JUNE PIPIRI 2020
Shared path trial set for Maire Street ‘squeeze point’ by Carlton McRae The Eastbourne Community Board has been working with Hutt City Council to improve pedestrian and cycle access through the area at the end of Maire St. Board chair Virginia Horrocks says the ECB decided to trial a pathway for pedestrians and cyclists, from the end of the Esplanade to the Rec sports ground, and contacted all neighbours in the area, to talk to them about the proposal and to respond to their concerns and questions. Ms Horrocks says that some time later when a design was received from Council traffic engineers, the ECB showed it to all the neighbours they could contact, before publishing it on the Eastbourne Community Facebook page. The ECB has received several requests in recent years regarding a safe way for pedestrians and cyclists to navigate the well-used parking area. Board member, Frank Vickers says that during discussions with local residents several stories came out about their cars being hit by reversing drivers. Even the lampposts have been hit on several occasions. But the safety of cyclists and pedestrians particularly children and the elderly - also at risk of being struck by reversing cars, is deemed paramount. Mr Vickers says that by separating these other users from vehicles, it will make it safer for everyone. “The cost of this work [approximately $3,000] will come from an unused ECB training budget, which will otherwise be lost at the end of the financial year,” Frank Vickers says. “For the 90-metre stretch, this comes out at around $33 per metre, which given the safety aspects, I think represents good value for money.” HCC officers advised The Eastbourne Herald that the shared path is expected to
HCC artist’s impression of the Maire Street trial of a shared pathway.
be installed next week if weather permits, or as soon as practical after that. The ECB has further requested that HCC develops options for a safe shared walking and cycling route, with appropriate facilities and development, along the foreshore between Windy Point and Burdan’s Gate. Particular attention is to be given to ‘squeeze points’, as identified by the board; areas such as the end of Maire Street, where there are potential safety hazards. Not all feedback has been positive, however. Concerns have been raised as to whether this trial is even necessary in the first instance. Some Facebook correspondents said it may, in fact, create more hazardous conditions than exist at present. ‘A waste of money’ and ‘more visual pollution’ were two terms used by commenters. HCC spokesperson Caryn Ellis says the council's traffic engineer has checked
the system for reports on accidents (Police/ insurance) and there are no ‘crash’ records. “We have also checked the complaints register,” she says, “and there have been no complaints made to council around cars reversing or safety issues in that area. We have had several requests to stop vehicles parking in front of the steps to the beach, which will be addressed by this proposal.” “The main point, I think, is that it is a trial,” Frank Vickers says. “This is about what is best for the whole community and overwhelmingly, the feedback I have received on the Maire Street initiative has been positive.” The Eastbourne Community Board says it is aware that not all residents use social media and it is their intention to talk directly to affected residents wherever possible. See Letter, Page 8 - Ed
