We sent a questionnaire on biking issues to all the candidates for Wellington City Council. This follows on from our analysis of the voting record of Councillors standing for re-election. Another post looks at the responses to a similar questionnaire sent to Wellington constituency candidates for the Greater Wellington Regional Council.

We asked:

And here are the responses we’ve received. Thanks to all these candidates for taking the time to answer!

The responses are grouped by question, then by ward. For a particular question, you can first look at the responses of mayoral candidates, then scroll down to the responses from your ward candidates.

There’s also an scoring of these responses in the Island Bay Cycleway post Who are the most ‘bike-friendly’ WCC candidates? And also check out candidates responses to walking related questions by Living Streets Aotearoa.

Do you ride a bike: what for (recreation, commuting, trips to the shop, etc), and how often?

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: Yes – at an average say 4 times a week, mix of commuting, recreation (usually to and on tracks) and to the shops/ football etc.

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: I no longer ride a bike though my 12 and 13 year old sons regularly ride. When I was 16 years old, I cycled around the North Sea with 5 friends staying in youth hostels and visiting 7 countries [a distance of around 2,000 km].

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: Occasionally

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: I cycle for recreation with my kids, mountain-bike with friends and regularly commute by bike. I usually bike 5 times a week to and from work and sometimes on the weekend.

Johnny Overton, Mayoral candidate: Have done since I went to primary school. Now days, not too much.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: Yes recreation. I walk to commute. I have ridden a bike since childhood.

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: Yes; I have two bikes: a German city bike and a hybrid. I LOVE my German bike which I ride around town (on the flat) but I’m not cycling much these days; I live so centrally that it’s often just as quick to walk – and I am twitchy about cycling in Tory Street (almost inevitable, given I live just off it).

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: No – I own a bike but don’t seem to have much time to ride! I have done the Round Lake Taupo Cycle Race and as a 17 year old cycled from Fairlie to

Wanaka in the Summer holiday!

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: I ride bikes mainly for recreation. I have an electric bike. Up until 2013 when I lived in west London I rode almost daily, and taught my young son to ride confidently in traffic. Now in Wellington, the cycling conditions are not as conducive, as the traffic speeds tend to be much higher but I enjoy riding recreationally just the same.

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: Yes, commuting about once or twice a week, recreation once a week.

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: I ride a bike for both recreation and to and from work almost on a daily basis.

Lynda McGregor, Eastern Ward: Before I had children I spent 4 years participating in Triathlons, Duathlons and road racing. In my final year I participated in the Taupo cycle challenge. Post children, I don’t ride

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: Commuting & Recreation maybe monthly

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: No

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: No, but I did own a bike until recently. Tried biking to work one

day years ago through the city and never tried again.

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: No, I don’t ride a bike. I wasn’t allowed one as a child so never got into the habit. Like a number of things, probably riding a bike is best learned young (as with swimming and languages, for instance). I did ride a tandem once on a Greek island but that doesn’t really count.

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: yes about once a week for recreation only. I have a mountain bike.Unfortunately for cyclists I am a marathon runner so I tend to run for fitness not cycle. But I am also a Dutch citizen and part time resident in Rotterdam, so I have a love of cycling, cycle ways and appreciate the merits of cycling as a form of transportation. I also

know what a good cycleway looks like!

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: I have always enjoyed bike riding, and am a mountain biking fan myself. But in the years since returning to New Zealand I have not bought a bike for myself, choosing to instead to hire a bike for a weekend away in Martinborough, Central Otago or North Canterbury. However I have always owned a bike prior to moving to Wellington.

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: No, I prefer to walk and use public transport, but I am very supportive of making it safer to cycle in Wellington.



Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: Recreation – Novice rider enjoy the bays cycle from the city regular-ish.

Jill Day, Northern Ward: Yes, I currently ride for recreation. It is a great way to spend some family time together. I would like to ride more often, however with young children it is a little harder to use it as a form of transport. I have concerns about road safety, because the traffic can be very heavy at times in built up areas. As a young person I biked everywhere. It helped me build independence and a good understanding of road safety.

Peter Gilberd, Northern Ward: Yes, weekly, for recreation.

Judith Gray, Northern Ward: I have never been taught to ride a bike so no.

Malcolm Sparrow, Northern Ward: Every so often on the road. A little more often on off-road tracks (although still only occasionally).

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: Recreation only. My business and family activities do not lend themselves easily to commuting cycling

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: Yes, I have two mountain bikes, a Trek and a Specialized and ride for recreation

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: Commuting and getting around town. I don’t own a car, so I ride pretty much every day.

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: I use my bike for largely recreational use, the occasional trip to the park,or shops, and around Karori and to mountain bike.

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: I ride a bike extremely rarely in Wellington. I live up a bit of a hill and as fit as I am I find it really hard work to get up it.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: Yes, I ride a mountain bike once a week for recreation and sometimes down to the local village.

David Lee, Southern Ward: 1-2 MTB ride per week, and an occasional commute.

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: No. Cycle mot[or] cyc[le] in my previous life 1960-85.

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: No

What best describes your attitude to riding a bike: “strong and fearless”, “enthused and confident”, “interested but concerned”, or “no way no how”?

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: Between strong and fearless and enthused and confident – I’ve ridden in many places around the world and toured all over NZ – some driving behaviour though and large vehicles getting too close does remind me of my vulnerability.

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: Formerly ‘strong and fearless’ now indifferent in maturity.

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: Enthused and confident.

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: “Enthused and confident” for me, but for my kids and wife “interested but concerned”.

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: I’m always positive – enthused and confident.

Johnny Overton, Mayoral candidate: Pragmatic.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: All of the above

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: Interested but concerned.

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: Enthused and confident.

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: Enthused and confident

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: Enthused and confident on the bike but have some concerns about the lack of cycle lanes and the behaviour of some motorists

Lynda McGregor, Eastern Ward: When I cycled, interested but concerned, now no way no how

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: Confident

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: I think in terms of riding around the city (if I chose

to do so) I would probably be “interested but concerned” given the amount of

traffic and narrow streets we have.

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: When it comes to the CBD, “realistic”.

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: My attitude is best described as “interested but concerned”—for the safety of cyclists and their visibility to motorists.

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: Probably enthused and confident but I have a healthy fear of SUV’s and the people who drive them.

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: “enthused and confident”. I enjoy long distance cycling and have no fear of the bike’s abilities.

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: Personally, I choose not to cycle but strongly support others to do so if they wish.

Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: With caution.

Jill Day, Northern Ward: I am enthused and confident.

Peter Gilberd, Northern Ward: Interested but concerned.

Malcolm Sparrow, Northern Ward: Enthused and reasonably confident off-road. Interested but a little concerned on the road. I used to cycle 10kms each way to school in Christchurch back in the 60s. However the amount of traffic on today’s roads is considerably more than it was then!

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: Between enthused and Interested. A couple of years ago I cycled 550kms through the mainly backroads of Vietnam which gave my cycling skills a real boost.

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: Enthused and confident! I’ve been riding since I was 4 so I’d better be confident!

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: “Lifelong cyclist with three bikes” (Is “Hub-Dynamo Lighting Enthusiast” too niche?)

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: Enthused and Confident.

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: Conservative and cautious. To explain: I often look at things in cost/benefit terms. For me, walking has a terrific cost/benefit ratio – as soon as I am out my front gate, I am getting a health and exercise benefit for the cost of a pair of shoes. The risk of injury is slight – I may twist my ankle or I may fall. Neither have happened in many years. For me, cycling in Wellington has a low cost/benefit ratio – it is a crowded city with dangers all about. I saw a cyclist zooming down The Terrace a while ago. There was no traffic, only him – all I could think was, if a ball flew out onto the road, or a dog, or a child, or if he hit a dropped piece of wood, or if a car door opened – he would come off his bike at a terrible speed and could be seriously hurt! I have never broken a bone in my life and have no wish to do so. So cost/benefit wise, his zooming down the hill risked weeks in hospital and maybe pins in his legs for life. That may seem extremely dull of me to those of you who LOVE cycling and I know some of you do however you might try to put yourself into another’s shoes. When I rode a motorbike I had all the gear, on a bicycle that is impractical. While canvassing I met a chap on Ohiro Rd, on a sunny day, out for a ride and he told me he has LOVED cycling since he was seven. I could tell he did – but I also saw him in shorts and teeshirt and exposed knees and elbows and I shuddered. There may be many like me.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: Enthused and confident.

David Lee, Southern Ward: Enthused and confident.

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: Int[erested] but concern[ed].

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: Interested, but concerned.

Should we encourage more bike trips as part of Wellington’s transport network?

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: Absolutely! I know people want to ride more, it’s healthy, cheap, environmentally friendly and socially good.

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: Definitely.

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: Yes

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: Yes

Johnny Overton, Mayoral candidate: If you want to organise more bike trips then good on you.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: Yes

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: Yes, but Wellington is not ideal cycling territory – in addition to having challenging terrain, we are sited in the Roaring 40s. I would, for example, never ride a bike on a windy day to any event where I wanted to look presentable!

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: We need to take a balanced approach. As everyone knows, the key challenge for Wellington is our topography – we need to be practical and adaptable rather than ideological about transport. I voted against the Island Bay cycleway – not because cycleways are a bad solution but because in my view it was the right idea in the wrong place. I am a big supporter of an iconic high-quality harbour cycleway as a much better way of improving how more cyclists get to and from and around the city. I think that also has great tourism value. And the same thinking applies to our major road corridor. We need four lanes to the planes and to double tunnel The Terrace and Mt Victoria because that’s how and where much of the vehicle traffic moves, and we need a high quality solution for that stretch of road – potentially with a more direct cycle route. As Mayor, I’ll look to have a balanced network that delivers good quality service to the full range of transport users.

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: Absolutely.

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: Definitely!

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: Absolutely. Good to see a good mix of options

Lynda McGregor, Eastern Ward: Yes, cycling is one of many options available to residents.

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: No

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: Yes, but we need to work on creating a network of cycleways if we want less-confident cyclists involved.

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: It should be an option, but I do not subscribe to an anti-car agenda.

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: Yes, more bike trips should be encouraged. This may reduce some congestion on the roads as well as promoting health and sense of the joy of life and is without carbon emissions (apart perhaps from an emission or two of wind from the cyclist).

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: Absolutely but our roads are narrow and cars/vehicles are getting ridiculously bigger every year. Where will it stop?

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: Absolutely. Cycling is an excellent activity for families, and an easy source of transport for children and young adults. It can allow the younger members of our society a much more efficient form of personal transport, and is also a convenient form for other members of the community (as well as great exercise).

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: Yes, absolutely, cycling is a legitimate part of the transport network and should be given a higher priority than it currently is. Under the Council’s Urban Development Strategy, cycling is second to the top in the transport hierarchy after walking and our policies and funding should reflect that priority. I have been proud to be part of a Council that has increased the cycling budget by millions and am hoping to be part of a new council that spends this money wisely to get good outcomes for cyclists.

Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: Yes but with consideration to the terrain and road layout.

Jill Day, Northern Ward: Absolutely.

Peter Gilberd, Northern Ward: Yes, people should have the option to safe bike trips and it takes pressure off other modes of transport.

Judith Gray, Northern Ward: I do think bike trips should be part of the transport network in appropriate places. With Wellington’s topography this is not always possible.

Malcolm Sparrow, Northern Ward: Ideally, yes.

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: Yes definitely as part of a multi-modal approach that takes into account the needs of pedestrians, cyclists, motorists and public transport.

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: Sure, but I’d be unlikely to ride to work as I have too much stuff to carry and the trip back up to Broadmeadows is too hard for me! Haha!

Thomas Morgan, Onslow-Western Ward: Of course the benefits of cycling are well-known. The issue is down to risk on ALL Wellington streets and roads. If likely assessed as too great then the idea is untenable. Christchurch is likely a far better option for road cycling

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: Where realistic, yes. I’m standing for Council in the Western suburbs where the majority of residents live 200 metres above the CBD – I think Karori and Khandallah becoming the new Copenhagen is unrealistic.

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: Yes

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: Yes, of course, who would say no to that. I encourage all modes of physically active transport (I love walking). But definitely not one over the other, or to the detriment of others. And I would see these modes as complementing our roading and public transport network – part of people’s transport choices. People can add as much of walking or cycling as they can manage, to the mix, to get to wherever they want – but they are not to be hectored or lectured about their choice. Rather we need to win the contest of ideas.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: I’d like to see funding for a campaign that gets more people out cycling, walking and using public transport.

David Lee, Southern Ward: Absolutely, a no brainer!

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: Yes. Heaps more.

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: Safe cycleways

What should WCC’s annual cycling budget be (excluding central government funding)? $5 million, $10 million, $20 million?

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: Probably best to answer that by saying I want to complete the whole $100 million cycleway network in no more than 12 years.

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: I would want to see the formal appraisal of the benefits of properly costed projects – with entry to and progress within the development pipeline reflecting payback.

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: $10M

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: When I came on to Council it was in the tens of thousands of dollars per annum. As a Council we have recognised cycling is important, particularly in cities that are modern and want to be healthy. The current spend of $4.3m per annum is a transformative increase, reflects the need for capital investment to make sure Wellington is safe and will help make sure the number of accidents is reduced. I am committed to the urban cycling framework and its delivery. In future years it’s difficult to say what the appropriate amount is because it needs to be determined by the types of projects being prioritised and the operating requirement for repairs and maintenance. What I do know is I want to continue to invest until we have a city-wide cycling network and the Great Harbour Way is finished.

Johnny Overton, Mayoral candidate: Not my area of expertise.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: This cannot be answered out of context, and depends on what it is for….eg The Great Harbour Way or safe separated cycleway, lots of lines on the road, or something else.

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: I wouldn’t have an annual budget, but I would have a list of projects in order of priority (starting with the CBD).

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: I supported the current ten year budget (2015/16) – $45 million and this will be reviewed every three years.

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: Probably about $10 million annually. However I’m aware there is considerable central government funding available including for the Great Harbour Way between Miramar and the central city. I would want to see a lineup of schemes in design before I committed to an annual budget as I believe the consultation problems that beset the Island Bay cycleway illustrates the problem of having an annual budget and pressure to deliver from it within a single year.

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: $10 million in the short term (at least 5 years) while we build the main cycle network, dropping to $5 million as we do more minor works and maintenance.

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: Current Council budget whatever that is. Supported increase at the last election when it was very low.

Lynda McGregor, Eastern Ward: Between $5-10 million to research, consult and establish pragmatic, viable cycle transport solutions. There is a need for cross agency collaboration and ownership of the maintenance and guardianship

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: No cycling budget

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: we are currently budgeting $7.5million for cycleways in the next year but I am unaware what else is being focused on, thus I would be wary of putting a dollar figure on the table without the relevant details. I am happy to see cycling continue as a priority for the council (and thus its expenditure) over coming years.

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: Enough for maintenance of the cycle infrastructure. I do not think

we need to continuously come up with new projects just to spend a budget.

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: The budget in the Long Term Plan 2015-25 posits capital expenditure for cycleways as $57,704,000 and operational expenditure as about half that, so capex would on average be $5.7 million annually. A small portion of overheads like transport planning (network-wide control and management) also needs to be factored in. There is in the plan a push for capital expenditure in 2017-18, however, with $17,071,000 allocated— but it may have been put off to 2018-19 under a “refreshed “ programme agreed to by the Council on 11 August. I don’t know what the costings were to arrive at the amounts. So about $10 million a year on average is needed to make worthwhile progress.

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: Hard to put a dollar figure on this. There is a need from all parties to discover some common sense. Our roads are very narrow and not all of them are suitable for cycle ways, especially both sides of the road. We also need to educate people to appreciate cyclists needs as well as cyclists appreciating the road code and other users. We need to plan cycle ways better – design-wise – as well as engage in much better community consultation. I am particularly worried about the council’s current cycle policy and plans as I feel they are deeply flawed. The “grand harbour” cycleway pits cyclists and pedestrians in a shared space of about 3.5 metres wide….it just wont work. It’s a political outcome from councillors who can’t get on coming together at election time and trying to

quickly show that all is rosy

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: I would like to see Wellington’s cycling budget increased over time, as the need arises. As cycling becomes more common in our cities culture, so too will the need for effective cycling networks and infrastructure. In time I would like to see cycling becoming an integral part of our public transport network, planned in conjunction with existing forms of transport.

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: More is better given the historical under investment in cycling but aiming for $10m a year is more realistic than $20m. Investing in walking and public transport is also a priority for me which also helps cyclists.

Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: Budgeting must be considered across the board. The business case for the development of the cycleway network has been costed at 101 million. You have to have priorities for all developments

Jill Day, Northern Ward: Currently Wellington City Council budgets just over $4 million. I am pleased to see that this money is spread across a number of cycling projects around Wellington. Council contribution towards the Bikes In Schools programme is a wonderful step towards changing our transport culture. I would like to see the annual cycling budget increase and would promote active Council involvement in enhancing Wellington’s biking culture.

Peter Gilberd, Northern Ward: $10-15 million.

Judith Gray, Northern Ward: No comment.

Malcolm Sparrow, Northern Ward: $5-10 million. More if finances permit.

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: Current budgeted spend of $5 million subject to any future business case for additional spend.

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: No idea what it is currently but if the new cycle lanes come out of it, it must be pretty big!

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: We should fund the projects that the city needs, within the scope of the ratepayer. I don’t believe in identifying an amount of money and then trying to work out how to spend it; likewise I don’t think CAW members walk into supermarkets with $100 with the intention of working out how they can use that $100 down to the last cent.

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: We have just over $12 million for cycleway implementation in the next financial year. We should be able to gain cost efficiencies, and gain greater benefits if we use the budgeted funds more wisely. Officer time, and how we spend the allocation needs more oversight. We need to ensure a better bang for our buck is achieved, before any consideration to any increases is made.

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: In the WCC 2014-15 annual plan, the capital budget was increased by $3 million to $4.3 million. The WCC 2016-17 annual plan budget included $7.5m for cycling infrastructure, up from $5.6m in the 2015-16 plan. I don’t have a fixed view of what the budget should be. It would depend on what the other competing priorities for funding were and what the provable demands were. Funding for cycling might vary year on year e.g. some years more for walking and in some, more for cycling or public transport. I would want to provide a pragmatic and sensible approach to all funding requests if I was on council. Overall I would prefer to see an integrated transport budget which is applied as appropriate with the horizontal assessment of needs and cost benefits, of the different projects. These would be seen together as components of an integrated transport network.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: I support the current spend of $4.3m per annum and the need to deliver a safer city-wide cycling network over the next 30 years.

David Lee, Southern Ward: $10m – which is about the current budget allocation in the Wellington Urban Cycleway Programme for the next few years. The biggest barrier holding back the rollout is not money, but the lack of political fortitude and resources to implement and manage projects.

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: $5 million at least, yes.

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: $10 million

Do you support slower speeds in the Wellington CBD?

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: I’ve been the one who has lead all the speed limit reductions in the suburbs, coastal areas and our first attempt at the CBD. We will try again shortly post election.

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: Yes

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: Yes

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: Yes, particularly in the CBD and suburban centres.

Johnny Overton, Mayoral candidate: Of course.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: Throughout Wellington speeds should be as uniform as is possible. CBD is already slowed.

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: I opposed these when they came before Council, because I couldn’t see the merit in having speed limits in side streets where vehicles are already slow (eg Ebor Street, where I live) but not in main roads (Taranaki Street) where speed limits are often ignored. Also the streets’ median speeds were 31kph. So I thought it a waste of $250,000. I am told variable speed limits (with electronic signage) are now being considered, so I’ll consider the pros and cons as part of a package to improve cycling in the central city. As a rather diffident cyclist, I think Tory Street is terrifying as there’s no wriggle room; I would be very keen to see some ideas to improve it for cyclists and pedestrians, in particular.

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: I support safe speeds and much of the traffic in the CBD is slowing. Many cyclists are travelling at greater speeds than cars. I would not support speeds on main arterials in the CBD.

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: Speeds on the Golden Mile have already been reduced. While lower speed limits are a useful reminder to some drivers, many take their cue from the prevailing road conditions. There are ways of altering these “cues” such as lane narrowing and of course traffic calming, depending on circumstances. If a blanket reduction in speed limits is set it needs to be enforced.

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: Yes, apart from the main through-routes which I think should stay at 50 Km/hr.

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: Yes I do. There is not need for high speeds in the CBD

Lynda McGregor, Eastern Ward: Yes

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: No

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: Yes. As an inner city resident I strongly support a 30kmh limit for the whole central city.

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: No, I have no issue with the current limits at present.

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: Yes, I support slower speeds in the CBD. Some streets are already 30kph instead of the standard 50kph for urban areas (and in suburban shopping areas too except Newtown, where the limit is 40kph). This should make it safer for cyclists and also for pedestrians crossing the street.

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: I think 30-40km is fair enough, but it’s not speed it is the volume of cars and the type of vehicles. How about less cars in the CBD or banning SUV’s? I think they are pointless status symbols that clog our roads up and make even driving difficult, let alone cycling.

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: Definitely. Working with my tour company, Wellington on Foot Tours, I see traffic in our city as being a major concern. To alleviate concerns from rising foot traffic in our CBD, I believe the traffic must be reduced to 30km in many additional inner areas, such as Tory Street, Ghuznee Street, and the northern stretches of Victoria and Willis Streets.

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: Yes and voted previously for a 30km speed limit in the CBD when it came to the council table. I also support lower speed limits in the suburbs. Lowering speed limits is the cheapest and one of the most effective ways to make it safer to cycle.

Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: Yes, lowering the speed in the CBD to 30 will reflect the current speed that vehicles travel.

Jill Day, Northern Ward: Yes, I think that it’s important that the streets are safe for all road users.

Peter Gilberd, Northern Ward: Yes, probably 30 kph in selected areas.

Judith Gray, Northern Ward: I think the areas that are currently slower are fine. I don’t believe there should be more.

Malcolm Sparrow, Northern Ward: I might consider 40km/h in parts.

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: Yes but not in the areas that are currently being used as a thoroughfare to travel north/south or east/west across the city (until there is a viable alternative).

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: For bikes? How are you ever going to enforce it?

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: Yes. Improvements in design will help with this, but we also need to get through-city traffic out of the CBD by delivering long overdue investment in SH1. At the moment speeds are rarely above a 30kmh limit because of congestion.

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: Yes, however in some key areas, variable speed limits would be more effective. In peak times speeds should absolutely be reduced in the CBD. The speed reductions should not be seen as just in relation to cycling, as there are other reasons slower speeds should be implemented in the our CBD. The implementation would need to be backed up by education and enforcement.

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: I would want to retain the existing speed limit on major thoroughfares (like the waterfront Quays, Taranaki Street, Whitmore Street, The Terrace, Murphy and Molesworth Streets etc) and reduce the speed limit on narrower streets or high foot-traffic pedestrian zones (like Cuba Street, Dixon Street, Tory Street etc). So I would look at each road on a case by case basis. I don’t believe blanket reduction of speed in the whole CBD is sensible or desirable. Movement of goods and people have to remain efficient and cost effective for our city to flourish economically.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: I would prefer slower speeds are explored city-wide as part of a behaviour change campaign.

David Lee, Southern Ward: Absolutely! Slower speeds (<30 kph) would transform the CBD into a people-friendly precinct. The onus of responsibility would shift to the driver, as there would be no reason for any vehicle versus cyclist/pedestrian conflict.

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: Would that be max 30kph. OK.

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: Yes

Do you support removal of parking if necessary to provide cycleways, for example on the Hutt Road cyclepath?

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: Yes

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: N0

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: No

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: In a balanced way, yes. Different locations will require different ways of thinking and accommodate a variety of users. Our transport system needs to support a range of users and it’s necessary we adopt a multi-modal approach. On the Hutt Road the parks serve many existing businesses who would otherwise have little alternative. There needs to be a balance in order to meet the needs of these businesses and accommodating good cycling infrastructure.

Johnny Overton, Mayoral candidate: I’ll also leave this one up the experts.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: Depends what and where it is. There may be better ways of providing cycleways. There is no point in pitting people against each other.

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: If necessary, but often other changes can be more significant (removing those random posts, for starters). We have to remember that – unlike many other cities – there often aren’t parking alternatives (especially on the Hutt Road) because the city is crammed between the hills and the harbour.

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: I am not a supporter of removing parks without replacing elsewhere.

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: Yes, where necessary and practical. Free parking for businesses should be secondary to road safety and the provision of good quality cycling infrastructure. There are often creative ways of dealing with residential parking, for example making provision for displaced car parking on side roads. Wherever possible we should look for a win-win as otherwise the removal of parking can simply inflame anti-cyclist tensions.

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: Yes, but other parking solutions should be found.

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: Yes in some areas.

Lynda McGregor, Eastern Ward: I would support this option only if there has been full consultation and there is little to no impact on local business

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: No but haven’t been following Hutt Rd plans

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: Yes, within reason.

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: Not in general. Very concerned about the impact of that on

businesses. The Hutt Road cyclepath is taking many parks away and I don’t think the solution (effectively turning Hutt Road into a two lane road) is good enough.

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: In principle, I support removal of parking if necessary to provide cycleways on arterial routes if it enables join-up. On the Hutt Rd, at least on the section up to the Ngaio turn-off near La Cloche café that I have observed, vehicles were jammed up right against the buildings (I don’t know how they managed to park) and the problem was more the uneven state of the path (even after allowing for run-off), making it barely adequate. This path was shared with pedestrians, which is not ideal but not much foot or cycle traffic was evident in this semi-industrial area. Some big outfits, like Freedom on Thorndon Quay and Spotlight on Hutt Rd, have off-street parking but some others might miss out on business unless an alternative can be found.

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: Absolutely. This particular issue is a disgrace. Council have allowed illegal parking for years and it is not good enough. The way it is set up at the moment is a death waiting to happen. And the current compromise for the Hutt Rd cycle way is pathetic. The whole cycle way issue has been poorly handled and everyone is ducking responsibility for it. We need park and ride areas for motorists coming into town and a parking building for workers of the businesses located their. Then we can have a proper bona fide cycle way for cyclists only. Do it nice or do it twice.

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: Only if deemed absolutely necessary. Parked cars already present a problem in many narrow streets of Wellington’s hillier suburbs. However, on major arterial routes and larger roads I believe that a balance needs to be found between vehicular and cycle access.

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: Yes, if necessary but if possible think it is helpful to find solutions for those that need a park and those that could use public transport rather than drive. For example, it may be possible in some cases to provide alternative parking spaces or provide a higher level of bus service (Greater Wellington’s job). Breaking the project into different stages is probably the best way to make sure as many people are on board as possible.

Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: Currently in public consultation stage. In regards to Ngauranga I do not support the removal of parking spaces unless those parks can be made available off the road.

Jill Day, Northern Ward: As long as there is balance and the amount of parking lost is managed effectively.

Peter Gilberd, Northern Ward: Yes, but after proper engagement with affected parties.

Judith Gray, Northern Ward: No.

Malcolm Sparrow, Northern Ward: It’s a matter of striking the right balance.

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: Not for the current proposed Hutt Rd design which I think is unsafe for a commuter ride as there are too many intersecting driveways. There also needs to be sufficient parking enabled for businesses and for those cyclists who choose to park on Hutt Rd and cycle into the CBD. Since you raised Hutt Road I emphasise that while separating cycles and vehicles would be great, more important is separating cycles and pedestrians. The current proposal fails in that regard and even worse has two way cycle traffic. In my view the best solution would be cycle lanes both southbound and northbound.

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: I think there’d need to be parking facilities before this could be considered, otherwise where would all the people there park?

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: Potentially (particularly Tory Street; see below). I ride down Hutt Road most days, and the parked cars aren’t an issue for me; the lampposts are a far bigger concern.

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: Yes, however in a fair and reasonable manner, with good engagement, and where there may be some other options offered for additional parking nearby. The Hutt Road in particular requires a cohesive collaborative approach too. There is no way the Island Bay mistakes should be repeated.

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: I recognise that there is clearly a conflict over space; cycleway v parking, which requires the need to work with the wider community as cycleways affect everyone. We absolutely need to minimize negative effects for all other road users and seek solutions that do so. This must be done before proceeding otherwise we risk alienating the local community. We could look at finding alternative parking arrangements such as increasing parking on side streets, and off street parking. All this of course would only be done when a proven, confirmed demand is shown. It is a commercial industrial area whose people and needs we must consider and respect.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: All efforts should be given to retain parking, and only removed if necessary and in consultation with residents and other key stakeholders.

David Lee, Southern Ward: All effort should be given to retain parking, and only removed if all other solutions have been exhausted.

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: Don’t know. My sympathy is cyclist.

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: Yes

What is your preferred solution for the Island Bay cycleway?

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: I am happy to let there be a community discussion about this – bearing in mind that the ‘community’ includes all points of view – people on bikes very much included. I think we start from the outcomes we want to achieve on that corridor. That clearly needs to include provision for safe cycling for all ages.

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: I am happy to let the re-design process take its course and keen that we should learn from design errors and failures in stakeholder relationships.

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: Listen to community and cycling groups recommendations about change and then council act upon them.

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: I want a safe cycleway that Island Bay residents and cycle way users are proud of. There are a range of different design options that could work. The community is currently working through options in conjunction with cyclists. Getting the consultation is important and the advice from those involved will help guide my decision. We have successful cycle ways in Tawa, Khandallah’s Bridle Path, a shared path in Johnsonville serving schools, the Leonie Gill cycle way and we’ll soon commence improvements on the Hutt Road and Eastern suburbs harbour-side cycleway, Each is different and shows varying designs and approaches can be used successfully.

Johnny Overton, Mayoral candidate: Return it to how it was before the madness began.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: I want the community to decide. I have a proposal to put to them at the appropriate time which would enhance the Parade, be safe for children, adults and commuters, straight and not tangle with driveways.

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: I fought this from the start, as I am sure you are aware (!), so won’t re-litigate my reasons. It was foisted upon people; the political process was scandalous (the amendment that over-rode the cycling masterplan); the consultation was poor/erratic; the design a disgrace… Council must listen to what locals want; most seem to want it restored to its former state; if that’s correct, then we should do it. In future we should trial cycling routes, using – for example – armadillos to delineate the cycling lane (I have been suggesting this for the past three years). The Island Bay cycleway has done enormous damage to the cycling cause in Wellington.

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: As a Council, we rushed at the Island Bay cycleway, and the result was a pretty unhappy community which is partly why I voted against it. I’m not going to pre-judge this one – we agreed unanimously to go back to the community and find out what the people in Island Bay really want, and we need to stick with that process. I’ve had people express strong views both for and against the cycleway while I’ve been out campaigning, and it’s unfortunate that what should have been a relatively straightforward piece of infrastructure has divided the community. We need to be practical and pragmatic about solutions. As Mayor, a priority will be to make sure we put the right cycleways in the right place, get as much investment from central government as we can and do it with input from the community.

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: That’s a difficult one. I think it was well-intentioned but ill-advised as the carriageway width is just slightly too narrow for what was implemented. I don’t believe it’s seriously deficient as a design, but it falls short of best-practice. My main concern is that if faster cyclists prefer to stay on the main carriageway they can be abused by drivers. I believe the council should have taken a more in-depth look at the parking demand – much of it probably comes from commuters, not locals, so displacing some of this parking would not necessarily have been problematic. The solution might be to remove parking from one side of the road and spread everything else out, although I appreciate this would be expensive and untidy and could further inflame local tensions. The main lesson to learn is to undertake more in-depth planning and consultation before embarking on such projects.

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: First, I’d like to see some adjustments made to the existing design to reduce the cycleway width slightly on both sides and make the width consistent for the whole length, which would allow more space in the carriageway for vehicle traffic and buses. Also cats-eyes or some other treatment on the edge of the cycleway so people don’t park over the lines. But if the community comes up with an alternative idea that has widespread buy-in I’d be happy to support it.

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: I disagreed with that design in the first place and believe it is dangerous. I prefer the lanes to be on the outside of cars so they can see you and you can see them. Better for driver education. They can still be well marked and differentiated.

Lynda McGregor, Eastern Ward: Return Island Bay roads to their original state. Re-establish trust and confidence in WCC and work across the city with the different wards to establish their individual transport strategies. I want to see a master plan for transport solutions based on ward needs. WCC should be providing the high level vision, making those connections. This is a cross agency initiative

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: Revert to previous.

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: I believe the current work underway will see satisfactory resolution.

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: I’ll leave that to the people of Island Bay. However I believe that

the design should never have been accepted.

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: I have no “preferred“ solution for the Island Bay cycleway but I think it quite likely there will still be one and thinking will revert to adopting the hitherto usual pattern, i.e. cycleway directly to the left of the vehicular carriageway. I gather that the pattern followed in Island Bay is based on the Copenhagen model. Interestingly, on a website that model has been criticised by one David Hembrow, particularly the “left turn junction” ; he says the Netherlands model remains superior (the implication being that the “faddish” Danish approach has not worked elsewhere, in Southampton for instance, and has had to be adjusted). I must say I have driven along The Parade and not found it all that easy to negotiate. I see that Cycle Aware Wellington and the Island Bay Residents Association have recently jointly set up a pop-up shop on The Parade to explore options and this is to be welcomed. New Council chief planner David Chick seems motivated to facilitate a solution.

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: I’d almost be prepared to say start again but I guess we are too far down the track for that. I have seen this design in New York but on roads twice or more as wide. The green paint is hideous and confusing, the cycleway is too narrow and there is no kerb or boundary to stop vehicles from intruding into the cycleway area. In short it’s a bit of a dogs breakfast.

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: The design of the Island Bay Cycleway was an attempt at something innovative, which eventuated as a bureaucratic nightmare. When addressing the issue, the practicality of the design needs to be considered. In my opinion the whole thing needs to return to the planning stage and be redeveloped, with a higher level of community involvement and participation.

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: I think it should be retained but that we need to work with the community to make improvements where necessary to make it safer. As part of this work, my hope is that we can also look at how we can also improve the urban environment in Island Bay even more.

Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: Something that works for everyone.

Jill Day, Northern Ward: To maintain an open consultation process that works to resolve the issues. This needs to be a priority for Wellington City Council, so that other cycle projects can progress.

Peter Gilberd, Northern Ward: This has to be settled by constructive discussion between the interested parties.

Judith Gray, Northern Ward: Redesign to an appropriate cycleway that takes into account respect and consideration for ALL roadusers – cars, pedestrians, cyclists, buses etc.and also allows for parking. Listen to the local residents. I grew up on The Parade in Island Bay. It was a wide, safe, carriageway for all users. Now it appears to be a narrow road with severe safety concerns.

Malcolm Sparrow, Northern Ward: Have to work with a broad cross-section of people to come up with the right answer to this one!

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: Given the sensitive issues in Island Bay – I understand that IBRA and the community of Island Bay, together with WCC, are working through a process involving submissions and workshops to ensure that the community and all road users “have their say”. The outcome of this process should come up with a preferred solution that best works for all.

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: Anything but what they have now!

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: Restoration to how it was. As a cyclist riding inside the cars feels more dangerous to me – I’ve narrowly avoided being ‘doored’ twice, and I’ve had kids run out in front of me. IBCW is an inappropriate design for the environment – how does a three-wheel Christiana cargo bike negotiate the bus stop bypasses (and their unfriendly cambers) without tipping over? The previous layout was fine. Council should have focused on getting a slip lane for cyclists from Adelaide Road to Tory St – that would have been a far more significant improvement. The design process and cloth-ear to the community’s wishes has done enormous damage to cycling in our city.

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: Continuing the good faith engagement with all parties contributing to solutions in a non-confrontational, and non-adversarial fashion is essential in moving forward. The solution would be an option, which would require a big improvement from what existed pre the contentious existing cycleway. It needs some give and take, to ensure the current situation, where there is still some distrust, moves forward, and does not get worse.

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: I would prefer to see the restoration of the Island Bay Parade. I believe the community supports this – we shall see. This restoration can include roadside cycle lanes. They can be improved from the pre-cycleway roadside lanes. They might have a rumble strip or rubber dividers or raised border to separate moving traffic and cyclists. A dooring zone would also be an obvious addition. I was expecting to see these options on the table during the original cycleway proposal process. These changes could be included as part of the 10 year plan for Island Bay which would look at using the whole width of the road (fence to fence) and provide sufficient demarcated space for walking, cycling, public transport and private vehicles. With this improvement to the southern corridor, cycling numbers might rise over time to then provide a stronger justification for cycling facilities.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: A community-led process is currently underway and my preferred solution will be guided by the outcome of this. It’s critical that the next council listen to the people of Island Bay when the solution is presented for approval.

David Lee, Southern Ward: A two-way carriageway (see pic) on the western side of The Parade, and a shared path on the eastern side.

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: Monitor usage and grow. Level fifty pct. Encourage. There was a set back. The fault is too many cars and petrol and flites.

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: Remove one side or put down the middle.

What do you see as the three most important cycling projects to implement in the next year?

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: It’s really better to say what will get done in the next year – ie what will be ready to go. We will implement the agreed Hutt Road work. NZTA will lodge consent for Petone – Ngauranga. We will complete detailed consultation on the Eastern suburbs package and start implementation. We will undertake engagement on Island Bay to Newtown (stage 2), and at least some of the uphill routes to Karori, Ngaio, Brooklyn, Khandallah, Newtown, Newlands. We will consult on Thorndon Quay. We will consult on options for Let’s Get Wellington Moving which will include cycling initiatives in the central city. We will gain greater clarity about options for Port access and Aotea Quay.

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: I would have to study the development pipeline – I currently don’t have enough knowledge to make these calls.

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: Continuation of the development of Ngauranga to CBD corridor, and connections along Eastern route. The third are of importance is a continuation of projects in the Wellington CBD. Enabling other ways to travel within the CBD is a very good way of reducing car traffic.

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: The Hutt Road, the Eastern suburbs harbour-side route into town and the Southern cycling route, including Island Bay and stage 2 from Wakefield Park to the CBD.

Johnny Overton, Mayoral candidate: The first stage of my localisation revolution would involve developing of a trail blazing localisation & future proofing vision. Plans for an integrated, secure & more environmentally friendly transportation system would be a key aspect of this vision. Such things should be considered when developing this plan.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: Three safe separated cycleways. It depends where the money is coming from…..if Central Government funding then we can complete the Great Harbour Way through the Port etc.!

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: 1) Improve cycling in the CBD, with at least one cross-town route for ‘interested but concerned’ cyclists like me – these improvements include more bike-friendly drain covers,and more bike stands (CycleHoops and Sheffields, preferably); 2) Make bike storage compulsory in office and apartment buildings (it has taken me three years to get additional bike racks in my apartment block, and the visitor racks are still being negotiated – crazy); 3) Develop ‘quiet ways’ for cyclists like me – not separated lanes, but quieter streets where cyclists would take priority over cars. [NB: those confusing green boxes are pointless unless fed by a cycling lane].

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: The iconic harbour cycleway from Miramar to Ngauranga that I have championed with the Minister of Transport – including an offroad solution around the Port. I secured unanimous support from councillors to shift funding allocation to this project. I would also support a direct off road route from Island Bay to the City.

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: 1. The Cobham Drive/Evans Bay Parade section of the Great Harbour Way, as a protected cycleway. This will probably be a 2-4 year project but designs must commence soon. There’s no reason why the Cobham Drive section can’t be built this summer, as it’s not problematic. 2. The Hutt Road cycleway, provided it isn’t compromised by the retention of footway parking. 3. Planning for a high quality cycle route at both ends of the proposed second Mt Victoria traffic tunnel, with a proper segregated route through the eventual tunnel itself of course.

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: Hutt Cycleway, Miramar cutting to Waitangi Park around the Bays route, Uphill route on Brooklyn Road

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: Harbour way, Eastern suburbs options, clean up the Island Bay mess.

Lynda McGregor, Eastern Ward: Island Bay cycleway project needs to be completed. Connecting Coban drive. Cycle education encouraging safer cycling and cycle confidence.

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: Cycleways out of CBD to Newtown/Berhampore and Kilbirnie.

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: Sorting out Island Bay and address concerns with Victoria Street, the Hutt Road cycleway and the round-the-bays cycle path are all

important. Personally I want to see a strong conversation about cycleways and

how they fit into the wider vision for Wellington as a liveable city in broader terms.

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: A connection from the waterfront to the pathway along the inner city bypass to get across the CBD. Something between Hutt Road around Aotea and Waterloo Quays to the waterfront. The Miramar Cutting to Waitangi Park project sounds good but I’ll have to see more on it. Will commuting cyclists be interested in a shared pathway? Seems unlikely, which would make it pretty pointless.

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: None of the most important cycling projects are likely to be completed in a year, but at least funding has been allocated to be spread over ten years and projects should eventually, if incrementally, be completed if the programme is stuck to by the Council. The Great Harbour Way (but Centrepoint access issue is a stumbling block) , the Island Bay cycleway and a cycleway through Newtown via Constable St to Kilbirnie and Cobham Drive are the three projects I’d nominate as priorities.

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: Hutt Rd is #1 as I think we are genuinely risking someone’s life if we don’t sort this out now. Fixing Island Bay is second. Third I am not sure. It is hard to join up areas with the current plan because I don’t think the routes are right. Too may narrow streets. We need to start again and look at wide streets and roads and do it on them i.e. Cobham Drive would be fine but then you have to work out how to connect that with the next section without impacting traffic and/or building a cycle way that is too narrow and essentially useless.

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: I would like to see the following three projects implemented for Cycling in Wellington. Development and improvement of supporting infrastructure around Wellington’s waterfront, with facilities such as public tyre pump and bike racks.

Construction of a scenic cycleway through Makara and the Ohariu Valley. Implementation of a cycle program in local schools to teach children how to interact with bikes in their neighbourhood.

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: I would love to see some progress on Hutt Road and Thorndon Quay but am not sure that we will be able to complete this work in the next year. I would also like to make minor improvements in the CBD plus put in a 30km speed limit and make progress on the Great Harbour Way.

Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: Agreed cycle ways that build the credibility of the cycle way while supporting local businesses along those arteries. We all live in the city lets share it.

Jill Day, Northern Ward: 1. Earlier this year I managed the Bikes In Schools project at Hampton Hill School in Tawa. I think cycling is an important skill for our young people to develop. It’s affordable, healthy and environmentally friendly. There are many great outcomes from having people on bikes. As a teacher and parent, I would like to see more schools building bike tracks and incorporating this into their curriculum. 2. Continued investment in cycle ways, to improve the safety of Wellington cyclists and maintain traffic flow. One way this can be done is to provide good information around safe bike routes around the city. 3. Greater promotion of the economic, environmental and health benefits of cycling.

Peter Gilberd, Northern Ward: A broadly-accepted solution to the Island Bay cycleway issue, and development of the Eastern Suburbs and Hutt Road cycleways.

Judith Gray, Northern Ward: Review Island Bay cycleway as above. Appropriately designed cycleways in other suburbs that take into account the thoughts and wishes of the residents who live, work, play and travel in the area. Education of road users (all including cyclists) about respect and consideration for all others using the road – not just one group.

Malcolm Sparrow, Northern Ward: Those currently in the pipeline including the Hutt Road and Eastern Suburbs projects.

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: Council first needs to get better at engaging with local communities on cycleways early on in the design phase. Once it improves its engagement processes, this should speed up overall implementation. Hutt Road does need improvement-as above. Island Bay need to be redesigned to meet local community needs and preferences. Eastern suburbs also needs further community engagement

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: Around the bays, Petone to Wellington and I’m open on the third.

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: 1) Creating a safe, segregated route from the Basin to beyond the St ation: this would be part of a Tory Street upgrade, link to the waterfront and Whitmore Street. Using armadillos to create a protected route would allow us to demonstrate good road design, and reassure the non-cycling public that the road space isn’t set in stone – we have to win the politics, remember! Future road improvements (a car-less Lambton Quay?) would then be relatively easy to fit into this network. Armadillos could also be used to create ‘access lanes’ to the green advance stop boxes at traffic lights. These only need to be 20m long, but they’d be a huge improvement. 2) Better integration of cycle storage in the city’s building code (new apartment buildings especially) and London-style ‘bike hangars’. Oh, and more locking points: I’m sick of finding my bike flat on the pavement after an hour of being locked up. 3) Investment in our mountain biking trails. I’m more of a dirt road tourer than a mountain biker but mountain biking is something has huge potential to deliver economic growth. A route round the heads from Red Rocks to Makara and Porirua would be epic – an amazing combination of accessing remote landscape, yet still being able to drink beers back in town at the end of a long day on the bike. And it’d be great for showing people that bikes are part of our economy. I could see people coming to Wellington City for a long weekend of pedal-powered fun – that’d be fantastic.

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: Safety Programmes for the inner city, including education, and an emphasis on creating better road user behaviours. Adopting a Cycling Code of Conduct for Wellington. The Great Harbour Way. A Petone to Queens Wharf carriageway would be a priority, where both cyclists and pedestrians can coexist, and be separated, would be a good thing. The Cycleway aspect could then be interconnected to other areas of the CBD. There would need to be wider resilience aspects built into the cycleway in relation to The Great Harbour Way too, to ensure cyclists would use the route, and especially in some of our dynamic weather.

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: Clearly the Great Harbour Way from Pencarrow to Red Rocks is the big one. A critical part of that is the Wellington city section from Waitangi Park to Miramar cutting. However I do share the concerns of Mike Mellor, from Living Streets Aotearoa, that this section will not provide enough room for cyclists and pedestrians to mix safely. For myself, working with the Island Bay community to develop a long term solution on The Parade and therefore the Island Bay cycleway, is the most important.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: Hutt Road, eastern and southern routes including a solution for the cycle way in Island Bay. I will also continue to push for a route as part of the Great Harbour Way from the airport around the south coast to Te Kopahou Reserve, Red Rocks.

David Lee, Southern Ward: Hutt Rd, a package of easy-wins (minor improvements) that are less controversial, slower speeds for the CBD.

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: Berhampore Newtown. Evans bay.

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: Karori to city, Island Bay to city, Eastern suburbs to city.

Do you think electric assist bikes are a good way to encourage more cycling?

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: Yes – eBikes will help make cycling a viable option for some people, and make it more attractive for others. Increasing demand shows that people want eBikes.

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: Yes

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: Yes

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: Absolutely, they are perfect for Wellington’s wind and hills and I think they will encourage many more people on to bikes as a healthy and affordable way to get around Wellington.

Johnny Overton, Mayoral candidate: They’re a damn good idea, especially for the old & decrepit like me.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: They could be-it depends how people see cycling…….

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: I really don’t have a view on e-bikes.

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: Yes.

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: Definitely.

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: Yes, they will be transformational.

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: I think they are great and know a few older friends that have them for mobility purposes.

Lynda McGregor, Eastern Ward: Yes

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: Yes

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: Yes

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: Sure

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: Yes, electric assist bikes seem a good way to encourage more cycling. They may appeal to the less energetic and be good for longer distance trips! I don’t know whether they would pose some risk to manual pedallers but I’m told the electric function would tend not to be used by bikers on the flat, so as to save the batteries.

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: Unsure. It’s personal preference. Wellington is hilly so it might have merit but they are expensive – well at least the ones I have seen – $4-5K. I’d love to see a few cargo bikes out there. I think they are great.

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: I believe that electric assist bikes are a great tool for commuting, or for those who would otherwise find cycling physically difficult. Electric assist bikes can also provide an added boost for hill climbs, something which could be very useful here in Wellington.

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: Yes, for those not so confident or fit but think we need to be cautious about the use of these bikes in downhill environments. Furthermore, we also want to make sure that in using a bike people are getting the maximum benefit in terms of fitness, a conventional bike may be better in that respect.

Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: My friend has one so he can keep up with his wife when out cycling. So that’s a good idea and supports more people cycling. They go faster than cyclist like me but then most people do.

Jill Day, Northern Ward: Yes. I know that I personally find the hills around Wellington pretty challenging on a bike. Electric bikes will make cycling around Wellington appealing for more people.

Peter Gilberd, Northern Ward: Yes, particularly for commuters to the Northern Ward who return home up the Ngauranga Gorge.

Judith Gray, Northern Ward: Not sure.

Malcolm Sparrow, Northern Ward: Yes.

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: Yes but speed of both commuter and electric assisted bikes must be a factor in safe use of shared pathways, cycleways and roads. Again I emphasise that cyclists and pedestrians do not mix apart from very low speed.

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: I’m open to this as I’ve never tried it but not sure whether riders of electric bikes would progress to motorbikes as they seem very similar to mopeds. I can’t see getting one myself and would prefer a conventional bike.

Thomas Morgan, Onslow-Western Ward: The preference for electric bicycles is entirely an individual one. Personally, I would not ride any bicycle on any Wellington street.

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: Their cost is prohibitive for most. I’m not sure they’re the game-changer some believe them to be.

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: Yes

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: They might but I somehow doubt it. The high purchase price combined with the ongoing repair/maintenance costs, the need to have an alternate lightweight non-electric bike for purposes other than commuting and the increased safety risk due to travel at higher speeds would seem to be factors against high uptake. Frankly most average wage/salary people would be as well off just getting a cheap 50cc scooter plus a regular bicycle.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: Yes, but unfortunately they remain unaffordable for many.

David Lee, Southern Ward: Yes, ebikes for both road and trail will be the biggest game changer for encouraging the uptake of cycling – for commuting and recreation.

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: Pedal power low energy. Watts the spec. If you want them. Fresh air. I’ve only seen at Wellington zoo. Interested. Speed limits. Draw line motor cycles.

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: Yes

Andy Foster, Mayoral and Onslow-Western Ward candidate: Cycling is growing significantly in Wellington, unlike the rest of the region. I want to get many more people on bikes, all ages, and for a whole range of journey types. Cycling is fun, healthy, environmentally friendly, sociable, generally cheap, reduces congestion and demand for parking space. To get more people on bikes requires a good quality coherent network, and wrap around events, bike racks, bike boxes, bikes in schools etc. To date delivering good cycleways has been very difficult mostly because of lack of commitment or downright opposition around the Council table, sometimes disguised as diversions. We need the words to be turned into active, positive support.

Keith Johnson, Mayoral candidate: I would be keen to consider proposals for dedicated cycle-ways off-road through the margins of the Town Belt and its associated / linked parks and sports grounds.

Nick Leggett, Mayoral candidate: Supportive as part of a balanced transport network. Support investment in cycleways to encourage more people onto bikes. Also a strong supporter of recreational Mountain Biking Tracks.

Justin Lester, Mayoral candidate: We’ve come a long way since 2010 in terms of improving Council’s approach to more balanced transport infrastructure, including walking, cycling, public transport and vehicles. The number of cyclists continues to increase and we need to accommodate cyclists in a safe way. I want to live in a progressive, healthy city that accommodates pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users and motorists and keeps each group safe. Personally I like biking and running to work because it keeps me healthy and is good for the environment. I recognise different people have different needs and we need to accommodate a range of users.

Helene Ritchie, Mayoral candidate: It is a challenge to ensure a safe cycling network but we should try where we can for recreational bikers, and commuter, and children. My son, Jonty Ritchie has represented New Zealand at the Worlds and was one of the first mountain bikers with the Kennetts, in New Zealand. He now has a mountain bike business in Ngaio-Revolution Bicycles….so I have additional family reason to ensure safe cycling.

Nicola Young, Mayoral and Lambton ward candidate: Pedestrians are very nervous about shared spaces; I am amazed at how often the subject is raised with me: Oriental Parade and around the waterfront.

Jo Coughlan, Mayoral candidate: I am a supporter of transport choice and cycling is part of the mix. I see mountain biking also as very important to our city – particularly as it is a key attractor for talent and makes us a very livable city. We have some fantastic mountain bike tracks and we need to continue to build on that. View my GoJosGoPro here: https://www.facebook.com/JoCoughlanForMayor/videos

Chris Calvi-Freeman, Eastern ward: Providing safe infrastructure is a real challenge with Wellington’s narrow and hilly streets. But as Mandela said, it was only impossible until it was done!

Sarah Free, Eastern ward: We’ve actually come a long way in three years…. Who would have thought we’d be talking about a cycling budget of $37 million!! But we need to keep talking to all sorts of people and explain the WHY of getting a better and safer cycling network. Although people who cycle often wish we could move faster, I personally believe we need to make haste slowly and build a widespread groundswell of support- this will come as kids take up bikes in schools, retired people buy eBikes and school kids start to ride to school and sport.

Rob Goulden, Eastern ward: Good to see cycling being encouraged. Not sure what current Council budget is.

Robert Murray, Eastern Ward: Cycleways are a mess. Footpaths should be available with conditions, cyclists should be tolerant.

Brian Dawson, Lambton Ward: We have a lot more work to do on our approach to cycleways if we want to encourage cycling in other than the more experienced and bold ranks. Without an integrated network of cycleways we will continue to be at a disadvantage. There also needs to be some real conversation and consultation at all levels, including with the cycling fraternity. If we are going to spend a lot of money on infrastructure we need to be sure it will be used by as many as possible, and that needs to be led by the experienced cyclists.

Dave Gee, Lambton Ward: I think when it comes to cycling in the CBD we need to be realistic. Many of the streets are already squeezed from cars/buses and parking/footpaths. I do however think there should be a method to get across the CBD to access other suburbs.

Milton Hollard, Lambton Ward: Provision of cycleways needs to be integrated as a matter of course into consideration of transport issues together with other modes in aiming to promote the effective movement of people and goods. Cycle and foot traffic need to be separate from vehicular traffic (and from each other) wherever practicable, with priority lanes too for buses, shuttles and taxis and emergency vehicles (fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles). With Wellington’s topography, narrow streets often laid out in the horse and buggy era, associated parking problems, crumbling seawalls (although this may sometimes offer an opportunity) and narrow frontages, widening roads to accommodate cycleways will remain unrealisable in all too many places but should be persisted with where opportunity allows and cycling traffic shows demand. Light rail needs to be reconsidered as a possible transport mode.

Tony Jansen, Lambton Ward: I am fully behind cycling. Every civilised city values it. But we live in a very selfish neo liberal world and also in a country that now has almost an exclusive car culture. We have to change attitudes. It isn’t easy when the country’s government is pro road and anti public transport. And I guess the current city administration’s troubles have only exacerbated the difficulties in getting cycling accepted as an equal partner.

Troy Mihaka, Lambton Ward: I am happy to see the rise of cycling in Wellington. Living abroad I gained first-hand experience of cities where cycling is common place both as a recreational pastime and as a form of commuting. The introduction of cycling to Wellington as a method of commuting will require a period of adjustment for our society.

In time, I believe New Zealand will begin to accept bicycles as a standard part of our lifestyle, however at present more common forms of transport may need to be prioritised.

Iona Pannett, Lambton Ward: Thanks to Cycle Aware and other cycling groups that they have done an enormous amount of work to get cycling onto the agenda, to build tracks and for your educational work to make it safer for cyclists. We will continue to make progress but obviously need a clear majority on council to make that happen.

Mazz Scannell, Lambton Ward: We should stop referencing Wellington against European cities that have broad straight streets. The Copenhagen model works in Copenhagen as they have apartments with few street exits in a city block. Island Bay has many exits in a block. Helsinki has formal cycle ways in the CDB which everyone uses. In the suburbs they share the wide street with vehicles or bike on the wide footpath. Their cycle way is two way so bike etiquette is self-policing. Whereas the Wellington city streets were planned on table in London. Imagine their surprise when they arrive to find we had hills. An example is Watt Street in Wadestown, built in a number of sections. Wellington streets have grown from cart tracks that have been sealed as the city has grown. Planning should consider our characteristics in particular geography and type of use before putting pen to paper.

Jill Day, Northern Ward: Wellington has an exciting diverse landscape which offers a variety of cycling opportunities. I would like to see more people participating in cycling activities throughout Wellington.

Judith Gray, Northern Ward: All road users need to show respect and consideration for each other. Currently some from ALL groups lack this in their use of the streets of Wellington.

Diane Calvert, Onslow-Western Ward: The past approach within WCC has pitted cyclists against motorists and vice versa when it doesn’t need to be this way. I think CAW’s new approach (led by your chair Ron Beernink), to foster better engagement with local communities, will do more to enhance cycling in Wellington. I have been very impressed by Ron’s ability to listen and engage. The recent promotion and impacts of planned mountain bike trails across WCC’s open space has not been clearly articulated to or understood by all parts of our communities. There is concern being expressed about transparency of funding as well as how walkers will continue to be accommodated safely. This will be a key topic for the incoming Council to consider.

Ray Chung, Onslow-Western Ward: There have been all sorts of numbers bandied around about the number of people riding bikes and these numbers vary so much that I’d like to see an accurate survey done on the numbers along the different routes into the CBD

Thomas Morgan, Onslow-Western Ward: Cycling other than on public roads is another question and is something that should be considered more deeply by all those involved. There are other options which require further exploration and which would eliminate the potential for loss of life.

Matthew Plummer, Onslow-Western ward: We have to win the politics of cycling. As a committed cyclist (three bikes, no car) I want to see better cycling infrastructure BUT we must recognise the importance of getting design right and starting at areas of heavy bike traffic. I know some want us to be more like Amsterdam or Copenhagen, but equally my Dutch and Danish mates would love to have Wellington’s mountain biking. It’s about achieving a decent balance. CAW has an important role to plan in the debate, but City Councillors have to govern for all, and that will mean compromise. But make no mistake, I do want to make Wellington more cycle friendly, and I hope my answers demonstrate this.

Simon Woolf, Onslow-Western Ward: Cycling should, and could be a made safer in the city. Much of the existing tension lies in a road user culture ( That’s vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians), where minorities cause heat, and help to create a “them and us” situation. Cycling does have a reputation for having some radical elements, who cost cycling dearly. Fair and reasonable will always win out over radical, and uncompromising behaviour. Some of the behaviour, shown by so called cycle advocates, has been far from acceptable this term. It does not help the cause.

Brendon Bonner, Southern ward: The topography of Wellington means most suburbs have a single arterial connection rather than a grid of roads like Christchurch. This single arterial connection usually has a small low rise area surrounding it that can often rise quite rapidly. Newtown and Island Bay and their surrounds fit this. For most folks here, this city is probably just not one that we feel easily able to cycle in – for safety (not just because of cars) and for physical reasons. The cycle lobby needs to acknowledge that not every one can cycle or even walk. Currently for most people, the car is king. To charge ahead and develop cycleways and leave these people without reasonable parking, can have the effect that shopping, entertainment, and community facilities like bowling clubs or churches will wither and die. While cycling is a great transport choice for those who want it, it must complement roading and public transport. It cannot loudly claim to be an immediate substitute for them. It’s not one or another, it’s the whole transport system working as one, and cycling has a part to play in it, regardless of how big or small that role may be. In Wellington there must be open and being transparent community engagement – bring the community onside with cycling improvements. This is NOT what happened in Island Bay and the resulting reaction has done the cycling cause great harm. I have met really lovely people who have said to me things like “I [expletive deleted] hate cyclists now and I’m astounded to hear myself say it.” I am NOT anti-cycling. Where you have the numbers I will support you. In my suburb your advocates went ahead without the numbers. Democracy dictates against that. The community and myself are happy to support less divisive cycling endeavours. We have a strong tradition of innovation in New Zealand, maybe we should aim to create a different way of thinking about transportation – Wellingtonize rather than just Copehagenize or Hollandize.

Paul Eagle, Southern Ward: I definitely support cycling and want to see it successfully integrated into our city. My wife and I recently donated a bike to a friend who needed a cheaper way to get around, which clearly shows the social benefits of this great technology.

David Lee, Southern Ward: The cycling community (especially MTB) is so strong in Wellington, with a bit more coordination, we can make this the MTB capital of NZ, i.e. learn from the success of Rotorua, Queenstown, and Taupo. Wellington’s strategic location can appeal to the wider domestic and trans-Tasman adventure tourist market. MTB is the new skiing, dirt is the new snow!

Don McDonald, Southern Ward: Cheerful sight. Girls on bikes. 100 years. U can see and shout. Safety.

Brent Pierson, Southern ward: Needs to be safe and functional, with good community input.