1 Nov 2024

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Cyclists are in for a smoother ride with a new sweeper hitting Christchurch streets.

Christchurch City Council has launched a new cycleway sweeper which is compact enough to fit into the separated lanes of the Major Cycle Routes.

“This purpose built, dedicated sweeper is the slimmer, more efficient cousin to our street sweepers which can’t fit within the restricted space of the separated bike lanes,” City Streets Maintenance Manager Steve Guy said.

“It’s the perfect complement to our fleet which will clear any debris from the cycle lanes to make it a safer ride.”

Mr Guy said one of the best parts was how quiet the sweeper is.

“The cycleway sweeper is fully electric so it’s less than 70 decibels when you’re standing within 5m of it - about the same as your washing machine or dishwasher,” Mr Guy said.

“That means we can sweep at night to avoid as much disruption to cyclists using the network as possible as well as maximise the amount that can be swept at a time.”

The Council’s full network of cycleways can be swept within a fortnight and will be swept once a month – during leaf fall season it will be increased as required.

Mr Guy said the Council had been looking for new ways to sweep them following the introduction of medians separating cyclists from road traffic.

“We’ve had reports from the public coming through that there is glass or rubbish or other debris in the lanes but no way to sweep them other than manually. This solves that problem and will save costs in the long run.”