Cycling in greater Christchurch will be safer and easier, following today’s announcement that the Government is investing $19.56 million from the Urban Cycleways Fund into cycling projects in Greater Christchurch over the next three years.
The Programme will see $296 million invested across 41 projects in 15 urban centres over the next three years will help to establish cycling as an integral part of New Zealand’s transport network.
The NZ Transport Agency, Christchurch City Council and the Waimakariri District Councils have welcomed the funding. In Christchurch City, the funding will contribute to the $156 million Major Cycle Routes programme to be delivered over the next seven years to help establish cycling as an integral part of the areas transport network.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Acting Regional Director Southern Mark Yaxley, says this is a significant increase in investment in cycling across Greater Christchurch. With a 20 per cent increase in cyclist journeys since 2011, cycling has become a transport mode of choice for a growing number of people and this programme will help us ensure Greater Christchurch is a place where people can feel safe riding a bike.
Mr Yaxley says cycling is a key priority for the Transport Agency. Getting more people in Greater Christchurch cycling will connect them with a wider range of employment, education and social opportunities and a more environmentally sustainable future for our transport network.
“The Urban Cycleways Programme is designed to take full advantage of all available funding sources, including the National Land Transport Fund and local government, to advance high-quality cycle networks much sooner than may otherwise have been the case.”
The Transport Agency anticipates the total investment in cycling in New Zealand over the next three years will be around $380 million to $400 million, delivering over 250km of new urban cycleways and greater network connectivity Mr Yaxley said.
To find out more about the Urban Cycleways Programme and to see the full list of Christchurch cycelway projects that are included in the programme go to www.nzta.govt.nz/UCP(external link).
