding expectations.

When completed, the South Express will run from Templeton, on the western edge of Christchurch, through the suburbs of Hornby, Sockburn and Middleton, where it connects to the Nor’west Arc cycleway. It then goes through Riccarton and Addington, where it will link into the Northern Line Cycleway and the shared paths in South Hagley Park.

“The number of people using our new cycleways has exceeded expectations and we are eager to get the route for the South Express finalised because it is an important part of the network that we are creating,’’ says Council Transport Planning and Delivery Manager Lynette Ellis.

“The network is all about linking shopping centres, businesses, schools, parks and popular recreation destinations across Christchurch so that it easy to get around the city by bike.

“The South Express will directly pass nine schools so it is going to make going to school by bike a safer option for hundreds of children,’’ Ms Ellis says.
Over the next couple of weeks people living along the proposed South Express route can expect to receive information in their letterboxes about the proposed cycleway route and how it is likely to affect their street.

“Our preferred route is generally located along local streets, away from busy arterial roads that are designed to carry high volumes of vehicle traffic,’’ Ms Ellis says.

“To retain some on-street parking and to make safe crossing points for people on bikes and pedestrians we are proposing to realign some streets and to turn some local streets into cul-de-sacs. Turning the local streets into cul-de-sacs will result in less through traffic and make them quieter for residents.’’

“In the commercial and industrial areas along the route we have tried to minimise the impacts on businesses and to retain as much on-street parking as possible.’’

About 65 trees will need to be removed to make room for the cycleway, but most will be replaced in suitable locations nearby.

“The release of the preferred route is the starting point of a conversation with the community. In the next month we will be holding a number of drop-in sessions where people can learn more about what we’re proposing and ask staff questions.

“I would really encourage people who receive information in their letterbox about the proposed route to study it so they are aware of what is planned. The consultation period runs through until Wednesday, 20 March so there is plenty of opportunity for people to give their feedback before we start finalising the route,’’ Ms Ellis says.

The drop-in sessions, all of which will begin with a short presentation, will be held on:

• Tuesday, 12 February from 5 to 7pm at the Wharenui Recreation Centre, 73 Elizabeth Street, Riccarton.
• Thursday, 21 February, from 5 to 7pm at the Riccarton Library, Main South Road, Sockburn
• Monday, 25 February, from 5.30 to 7.30pm at Hornby Primary School, 190 Waterloo Road, Hornby.

Have your say on the South Express cycleway.