Safer journeys for people who cycle to and from The University of Waikato and the central city is one pedal closer now the preferred biking connection between the two destinations has been identified.
Hamilton City Council’s Infrastructure Operations Committee this week (8 June 2021) approved a route that will see almost 1800 nearby residents travel to work, school, or university by bike rather than car each weekday once it’s developed.
The city centre to university corridor will introduce separated cycle lanes along Memorial Drive and Anzac Parade to Hamilton East village. The link will continue via Cook Street, Wairere Drive, Clyde Street and Knighton Road.
Yesterday’s decision means that this route is what goes into the business case applying for up to 51% of the $34 million cost from Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.
The preferred route has been informed by engagement with the community, undertaken between October 2020 and March 2021. Further conversations with the community will help to refine the layout and design of the cycleways following the outcome of the business case.
Chair of the Infrastructure Operations Committee Councillor Angela O’Leary said more than 80% of respondents to consultation on Council’s Biking and Micro-mobility Plan want safer infrastructure for cycling.
“For me, it’s about providing a safer choice for cyclists, and for people to have another option for transport. Our Access Hamilton strategy says that 13% of all trips made in Hamilton are to be made by bike by 2050. This project is just one that we need to do to help us reach that goal.”
Council’s Transport and Urban Mobility Lead, Martin Parkes, said the project provides benefits for everyone who travels to and from the central city and the university, as well as the surrounding schools and community.
“We want to shape a city that’s easy to live and move around in, no matter what your transport choice. By incentivising more people to choose to use a bike for their daily commute will also improve the experience for motorists. The best outcome for motorists is fewer motorists on the road.”
The city centre to university link is one of the major projects being delivered as part of the Eastern Pathways/Te Ara o te Rawhiti programme.