I support safer active spaces and believe EVERYONE has the right to get about the rohe* safely.
During this campaign we’ve been asked about cycleways, tactile tiles for vision impaired, wheelchair access to name a few.
What I know.
Central has removed funding for footpaths so any work done would be solely at the cost of ratepayers. Remembering too that Central funds aren’t free money. It’s your tax dollars.
I know there was a Council led project looking at the design of our active spaces because I submitted some ideas a few years back. I am unsure where this is at. Perhaps it was requiring funding from Central.
I asked a current councillor about cycleways and was advised that they were planning one along the railway tracks. The challenge has been pinch points. That being privately owned land.
Everyone walked or biked to school from primary age when I was growing up. In an ideal world walking and biking would be how we move around. Sadly, it has become a recreation. We even drive to the gym to walk for an hour. The reality is gyms provide safe environments to get fit and active.
Even if safer active spaces were available. Would we use them? Would our children walk/bike to school? Can we slow our current life down enough to be able to?
The answer will be different for everyone which is why really good community consultation is essential.
Kaitoke Regional Park bridge is the result of really good consultation. One of the people invited to the design process is reliant on a wheelchair for mobility.
A “thank you” to Heather Blissett for sending this letter to The Upper Hutt Connection.
Rohe: (noun) boundary, district, region, territory, area, border (of land).
04/10/25
The Upper Hutt Connection 