A raised crossing is part of the plans. Photo: New Plymouth District Council / supplied A proposal to create $17 million worth of safe walking and cycling routes in New Plymouth is dividing the city.
Schools say dedicated cycle lanes will improve children’s safety, but businesses fear a loss of car parks will threaten their viability – and some cyclists question the need for protected bike lanes.
Waka Kotahi wanted to create four kilometres of cycle lanes protected by concrete barriers on South Road and Devon Street West, the part of the Surf Highway (State Highway 45) running west of New Plymouth’s town centre.
Another four km along State Highway 44, or Breakwater Road and St Aubyn Street, linking the centre of town with the port was also planned.
Sharon Devlin, co-owner of Graphix – a design business on Devon Street West – said it might be left with just one on-street car parking space. Co-owners of Graphix, Shane and Sharon Devlin. Photo: Robin Martin / RNZ
"We’re a business that handles heavy items. We are a manufacturer of heavy items and large items that become sales as soon as they walk out the door, so having close car parks is essential."
Devlin – who started a petition against the proposals – did not know if she would be able to carry on."I’m not sure to be honest. It’s going to severely affect our business. If our clients can’t come to us and can go to someone else, then they will do."Stephen Parkes who owns […]
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