Transport Archives - Page 3 of 4

Getting parking right for Auckland

This post was writtten for Auckland Council’s Unitary Plan shapeauckland website.

How we regulate, control and plan for parking has a huge impact on Auckland’s urban design, the environment, housing affordability and our transport.

The subject provokes strong opinions and calls for free parking. Many decisions about parking have been based on myths, false assumptions and poor evidence. When defining issues in our city as “parking problems”, as “experts” we turn to more parking as the solution.

Regulations made with good intentions, have led to poor results, holding back our city’s potential.

We now have the opportunity, through the Unitary Plan, to put in place a best-practice approach to car parking that has the potential to unleash economic, social and environmental benefits.

UCLA economist Dr Donald Shoup (author of The High Cost of Free Parking) extensively studied parking as a key link between transportation and land use, with important consequences for cities, the economy and the environment. His thinking influenced Auckland Transport’s proposal for a city centre parking zone (implemented late 2012) with the aim of better managing on-street parking as a finite resource competing for other transport priorities. The scheme applies “demand-responsive pricing” and includes the removal of time restrictions, increased on-street parking prices and extended paid parking until 10pm.

It’s early days but all indications are pointing to success with greater availability of parking, a reduction in tickets and more casual visitors. The city also benefited from reduced maintenance costs with 62 per cent of parking poles removed. Other business centres are now looking at applying similar principles to free up on-street parking for customers.

At a Getting Parking Right for Auckland seminar in April [hosted by the Waitemata Local Board and AECOM] we heard that parking supply is not the problem, rather poorly managed oversupply. A total of 80 per cent of off-street parking is privately owned, which hinders its effective use. For example, minimum parking quantities in our current district plans means some car parks are only used during the day by commuters and shoppers while other car parks are used only at night for entertainment. Using land for empty car parks is hugely wasteful.

Traditional city requirements to include car parking with affordable housing have also been a major barrier to higher-density developments as a car park is not always required by inner-city residents.

Parking in the draft Unitary Plan

So how is the draft Unitary Plan shaping up when it comes to car parking requirements? The plan requires that car parking be managed to support:

intensification in and around the city centre, metropolitan, town and local centres and within mixed-use corridors
the safe and efficient operation of the transport network
the use of more sustainable transport options including public transport, cycling and walking
the economic activity of businesses
efficient use of land

It proposes that maximum quantities (with no minimums) apply in and around:

City centre fringe area
Centres zones: metropolitan, town, local
Mixed-use zone
Terrace housing and apartment buildings zone

Everywhere else minimum quantities apply with no maximums – except for offices (to discourage “out-of-centre” development motivated by the ability to provide parking).

The rationale is that in and around centres, maximums and no minimums supports intensification and public transport. Elsewhere the planners have explained that minimums are required as they are less willing to rely on the market to meet parking needs and are more concerned with the effects of “parking overspill”.

The removal of minimum quantities around town centres but retaining them for new developments appears to be a solution for today’s lack of public transport. But it creates a problem for future generations who will have to deal with the oversupply of parking and poor land use (plus the uneconomic bundling of car parking costs with housing).

The rationale for controlling the effect of parking overspill is poorly thought through. Instead we should allow the market to provide the right level of parking, allowing for overspill onto surrounding streets is a good use of otherwise empty road space. If that space reaches capacity – as has happened in our city fringe suburbs – the response should be to better manage the on street parking, for example, with a residents’ parking scheme.

When providing feedback on the draft Unitary Plan’s parking requirements, take the time to consider the evidence that emerges when parking is stripped back. Cities around the world are taking a different approach and being richly rewarded.

Hey Coroner am I high viz enough?

A couple of months ago the Coroner recommended complusory high viz vest for cyclists. A lot was written at the time pointing out that this wasn’t based on any evidence that vests are effective and was likely to be counterproductive. (Russell Brown generated an impressive number of responses to his post When Common Sense isn’t and Lucy on Cycling Auckland gives the low down on why the coroner is wrong)

I got interviewed for TV3 on my views (as coordinator of Frocks on Bikes in Auckland). The editing gave the impression I am “anti high viz” and I am still asked about it so I thought the best thing is to respond in pictures. My view is that you have to be highly visible and safe on the road. There are lots of way to do this. Personally it works for me to look like a real person. I feel like I am given far more room on my bike and that drivers look out for me when I am dressed for the business of my day. At night I make sure I am well lit and of course visible.

Melbourne – cycling around the world’s most liveable city

In early March I travelled on a private trip to Melbourne with the Velociteers who performed at the Melbourne Bike Fest. I took the opportunity to check out why Melbourne is considered to be one of the world’s most liveable cities.

The first thing that struck me was the number of people using bikes for transport especially young women. Melbourne suffers from similar issues to Auckland with car- centric city design, excessive speeds and road congestion. However unlike Auckland there is connected bike infrastructure that makes cycling pleasant and safe. It wasn’t perfect but there has clearly been investment in a whole variety of different approaches to encourage cycling – painted green cycle lanes, shared paths, contra-flows, traffic calming, intersection treatments and separated or “Copenhagen” lanes.

The Melbourne public bike hire scheme introduced in 2010 has also increased the visibility of cycling. Over the four days I was there I used the service for all my trips. I found it to be convenient, cheap (registration is $2.40 per day with the first half hour free ) and took me to where I wanted to go around the city centre. I was able to make the compulsory helmet requirement work by taking over my own helmet and being willing to carry it around between trips. (Not an option that suits everyone – although helmets are for sale for only $5).

However experiencing the Melbourne bikes also convinced me that in Auckland we should not make a public bike hire scheme a priority until we can offer connected and safe routes.

Other aspects of Melbourne that I appreciated were the number of water fountains as part of the street scape reducing the need for plastic bottles and the ban on smoking on the beaches.

[A version of this post featured on the Cycle Action Auckland website generating a number of comments about prioritising a bike share scheme]

Monthly Board Report April 2013

This report covers my activities from 1 March – 31 March 2013.

Board activities

Annual plan hearings for Waitemata Local Board

I found our hearings day held on 19 March to be extremely interesting, worthwhile and productive. We were fortunate to have a range of passionate submitters and to be joined by three governing body members who added to the value of the hearings.

I would just query why the Orakei Local Board decided to submit to a number of fellow boards including Waitemata. There are a range of projects we may wish to collaborate on but the annual plan process is not intended nor structured to provide for different parts of the Auckland Council family to submit as members of the public. I would like to see Local Board services give a clear direction on this issue for next year.

Grants Committee meeting

The Grants Committee met on 27 March to consider 18 applications totally $68,573.98 to the Waitemata Local Board’s third round of discretionary funding. The committee agenda is available online. Thank you to all the applicants who came along to speak in support of their applications.

The recommendations of the committee will be referred to the Board’s business meeting on 9 April. The last and fourth round of funding for this financial year is open until Friday 26th April. (application form available here)

Relationship between CCO’s and Local Boards

At our February meeting we received the report and resolutions from the Accountability and Performance Committee – Relationship between Local Boards and Council Controlled Organisations

It was delegated to the Board Chair and Deputy Chair to work with Local Board Services officers to provide feedback to the Committee on the type of engagement the Waitemata Local Board would like with Council Controlled Organisations.

This feedback is attached as ATTACHMENT A.

It should also be noted that CCO’s are required to report to the Governing Body on their engagement with Local Boards and that Auckland Transport has been directed to hold workshops with Local Board on their prioritisation criteria in early 2013. This workshop has yet to occur and Auckland Transport, Waterfront Auckland and ACPL have not provided Local Board Services with their engagement plans for 12/13.

Professional development

During March I have taken advantage of a number of excellent learning opportunities available to board members.

Re-thinking Pacific Auckland, Damon Salesa, Associate Professor, Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Auckland – a lunchtime learning hosted by the Research, Investigations and Monitoring Unit.

This presentation highlighted the high degree of racial segregation occurring in Auckland (using census and demographic data) which is not talked about and therefore not addressed. There are serious consequences of this segregation not just within lower socio-economic areas. Pakeha who attend racially segregated schools are also educationally disadvantaged.

It means differences of opportunity and attainment and damages confidence in democracy.

The presenter gave as the number one solution building social housing in wealthier areas – he felt strongly that no development should happen at the waterfront without social housing.

I would like the Waitemata Local Board to ensure it meets the challenge given by the presenter of working to create the World’s most liveable city for EVERYONE.

Innovation Auckland Conference

SOCANZ conference on 25 and 26 March (conference report to be provided next month)

The conference presented energetic experts on social entrepreneurship and a range of workshops on a cross-section of subjects.

Place making session – connecting Auckland Place Makers

Ethan Kent, International Place advocate for the Project for Public Spaces. Hosted by Waterfront Auckland at the Cloud

“If you plan for cars and traffic you get cars and traffic, if you plan for people and places you get people and places”

The presentation held up place making as a transformative agenda going through the key attributes that make a good place, describing place making opportunities and benefits.

Natalie Nicholles, associate director, new economics foundation (nef) London

Local economic development – a community development approach for the ‘toolbox’ – a session for Local Board members

Provided a practical overview of nef’s innovative, tried-and-tested local economic development tools:

– developing community knowledge about local wealth creation, and why it matters

– building community capability to assess where and how money and resources leak out of local

I also used a private visit to Melbourne to learn more about what it takes to create the world’s most liveable city with lots of people cycling for transport (report here)

Getting Parking Right for Auckland Seminar

Invites went out in early March for the seminar on 3 April to all of the business associations, CBD advisory board members, local board members and a number of councillors.

An impressive line up of experts, including Chief Economist, Geoff Cooper are included in the programme.

Portfolio reports

Transport

The Transport portfolio monthly briefing with Auckland Transport took place on 21 March 2013. We covered:

Road safety campaigns
Parking issues in Parnell, Freemans Bay and the Strand
Eden Terrace parking zone update
St Mary’s Bay parking business permits
Road Corridor Operations latest updates

Full details of current proposals and issues are outlined in Auckland Transport’s monthly report attached to the Board agenda.

Parking

Parking continues to be an issue for many neighbourhoods in our board area. In Freemans Bay nearly all the unrestricted on-street parking is taken up daily by commuters making it difficult for visitors and residents to access parking spaces. Freemans Bay is the number one priority for a residents parking scheme applying the lessons Auckland Transport has learnt from the St Marys Bay trial.

In February we heard from residents of Scarborough Tce at our monthly board meeting about the parking issues on their street. Auckland Transport is investigating a number of options for a scheme that needs to be effective in a mixed use area with high occupancy rates into the evening.

In Eden Tce we heard that Auckland Transport successfully presented to the Business Association on a proposal for a paid parking zone with a limited number of free on -street parking areas. As part of implementing a new parking scheme Auckland Transport is able to work with the local businesses to offer free public transport for 3 weeks, bike hire and car pool software with a travel plan for the area.

In St Marys Bay Auckland Transport is continuing to assess the trial and how best to deal with the request for business permits. One option being considered is to allow for a limited number of coupons for daily parking (similar to the coupon scheme in Wellington).

What is clear from all the investigations that AT is undertaking is that each neighbourhood will require an appropriate parking scheme to be developed to fit the particular community needs.

Road safety

I have raised concerns with Auckland Transport that their latest campaign aimed at pedestrians is ill-conceived and unlikely to resonant with the target audience. The Pay Attention or Pay the price campaign is aimed at young people who are involved in large number of accidents in the city centre.

However what I have learnt from safety campaign experts such as Jonathan Daly is that these kinds of messages don’t work as they are missing the key ingredient of empathy. It is human nature to switch off to messages such as “Slow down”, “Pay Attention”, “Be polite “

I think this campaign also doesn’t recognise current realities regarding how people – especially young people -choose to move around the city and how Auckland streets are being designed that even work to encourage distractions (such as shared spaces).

Of course pedestrians need to take care but I believe this campaign will lead to a greater tendency to blame the victim of road accidents involving pedestrians which is nearly always the pedestrian.

Interestingly we found out that AT uses a very small focus group sample on which to test safety messages. From the representative sample that we were shown all of the responders asked AT to not waste money on the campaign but to invest in more pedestrian friendly street design.

Richmond Road School

After more than 4 years of pushing for improved safety improvements on Richmond Road the school has been successful in Auckland Transport approving a range of measures.

I attended a meeting with the principal, Stephanie Anich, representatives of Auckland Transport and Cycle Action on 22 March to discuss the current proposals which are either underway or about to start. These improvements include:

Relocating the bus stop near the school to provide for greater visibility
Installation of electronic repeater 40km/h signs
Installing school zone signs
Improvements to the crossing layout
New markings and raised speed strips to encourage slower speeds

These safety improvements are being undertaken as part of the overall Richmond Road safety action plan which is a local board project.

Promoting active transport for events

I have raised with Auckland Transport and ATEED the lack of promotion for active transport as an option for travel to events over the summer. For example the promotion for travel to Pasifika was just focused on using the park and ride facilities. No bike parking was provided at the event despite it taking place right next to the north western cycle way.

I am also aware of the large number of complaints that have been directed to Auckland Transport regarding the lack of planning to cope with the large numbers using public transport to attend events particularly over the weekend of 9/10 March. AT have advised that their Special Events Team will review all available data and apply the learnings to planning for future events so that the travelling public is better served.

Other board activities

Local Board Workshops and meetings

I attended during March:

Waitemata Local Board workshop on 5 March
Meeting to discuss Waitemata Local Board feedback on the Unitary Plan & current status of the draft Unitary Plan
Symonds Street cemetery public meeting on 5 March
Waitemata community facility needs meeting
Informal meeting with Waterfront Auckland CEO, John Dalziell
AT Briefing on cycle connections to the Grafton Gully Cycleway
Coxs Bay Advisory Group meeting on 7 March
Local Board briefing on the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 changes to the current liquor licensing framework
Planning for Parnell Baths Centennial Celebration in March 2014
Ponsonby Road Master Plan – Working Group Workshop 2: Issues, Opportunities and Aspirations on 11 March
Meeting with Philip Jones, Architect for Ponsonby Central to discuss proposed parking and bus stop changes on Ponsonby Road and Brown Street
Communications fortnightly update
Meeting with the solid waste team to discuss the work underway to encourage zero waste events
Waitemata Local Board business meeting in Parnell on 12 March
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 12 March
Initial meeting of the working group on neighbourhood planning convened by Roger Blakely on 15 March
Launch of Unitary Plan and attendance at the business and heritage sessions held during the day (pictured)
Meeting to discuss Pioneer Women’s Hall redevelopment budget and process
Fortnightly catch up on the Ponsonby Road master plan progress
Annual Plan hearings for Waitemata Local Board on 19 March
Re-thinking Pacific Auckland lunchtime learning. Presentation by Damon Salesa, Associate Professor, Centre for Pacific Studies, University of Auckland
Auckland Transport monthly catch up for Transport portfolio holders on 21 March
Richmond Road School meeting on 22 March organised by Auckland Transport to discuss the proposed safety measures to be introduced outside the school
Meeting with representatives of Albert – Eden, Puketapapa Local Boards and the solid waste team to discuss the next stage for the resource recovery centre
SOCANZ innovation Auckland Conference on 25 and 26 March
Workshop for place makers with Ethan Kent on 25 March hosted by Waterfront Auckland
Waitemata Local Board Community Grants Committee meeting on 27 March
Ponsonby Road fortnightly update meeting
Briefing from Rob Cairns, Manager, Region wide Community Planning and Policy regarding Auckland Domain Governance
Natalie Nicholls, new economics foundation for an in-depth conversation for Local Board members regarding local economic development

Events and functions

The Auckland Arts Festival 2013 was a big highlight of the events calendar during March. I was fortunate to attend the following performances

The opening night of The Factory and drinks afterwards at the Festival bar (at the invitation of AAF)
Breath of the Volcano at the Auckland Domain
Hui at Q Theatre (at the invitation of AAF)
One Man, Two Guvnors
Urban by Circolumbia (at the invitation of AAF)
Cantina at the Festival tent

I also attended during March

International women’s day celebration at Khartoum Place on 8 March
Pasifika Festival at Western Springs
Grafton Cricket Club’s 150th birthday celebratory dinner (at the invitation of GCC)
BeSpoke – Cycle Style at Silo Park (I was part of the organising team as coordinator of Frocks on Bikes – Auckland)
Grey Lynn Business Association March networking drinks
Ponsonby Road Market Day
Movies in Parks at Grey Lynn Park on 16 March
West Lynn Street Party and Twilight market in celebration of neighbours day Aotearoa on 21 March (I had the privilege of opening the event with Rev Faasoo (pictured)
Genesis Energy Whio Breakfast at the Auckland Zoo on 22 March
Opening of the Sir Paul Reeves Building at AUT on 22 March
Urbis Design Day off ramp installation (viewed from the K’rd over bridge) – how would you like the city to move? (pictured)

Monthly board report March 2013

This report covers my activities from 1 February – 28 February 2013.

February has been an absolutely action packed month as the year gets well underway reflecting the many activities of the Board and significant progress on a number of projects I am championing including Greenways and the development of a Ponsonby Road master plan.

Ponsonby Road master plan

At our Board meeting in October 2012 the Board approved the establishment of a Ponsonby Road working group with representatives of the local community, the business association and local board members and supported by Auckland Council and Auckland Transport tasked with developing a a draft master plan for endorsement of the Waitemata local Board prior to public consultation.

A meeting was held on 18 February to establish the working group followed by a site visit and walkover of Ponsonby Road with the group on 25 February. My opening remarks to the first meeting of the working group are attached (ATTACHMENT A).

I am now seeking the Board’s endorsement of the working group membership, the planning process and budget approval as outlined in the Ponsonby Road Master Plan – Project Establishment memo from Yvonne Masefield, Planner, Central & Islands Planning dated 1 March 2013 (ATTACHMENT B). This process anticipates the working group producing a draft master plan to be endorsed by the Board for public consultation.

Greenways

The Board held a successful Greenways event on 20 February at the Richmond Rovers Clubrooms in Grey Lynn Park with a large number turning up to provide feedback on the proposed Greenway routes.

We also sought feedback from those passing by as the club sits on a popular active transport and leisure walking & cycling route. The Grey Lynn Park – Coxes Bay connection is one of our proposed priority greenways.

Consultation continues until 11 March

Zero Waste events

I attended the Waitangi Day festival at Bastion Point organised by Ngati Whatua o Orakei as a waste volunteer with Christopher Dempsey. We wanted to learn about the best practice of running a genuine zero waste event. We were both really impressed with the wonderful family atmosphere and the support from stall holders and visitors. The organisers were aiming to not just remove waste from landfill but to reuse everything.

Some of the learnings I took away from the event:

Ensure events are alcohol free – this greatly reduces waste from glass and bottles
Have only a limited number of waste stations and push the take your own waste home message
Ensure the waste contractors are committed to zero waste and separate everything on site
Target waste at source – all stallholders have to sign up to reduce packaging and only offer compostable plates etc.
Make it fun to “do the right thing”. A Zero waste pa at the festival had activities for kids, chickens and seedlings to give away in re-used coffee cups

I would like to see all events in our area that are funded by the Board to be zero waste.

Community Engagement – Local Board Agreement public briefings

I attended the three Board public briefings on the Council’s annual plan and the Board’s annual agreement which outlines our projects and budget for 13/14.

The meetings attracted low numbers which I think can partly be attributed to a general feeling that the Board is on the right track and we are following through with the commitments we consulted on last year as part of Long Term Plan process and partly because the process was very poorly advertised.

The Annual plan brochure was meant to have been delivered to every mailbox. From my informal surveys I would estimate that it reached about 50% of households and very few in the city centre. I think the Council’s distribution processes need to be urgently reviewed and the value of hard copy communications critically evaluated.

Good for business seminar series

Planning has continued with AECOM on the Good for business parking seminar (now in two parts) with invitations due to go out to business associations and their members in early March.

Getting parking right for Auckland – A good for business approach to parking regulation, planning and design

Part 1 – the New Zealand perspective

Date: Wednesday 3 April 2013

Time: 2pm – 5pm (followed by networking drinks)

Where: AECOM House, 8 Mahuhu Crescent

Keynote speaker: Julie Anne Genter, Transportation planner and parking expert

Plus speakers from Auckland Transport on current policies that are supporting communities and Auckland Council on proposals for parking requirements in the Unitary Plan.

Part 2-the international experience with Keynote speaker Todd Litman scheduled for mid-May

Portfolio reports

Transport

The Transport portfolio monthly briefing with Auckland Transport took place on 28 February. We covered:

– Parking issues in Eden Tce, Parnell and Freemans Bay

– Sarawia railway crossing options

– Local Board capex fund – pedestrian facilities on Victoria/Nelson Streets

Full details of current proposals and issues are outlined in Auckland Transport’s monthly report attached to the Board agenda.

Parking

The following is the current update from Auckland Transport regarding the parking issues in Freemans Bay:

Auckland Transport and Waitemata Local Board have received numerous complaints in regard to parking issues in Freemans Bay. This has increased since the 2 hour parking zone trial in St Mary’s Bay was implemented in July 2012. Most of the complaints relate to a lack of on-street parking for residents with local business workers and commuters seen as taking up the spaces for most of the day.

Auckland Transport wished to monitor the first 6 months of the St Marys Bay trial before looking at alternative parking options for Freemans Bay; this has enabled it to more fully understand the effect of the St Marys Bay zone on not only that suburb but also the surrounding suburbs such as Freemans Bay. Before Auckland Transport can develop a robust proposal to consult with the community there are some necessary steps to complete. These include an inventory of existing parking restrictions and a survey to help Auckland Transport to better understand parking behaviour taking place and to assess why current restrictions are not being effective. The road reserve is a public asset and Auckland Transport has to balance the many legitimate and often conflicting needs of users. This involves considerable data collection and consultation across a wide spectrum of customers in order to formulate a balanced proposal. Once this initial work has been completed, the results can be analysed and some options developed for discussion with the local board and stakeholders.

Depending on how the investigation develops, it is anticipated that options may be ready for public consultation by mid—year

Grey Lynn Footpath upgrade

The Grey Lynn foot paths and new pram ramps (at the intersection of Great North Road and Williamson Ave) have now been completed with minimal disruption and no complaints that I am aware of. This project was a successful collaboration between Auckland Transport, ARMA (the contractor) the GLBA and the Board.

The only outstanding renewal is with regards to the painting of the street furniture. I am following this up with Auckland Transport

Other board activities

Local Board Workshops and meetings

Attended:

Meeting to discuss Transport advocacy projects
Meeting to discuss Good for Business Parking seminar
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 5 February
Community Development monthly catch up with portfolio holders
Grey Lynn Business Association February business meeting
Resource Recovery centre – meeting of project champions on 7 February
Meeting to discuss CCTV policy and strategy
Integrating Public Input into Political Leadership and Government workshop at the Auckland Business school organised by IAP2 Auckland Branch on 7 February
Waitemata Local Board public briefing on the Local Board Agreement (as part of the Annual plan process ) in Parnell on 7 February
Site visit walkover of Kent/York and Teed street with AT’s urban design planner on 8 February
Meeting with the Eden Tce Business Association and AT parking officers to discuss the Eden Tce parking zone proposal on 8 February
Joint Unitary plan briefing and workshop for the Governing Body and local boards on 11 February (see photo)
Grey Lynn Park Advisory Group meeting on 11 February
Smokefree Policy Development workshop with Local Boards organised by Cr Sandra Coney on 12 February (I attended with Jesse Chalmers as the Board’s rep and presented on the Board’s experience of going smoke free)
Waitemata Local Board monthly meeting at Graham Street on 12 February
Presentation on the Tamaki Drive Master plan to the Waitemata Local Board and Harbour Edge Development Team by Orakei Local Board on 13 February
Transport committee deliberations on the Sky path proposal
Waitemata Local Board LBA Public Briefings in Grey Lynn on 13 February and at the Local Board office on 14 February
Unitary Plan update session for local boards on 15 February
Presentation on O’Connell Street design concepts
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 14 February
Ponsonby Road master plan working group establishment meeting on 18 February (opening introduction to the group attached as ATTACHMENT A)
Youth Advisory Panel meeting on 18February
Local Board workshop on 19 February
Meeting to discuss the Board’s engagement on the Unitary Plan as part of the wider regional engagement timetable on 19 February
Introductory meeting with Rachael Eaton – new Team Leader City Transformation (Central and Islands) to discuss concept of “Park-lets” for the city centre
Greenways event at the Richmond Rovers Clubroom, Grey Lynn park on 19 February
Meeting to discuss the public art proposals received for Interactive Play Spaces project on 20 February
Meeting between the GLBA and planning officers to discuss the Grey Lynn precinct plan
Waitaurau plaza meeting with NZTA and AT to discuss the permanent structures outside the new Bird cage
Ponsonby Master plan working party site walk over on 25 February
Local Board workshop on 26 February
Communications update on 26 February
New tools for local government seminar on 27 February
Presentation to the CBD Advisory Board on the Board’s redevelopment plans for Pioneer Women’s and Ellen Melville Hall on 27 February (refer ATTACHMENT C)
Transport Portfolio monthly update with Auckland Transport on 28 February
Briefing the Waitemata Local Board on the University of Auckland Newmarket site

Professional development

I attended the New tools for Local Government seminar with David Engwicht who is considered one of the world’s most innovative thinkers on place making, citizen management and creative problem solving. He is the inventor of the Walking School Bus, a world-wide phenomenon.

The free seminar covered four unspoken assumptions that are ‘putting lead boots on local government’ as well as strategies to:

Influence greater creativity and resilience in your organisation
Empower the communities you serve

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during February

Hum de-wrap party on Saturday 2 February (the Board gave the Falling Apple Trust $5000 towards the scaffolding and wrap on the building)
Te Matatini Luncheon on 4 February to recognise and celebrate the four Kapa Haka roopu that will be representing Tāmaki Makaurau at Te Matatini 2013 in Te Arawa. (as alternate to the Chair)
Waitangi Day Festival as a waste volunteer with Christopher Dempsey
Cycle Action Auckland Associates breakfast at the Auckland Art Gallery on 7 February
Big Gay Out VIP hospitality tent at the invitation of the NZ Aids Foundation on 10 February
Go by Bike day breakfasts at Wynyard Quarter and Air New Zealand offices
Wet Hot beauties performance at Parnell Pools on 13 February
The Pride Parade grandstand (at the invitation of GABA) on Saturday 16 February
Launch of the GREAT British Car Rally 2013 by the British High Commissioner and Sir John Walker on behalf of the Mayor on 17 February (see photo)
Greenways event on 19 February
Farewell lunch to our Senior Board advisor on 22 February
Lantern Festival official opening by the PM John Key and the Mayor on 23 February
Media briefing the Mayor for the start of the Daldry Street linear park on 24 February

Recommendation

a) That the report be received.

b) That the Waitemata Local Board endorses the Ponsonby Road working group membership and the planning process as outlined in the Ponsonby Road Master Plan – Project Establishment memo from Yvonne Masefield, Planner, Central & Islands Planning dated 1 March 2013 (ATTACHMENT B).

c) That the Waitemata Local Board approves the allocation of $50,000 of the 12/13 budget for this project ($75,000) for delivering urban design/ public realm services as part of developing the draft master plan by the working group.

Monthly Board Report – February 2013

This is my first report for 2013 covering my activities from 1 December 2012 until 31 January 2013.

Portfolio reports – Transport

The Transport portfolio monthly briefings with Auckland Transport representatives re-commenced on 31 January. Full details of current proposals and issues are outlined in Auckland Transport’s monthly report attached to the Board agenda.

Parking

The year has started with a number of complaints and concerns about parking. AT has been consulting on a proposal to install a zone of pay and display parking in Eden Tce. The proposal is intended to address the issue of all day commuter parking blocking visitors to local businesses. I responded directly to Mr Wilson who addressed the Board in December about the scheme and his concern that it doesn’t take into account the needs of residents in a mixed use area. The next step is to hear the results of the consultation and recommendations from AT before taking the proposal further.

The highest number of complaints received by AT come from the Freemans Bay area where commuters are blocking access to on street parking by residents and visitors. I have also responded to a number of calls and emails about this issue. The transport portfolio has given support for AT to work on a solution that is likely to involve a zone approach with price and/or time restrictions.

AT is looking at the results of the St Marys Bay Residents parking scheme and plans to consult on a proposal for the Freemans Bay area in the next couple of months.

Good for business seminar series

Following on from the successful Good for Business seminar held last year in partnership with Auckland Transport and AECOM I am working with Christopher Dempsey to organise two further seminars aimed at the business community. AECOM have agreed to host a parking seminar and one on the accessibility dollar (as part of our Be.accessible plan). AT have indicated that they will be able to fund a guest speaker for the parking seminar which we are looking to hold in March.

Draft Regional Public Transport Plan

Christopher and I presented the Board’s submission on the Regional Public Transport Plan to the hearings panel on 29 January 2013. A copy of our presentation is attached as ATTACHMENT A.

Grey Lynn Footpath upgrade

Thanks to the advocacy work of the Grey Lynn Business Association and the financial contribution from the Board the renewal of the footpaths at the Grey Lynn shops was able to get underway in January. Businesses and residents are really pleased to see the works happening. The contractor has worked hard to minimise disruption and to ensure the works are undertaken as smoothly as possible which has been greatly appreciated by the local businesses.

Greenways

In January I assisted Shyrel Burt in finalised a consultation plan for our Greenways project. The project featured in Our Auckland and in the Board’s advertorial in February. A Greenways event is planned for 20 February from 4- 7pm at the Richmond Rovers Clubrooms in Grey Lynn Park.

Community Portfolio

During December and starting again in January the community portfolio worked on

Consultation plan for our Local Board Agreement and Unitary Plan engagement
Christmas message from the Board to community representatives
follow up to the Jim Diers inspired neighbourhood planning proposals
feedback on the Thriving Communities Auckland Council’s role in supporting communities to flourish discussion document which is attached to the February agenda.
Planning for a Good Citizen/Volunteer Awards
Proposal for a working group to develop the Ponsonby Road master plan

I also attended the Youth network meeting in December and a quarterly workshop for all community development portfolio holders in the central area.

Grants Committee

The Committee met to consider applications to the second round of community grants funding 2012/13. A total of $24,649.09 was recommended in grants to the Waitemata Local Board ordinary meeting on 11 December 2011. The minutes of the meeting are available here .

Other board activities

Local Board Workshops and meetings Attended:

Waitemata Youth Network meeting on 3 December at Freemans Bay Hall organised by the Community Development team
Grants Committee meeting on 3 December
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 4 December
Community Development portfolio holders (central area) workshop on 6 December
Grey Lynn Business Association December meeting
Waitemata Local Board monthly meeting in Grey Lynn on 11 December
Presentation on O’Connell Street design concepts
Community Portfolio meeting on the Thriving Communities discussion document
Neighbourhood Planning – Follow up to Jim Diers on 14 December meeting hosted by the Deputy – Mayor
Unitary Plan Local Board update session – Central
Energy and Climate Change Mitigation Strategy workshop on 17 December – a progress update workshop for councillors and local board members covering the overall ECCM work programme
Follow up meeting – Thriving Communities Discussion document feedback
Waitemata Local Board workshop on 18 December
Community Development and Partnerships Central monthly update meeting on 19 December
Meeting led by the Chair on 19 December with Ashley Church, Newmarket business Association, officers and Tomizone to discuss the extension of the WIFI zone in Newmarket
Greenway project consultation planning meeting on 20 December
Freyberg Square briefing and input meeting on 20 December
Waitemata Local Board Engagement approach for the Local Board Agreement and Unitary Plan on 21 December
CEWT Study site walk organised by AT on 15 January – a walk through the Wellesley and Victoria Streets study area to discuss issues, constraints and opportunities
Meeting with AECOM to discuss further Good for Business seminars
Scoping the Ponsonby Road Master plan process with planning officers on 16 January
Development of an inner-city residents survey meeting with the community portfolio
Auckland Harbour Bridge Pathway project update at Heart of the City on 16 January
Planning meeting for Waitemata Volunteer Awards on 17 January
Meeting with Adventure capital CEO to discuss Council street trading by-laws
Meeting to discuss Waitemata Local Board’s engagement on the Local Board Agreement on 23 January
Community portfolio meeting with Frances Kelliher (Circability Trust) to discuss proposed use of Campbell Free Kindergarten on 23 January
Presentation to the Public Hearing on the Draft Regional Public Transport Plan on 29 January
Draft Local Board Agreement advocacy projects meeting
Tour of Shed 10 refurbishment with Waterfront Auckland
Meeting with AT to receive an update on the Transport Management Association for Wynyard Quarter
Transport Portfolio monthly update with Auckland Transport on 31 January
Newmarket Business Association meeting to discuss transport matters with David Warburton and senior AT managers on 31 January

Professional development

I attended:

The IPANZ Auckland Two Year on Conference on 10 December – see conference report attached as ATTACHMENT B

Events and functions

I attended the following events and functions during December and January

Ponsonby Market Day and Franklin Road Christmas Lights on 1 December
Citizenship ceremony on 4 December
NZCSI Social Entrepreneurs School Graduation Ceremony, held at Telecom Place on 5 December
Outlook for Someday sustainability film challenge at the Aotea Centre ( I am a trustee of Connected media that runs the challenge)
Cycle Action Associates breakfast on 5 December at the Art Gallery
Western Park Christmas carols hosted by the Board on Sunday 9 December
Western Bays Community Group meeting on 10 December
Grey Lynn Business Association Christmas drinks
Parnell Inc Christmas drinks
Jacobs Ladder Footbridge Official Opening – invitation of the NZ Transport Agency on 15 December
Kahui Kaumatua Christmas Luncheon at the Council Chambers (as alternative for the Chair) on 19 December
British High Commission ‘Great History – Great Future’ Reception for the Rt Hon William Hague on 15 January at Sale Street

Safe systems approach to road safety

Conference report back: Attendance at the Trafinz Conference Auckland 8/9 October

Reducing the True Cost of Road Safety

Introduction

I attended the Trafinz (New Zealand Traffic Institute) Conference 2012 on behalf of the Waitemata Local Board with funding from the Board’s professional development budget (Early registration of $390 +GST and return bus fares from Grey Lynn to Takapuna).

I found the conference to be invaluable for my role on the transport portfolio and my ability to contribute to quality decision making. The conference made me challenge my understanding of road safety and to ask questions about the responsibility I need to take as a politician in pushing for good solutions that will reduce road fatalities and injuries. I took away a completely new understanding of road safety in particular the application of “safe system principles”.

This report highlights the speakers of particular relevance.

Introducing Safe Roads – what will it take? Dr Soames Job, Road Safety Expert

Dr Soames introduced me to the concept of a “safe systems” approach to road safety for the first time. A concept that will be very familiar to transport professionals.

The question to ask is not what caused the crash but what caused the injury or death. The old model is wrong as it looks to find a percentage of each factor to blame. When in fact in every case it is 100% the road, 100% the vehicle and 100% the driver. If you can fix one of these conditions you can solve the problem.

The challenge is where to focus efforts and where to commit resources. What we can control is the safety of roads and the speeds. It is far harder to control vehicle design and almost impossible to control people. Humans are irrational, emotional and have an optimism bias so we should end the pretence that people’s errors can be stopped.

From this understanding of the issues Dr Soames made a number of specific suggestions as to how we can achieve safe roads that are relevant to the Waitemata Local Board area.

In metropolitan areas the focus should be on the vulnerable road user not on vehicle occupants. This means reducing speeds, providing for separation of users and good urban design. The safe system principles are about reducing the energy absorbed by the body to survivable speeds.
Prioritising safety over traffic flow. Traffic flow is too influential in spending and key decision. To calculate BCRs pedestrian time doesn’t count only drivers which is harming the extent to which we cater for the vulnerable road user. Voters blame government (politicians) for delays but not for deaths. The media also focus on traffic flows. We should NOT be prioritising traffic flows over fatalities
Focus on speeds. Need to convince the community that speed is critical to safety (If you drive 65km in a 60km zone double the risk of critical injury). In particular we must see the value of speed management and that it is not about revenue raising

Dr Soames gave the example of France where the death toll has lowered far quicker than NZ because 500 new speed cameras are added each year (in NZ there are only 40 in total)

In another presentation about combining safe system principles and road safety education in schools Dr Soames outlined why safe systems are not adopted:

We blame the victims. There are good psychological reasons for this. We don’t want to be a victim. Almost inevitable outcome of personal responsibility
“People must take personal responsibility for their own safety” is the get out of jail free car of road management used by politicians and operators
Community attitudes supporting risk & victim blaming – deaths are considered an inevitable and acceptable outcome for our mobility

He recommends the use of education to create demand for road safety. We also need political demand for safe systems and a refusal to except that any death is inevitable.

Children’s Travel in the Urban Environment Associate Professor Claire Freeman, University of Otago

How to make a city safe for children

Reassert children’s right to be in the urban environment – right to be seen
Make it normal to use active transport
Reduce car dependency
Skill development
Realistic safety assessment of the dangers
About getting everyone on the street
Reassert local as a living space

Public Health effects of Transport Policy Dr Alex McMillan

I have already reported on a shorter version of this presentation from the Cycling summit but I think it is worthwhile to highlight again some of the key points from Alex’s work to develop a simulation model that assists with understanding the integrated social, health, climate change and benefits of a range of policies and procedures that could increase commuter active cycle transport

Basically if we take a combined best practice approach which involves building separated infrastructure we would achieve a 40% mode share by 2050 with a BCR of 20 ( it is a myth that people do not cycle because of the weather or because Auckland is too hilly). It all comes down to our funding priorities.

Role of Local Government in achieving road safety in NZ Cr Andy Foster, Wellington City Council President TRAFINZ

Andy presented a number of comments in conjunction with Dr Soames Job.

Key points

Swedish approach – if it works – just do it
The weakness of the Government’s safer journey’s document is that it has no targets
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility
Are we investing in the right place? – imbalance between investment between local roads and highways
Safe systems is the way to go but we must be willing to mandate a safe system
We should lower speed limit until it is safe. Need to reverse the onus – accepting traffic flow over safety
Further education needed for other safety measures like wearing seat belts.

Conclusion

The conference delivered a hard message to transport operators and politicians that we must collectively take responsibility for road safety through a “safe system” approach. This means challenging some of our assumptions about what causes crashes and where to find solutions. We should not just accept that fatalities are inevitable but should have a zero goal.

One of the clearest roles we have is to insist on lowering the speed limit until it is safe and not prioritising traffic flows over safety. We must also insist on road builders building better roads that encourage safer speeds with space for all users.

New footpath proposal for Judges Bay Road access to Parnell Baths

Memo to Auckland Transport regarding new footpath priorities 2012-13

Auckland Transport has allocated around $3 million per year in the Regional Land Transport Programme to construct new footpaths. Local Boards have been invited to assist in establishing the new footpath programme by providing proposals to Auckland Transport. Auckland Transport has advised that any local board proposals will be assessed against a set of criteria, which will include:

Providing footpaths where none currently exist
Providing linkages to community facilities
Addressing gaps in the footpath network Enhancing routes and links to schools and public transport
Known pedestrian safety issues

The purpose of this memo is to outline the Waitemata Local Board’s high priority proposal for the footpath programme.

Priority footpath in the Waitemata Local Board area

The Waitemata Local Board has identified Judges Bay Road extension as the highest priority location for the construction of a new footpath from the 12-13 new footpath budget. A footpath is required to provide a safe pedestrian connection from Judges Bay Reserve to the Parnell Baths and to the walkway through the Baths that provides pedestrian access across Pt Resolution Bridge to Tamaki Drive and to St Stephens Ave. This is a popular route for visitors to the Baths and for residents and visitors wanting to connect to the wider network of walking routes. This route is also part of a heritage foreshore walk that the Board is developing.

Currently no footpath exists on this part of Judges Bay Road. Pedestrians have to walk on the actual road to access the Parnell Baths and the walkway. Pedestrian safety is also compromised by the car parking on the road.

It is proposed that the walkway is constructed as a continuation of the boardwalk installed as part of the Judges Bay development project on the Bay side of the road. A board walk (or cantilevered walkway) is considered to be the safest option and will ensure that parking can continue to be provided at the entrance to Parnell Baths. (Refer attached photos showing the current boardwalk on Judges Bay Road).

Safe pedestrian connectivity and provision of car parking have been identified as priorities by residents, visitors and the Parnell Baths Support Group. The construction of the boardwalk/footpath is urgent because Pt Resolution Bridge is going to be closed and reconstructed over the Christmas period. During this time Judges Bay Road will be the only access to Parnell Baths. Ideally construction should be programmed to be completed before the start of the busy summer season at the baths. Notwithstanding the temporary closure of the bridge this footpath is considered to be a high priority for pedestrian safety, improved connectivity to a popular community facility and for providing all year round linkages to a well used walking network. It is also consistent with the priorities of the Waitemata Local Board plan.

Strong community support has already been demonstrated for the footpath to be constructed as a boardwalk or cantilevered walkway so that the existing parking can be retained on the road.

Background

At the end of 2011 the $5m Judges Bay development project was completed to upgrade the Judges Bay beach and foreshore area. The project included two stages:

Stage 1 – dredging and re-sanding of the beach.
Stage 2 – a landscape upgrade of the foreshore and surrounding area.

A stage 2 consultation was undertaken in June 2010 that identified improved pedestrian connectivity as a priority for the community.

As the report noted “The next priority is to deal with the car parking and traffic issues of peak season, which include demands from Parnell Baths and Judges Bay visitors. The significance of these issues extends beyond the convenience of residents and visitors to find suitable car parks and includes safety considerations for pedestrians. The issues of shared pedestrian and car use of Judges Bay Extension is part of this priority. At the other end of Judges Bay, parking on two sides of the road is also felt to create dangers for pedestrians”.

The Waitemata Local Board recently approved the renewal of the Point Resolution Bridge to Parnell Baths walkway to enable the walkway connection project to be completed in conjunction with the replacement of Point Resolution Bridge planned for early 2013. During the construction period Judges Bay Road will provide the only access to the Baths.

The Parnell Baths Support Group has asked the Board to ensure the safe access of pedestrians during the construction period. The Group have also asked that consideration be given to a longer term solution that effectively separates cars from pedestrians on the road but does not reduce the amount of car parking available. They have suggested that the building of a cantilevered walkway beside the carpark, along the narrow extension road to the Baths is the best option.

Completing the Regional Cycle Network

At the Waitemata Local Board meeting in April I raised concern that the Regional Cycle Network has been reported as 28% complete to the Auckland Transport Board on 21 March and the Transport Committee despite the lack of safe, continuous and connected routes particularly on “completed” parts of the network in the Waitemata Local Board area.

In July, with Christopher Dempsey, I presented to the Transport Committee on the cycling network – now named the Auckland Cycle Network. The Transport Committee responded positively by moving ( Cr C Casey, seconded Cr GS Wood) that Auckland Transport and NZTA report on the current state of the Auckland Cycle Network and the extent to which the reported 28% complete cycle network is of sufficient standard, and plans to achieve the Auckland Plan targets.

Here is our presentation to the Transport Committee

I would like to take this opportunity to speak to item 11 on your agenda. The Waitemata Local Board has referred to you an item regarding the Regional Cycle Network – now named the Auckland Cycle Network (ACN).

We would like to share with you some good news to come out of the RLTP but to highlight the extremely low base we are starting from with regards to the infrastructure that currently exists of the ACN particularly in the Waitemata Local Board area – and the lack of budget to do anything about it.

Highlights – as you are no doubt aware there was extremely strong support for investment in walking and cycling through the RLTP and LTP submission process. Aucklanders want a choice to be able to leave the car at home for short transport trips.

We know that 60% would like to cycle if they felt safe. The good news is that funding has been brought forward in the RLTP to almost double the capex budget available to improve and construct the ACN. Before we get too excited we have to remember this is still only 1% of the transport budget. A budget that is not keeping up with cycling numbers that recorded a 15% increase to April.

There are also exciting projects happening on motorway land using NZTA funds. I’m sure you are aware of the Grafton Gully cycleway project that will connect the NW cycleway with Tamaki Drive. Work starts this year.

What we would like to focus on is the RCN. Since our resolution renamed the ACN but essentially the same planning tool showing cycle routes that connect schools, tertiary facilities, community infrastructure and links employment and growth areas.

The ACN map is what we have to show the extent of Auckland’s cycling network that forms Auckland’s overall strategic transport infrastructure.

There are various “official” targets for completing the ACN

– AT briefed us last week on a target completion date of 2040

– The Auckland Plan is slightly more ambitious at 2030

– The Regional Land Transport Strategy is aiming at 2026

What is important is the claim by AT that 28% is currently complete. This was repeated to the transport committee and the AT Board in April.

Looking at the ACN in the Auckland Plan (map 13.3) the red lines are meant to indicate what is “complete or existing”. You can see in the Waitemata area we have “complete” on only a few roads

– Symonds street

– Great North Road

– Quay Street

– Queen Street

– Ian McKinnnon Drive

– Khyber Pass

I’d like to show you just two of these roads. The Khyber Pass photos were taken by Member Dempsey. This “complete” route takes you through a motorway junction.

On Great North Road we have 4 metre wide shared bus lanes for just 2 hours per day. At the intersection of Ponsonby Road riders mount the footpath to be in a safe zone.

So in our Local Board agreement we have included this advocacy project: Auckland Transport to prioritise for upgrade in the 12/13 financial year all routes currently identified as “complete” on the RCN within the Waitemata Local Board area that are found not to be a safe standard following the review currently underway

We know the review has now been completed. AT knows that the RCN/ACN is by no means “complete“or “existing”. Unfortunately there is very little budget available for remedial work.

We bring this to your attention because this is a regional issue. You need to be aware of the ACN. The fact it is in the Auckland Plan and that it provides a key planning tool for cycleway investment. The routes we have highlighted are regional as Waitemata plays hosts to the region with large numbers arriving into the area each day by different modes of transport.

Unfortunately we are starting from a very low funding base and very little infrastructure – by no means 28% of a network.

I’d like to end with this latest study.

“The presence of off-road bike paths and on-street bike lanes are, by far, the biggest determinant of cycling rates in cities. And that’s true even after you control for a variety of other factors like how hot or cold a city is, how much rain falls, how dense the city is, how high gas prices are, the type of people that live there, or how safe it is to cycle” (study in the journal Transport Policy, Ralph Buehler and John Pucher )

It is often heard in Auckland that the weather is too bad and the roads too hilly to cycle. I’d like to put this myth to bed once and for all so you don’t have to debate the reasons for low cycling numbers – which I’ve heard around this table.

We therefore look to the Governing body to give AT clear direction to urgently bring the ACN up to a genuine 28% complete standard by supporting our local board agreement project.

Halfway through the first Council term for cycling in Waitemata

The Waitemata Local Board is unique amongst Auckland’s 21 boards for having four of seven members using a bike for transport every day. This makes perfect sense for a board covering the central suburbs of Auckland with everything in easy distance.

Unsurprisingly we are committed to bringing balance to the transport agenda after decades of car dominated investment. One of the Board’s priorities is “connected, healthy transport options” – which includes making Auckland safer for cycling with a focus on infrastructure and completing the Regional Cycle Network.

Just some of the projects we support include the Auckland Harbour Bridge pathway, public bike hire scheme, installing advanced stop boxes with feeder cycle lanes, making intersections safer for pedestrians, connecting our open spaces with “green links” and slower speed zones especially in residential areas.

The super city re-organisation put Auckland Transport in charge of the transport budget with responsibility for everything in the road reserve. The role of local boards is to advocate on behalf of our communities but they have no direct control over where the money is spent.

Notwithstanding this lack of local board power, many positives have emerged from the new structure. Auckland Transport is generally more responsive than the old Auckland City Council transport department, plans are now coordinated across the Auckland region and there are signs that progress is happening with new cycle lanes on the drawing board. We are also seeing improvements for cyclists being more readily incorporated into roading and maintenance projects.

However, even though Mayor Brown is an enthusiastic supporter of cycling, we are yet to see this reflected in how the budget is allocated. Auckland Council’s draft Long Term Plan identified a disappointing 0.8% of the transport budget for walking and cycling. If funding is not significantly increased it is very unlikely that Auckland Transport’s completion targets for the Regional Cycle Network will be achievable.

Fortunately, submissions on the plan have demonstrated a huge amount of community support for investment in cycling and alternatives to private cars. Now at the half way point of our term, I remain positive that we are heading in the right direction to unlock Auckland’s cycling potential.

[postscript: This article was written in April 2012 for the CAN Chainlinks magazine. Since then the Strategy and Finance Committee of Auckland Council has made final recommendations for inclusion in the final Long-term Plan, including funding for a Waterfront walk and cycleway and support for the Auckland Harbour Bridge Pathway. The % of the transport budget allocated to walking and cycling will not be known until the RLTP is finalised]

Local Board transport priorities good for business

I prepared this report as an attachment to my February 2012 monthly board report

Introduction

I attended the Auckland Walking Seminar hosted by Auckland Transport on 2 December 2011. Buried within what appeared to be uninspiring programme that gave no hint at the relevance of the seminar to an audience far wider that the usual collection of transport planners, engineers and advocates, was an excellent presentation by the key note speaker Dr Rodney Tolley.

The purpose of this report is to highlight Dr Tolley’s presentation and in particular the findings from the recently published discussion paper Good for Business – the benefits of making streets more walking and cycling friendly. What the paper shows, using examples from all over the world, is the tremendous value in investing in good walking and cycling environments.

The benefits of making streets more walking and cycling friendly

By way of introduction Dr Tolley outlined why walking isn’t just about transport. It is about access to facilities, spending time in a place and the use of public space. Every journey has a walking component but historically the importance of walking has been ignored by planners and politicians.

However what international cities are now recognising is that a good walking environment is a pre-condition for an economically healthy city. It means higher rents, adds value to the area and creates economic benefits. The discussion paper written by Dr Tolley asserts that a well-designed, quality street environment that promotes walking, cycling and public transport is good for business.

A range of relevant points were made by Dr Tolley and covered in the report:

A high proportion of all retail expenditure comes from local residents and workers.
Space allocated to bicycle parking can produce much higher levels of retail spend than the same space devoted to car parking.
Many car-borne shoppers are “drive-through” shoppers, stopping to pick up one item on the way to their eventual destination, rather than people for whom shopping is their main purpose for visiting the area.
Retailers overestimate the importance of the car for customer travel and underestimate the value of spend from those who arrive by means other than cars
The more “walkable” an area the higher the value of the surrounding property
Two thirds of Generation Y say they would like a more walkable environment (many of whom are travelling less by car)

As concluded in the report retail vitality is best served by traffic restraint, public transport improvements, and a range of measures to improve the walking and cycling environment. . There are many ways improve the walking and cycling environment including lowering speeds, shared footpaths, reallocating space and taking a “complete streets” approach so that the design allows for safe access to all users. Possible streetscape enhancements highlighted by Dr Tolley can be low cost and easy to implement such as creating “parklets” on streets using existing car parking spaces.

The report brings together the evidence around the financial benefits to retailers and residents with compelling statistics that will be of interest to all business people and planners. For example on Lygon Street in Melbourne it has been estimated that 1 car space generates $27 of spend per hour whereas 6 bike park spaces generate $97 per hour. What the evidence also shows is that investment in pedestrian and cycle friendly improvements is incredible value for money.

For recent projects in the UK the average BCR is estimated to be 19:1(and this is without factoring in all the possible environmental benefits such as the reduction in air pollution).

What this means for Auckland

Dr Tolley’s report is of huge relevance to Auckland at a time when investment in shared spaces is underway and promises to be taken much further if outcome 9 (A walkable and pedestrian-friendly city centre) of the Draft City Centre Masterplan is adopted. The new enhanced streetscape environments are already having a positive impact. Pedestrian activity on streets that have been designed as new shared spaces such as Elliot and Lorne Streets have increased between 50 and 140% (Auckland Transport media release). The NZ Herald recently reported that the makeover of Fort Street is pushing up rents and creating retail interest in the area. At the same time there is continuing resistance from retailers and businesses who remain unconvinced of the benefits.

However as Dr Tolley highlighted those parts of the city that fail to restrain traffic to the detriment of shoppers such as Ponsonby Road (four lanes of traffic) and High Street (narrow footpaths to allow for excessive on street parking) will struggle to retain their retail vitality without embracing a different approach to the design of the streetscape that welcomes pedestrians and cyclists.

Local Board priorities – good for business

As well as putting the spotlight on the benefits of street scape investment in the city centre, Dr Tolley’s presentation reinforced that we have got the balance right in our Local Board Plan. Within our priority “Connected, health transport options” are proposed projects and initiatives that will be good for business across the Waitemata local board area. As detailed in the plan we support innovative approaches to reduce traffic congestion and enable walking and cycling. We want to ensure that our street environment is constructed in a way that allows people safe and easy movement and enjoyment of their environment . We therefore support the expansion of shared spaces and making streets like Hobson and Nelson Streets pedestrian friendly.

Two projects in particular should reap economic benefits. We are advocating to Auckland Transport to develop and deliver masterplans for Ponsonby Road and Richmond Road taking a “complete street” approach.

Seminar for business

As a follow up to these findings I will be working with Auckland Transport and business associations to host a seminar that is directed at retailers and businesses interested in learning more. It is timely for our business people to be presented with the evidence about how much benefit is to be derived from taking a fresh look at street design.

RWC transport heaven

In the lead up to the RWC, Cycle Action consistently asked Auckland Transport (and ARTA before that) to consider promoting cycling for transport during the event. Overseas experience has shown that with the right kind of promotion backed up by infrastructure, locals and visitors will use a bike for transport to get to events.

For many people opening night was transport hell. For anyone on a bike it was a delight. Unseasonally warm evening, no wind, empty roads, good natured crowds. As I cycled from Grey Lynn to the Cloud on Queens Wharf I couldn’t help thinking that it was a massive missed opportunity.

There has of course been a lot of soul searching about what went wrong on opening night as Aucklanders flocked to the waterfront and embraced public transport like never before. In the scheme of things getting a few more people to cycle wouldn’t have made a huge difference on the day but it would have provided a lasting legacy. I followed up with Auckland Transport with a resolution at our September Board meeting to see if any action could be taken.

Waitemata Local Board – September meeting 2011
Resolution number WTM/2011/205
MOVED by Member Coom, seconded Member Moyle:
d) That the Waitemata Local Board requests Auckland Transport, as a matter of urgency, to promote cycling for transport during the Rugby World Cup for journeys into the City Centre and to Eden Park.

This is how Auckland Transport responded to the resolution:

“The community transport team have been working hard on initiatives to complement the RWC:

The update and release of the new Auckland Central Cycle Map identifying routes , infrastructure and bike parking .
Installation of 68 new cycle parks have been installed around the periphery of the CBD during the last 12 months to increase the supply of cycle parking.
Introduction of a visitor public bike hire scheme in the CBD
Introduction of additional on road dedicated cycle facilities in the CBD

Promotion of safe routes and parking facilities is provided in the Central Cycle Map which is available for visitor centres, libraries, on line and at the visitor bike hire stations in the CBD. A press release was undertaken last week to promote the publication of the maps. These should now be available at the i sites.

In relation to promotion of a specific event at Eden Park or at the Waterfront to encourage cycling – a major element is the issue you raised around cycle parking and safety of the bicycles and visitors. A level of cycle parking is already supplied by around Eden Park, the CBD and the Waterfront. From experience of previous cycle events, to promote a specific cycling event would see the need to provide significant additional cycle parking at venues which would create additional security and safety measures requirements.

Auckland Transport is putting considerable resource in planning and developing a regionwide 2011-12 spring / summer cycle campaign, in partnership with advocates, which we believe will provide a long lasting and positive behavioural change outcome. This will follow the current promotion of cycle and walking which Auckland Transport is currently undertaking through the RWC.

Community Transport will be happy to arrange a time to go through the proposed region spring summer proposal outline the events proposed, if desired”

Oh dear – maybe next time!