This week, we’ve just had the 13th anniversary of the devastating earthquake that struck Christchurch back in 2011 – it really does seem a lifetime ago now. In the first few years afterwards, a lot of discussions were had about what the rebuilt city should look like – and that included the new transport network. Fortunately, the plans included greater consideration of sustainable transport measures including new cycleways, and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (aka CERA) was a big part of making that happen in the central city. Back in Aug 2012, we were still only dreaming about what that might look like – look how far we have come…
Last week we looked at CERA’s new Central City Recovery Plan and how it might cater for cycling. You might know that CERA’s CEO Roger Sutton is pretty keen on cycling; is that likely to translate into the new city?
The Press today highlighted a trip yesterday through the CBD by Mr Sutton cycling around with a group of keen cycling advocates (including many Spokes Canterbury movers and shakers).
It may be a bit of a media stunt, but the symbolism is important. Many of the recent city plan documents have emphasised the desire for a more cycle-friendly city, but there is sometimes a cynicism that it’s all just lip service. Now admittedly, we still haven’t seen anything on the ground, but it’s possibly a first to have a major city leader in Christchurch inviting some keen cyclists along for a ride to consider how they might actually make it happen. Fingers crossed…
What were your hopes for cycling in Christchurch back in 2012?