Another calendar year flies by and we’re ready to herald in 2025 – Happy New Year! For many of us, we might be grateful to see the back of 2024, with various worrying signs for cycling foreshadowed back in our 2023 review…
The new Government for starters was very quick to signal its distaste for those pesky things like lower speed limits and cycleways – and that was soon very evident when the Government Policy Statement came through, and the subsequent Speed Limit Rule change and National Land Transport Programme budget. Other than wrapping up some existing cycleway routes, don’t expect any support from central government in helping to fund any new cycleways in the near future.
At least, some of our cycleways have been completed this year…
Cycle projects managing to get finished with remaining funding this year have included the top end of the Northern Line, the western end of the South Express, further progress on the Nor’West Arc through Ilam & Bryndwr, the lower High Street revitalisation, and the City to Sea pathways east through Dallington.
Fortunately the City Council has decided to push on and fund some cycling links itself regardless (and also propose some in next year’s Annual Plan). But the biggest loser has been the lack of any major funding to implement the Wheels to Wings cycle route, after years and years of delay and bluster.
As if we didn’t have enough challenges there, we then suddenly had the bizarre situation of not being allowed to take our bikes on buses and being threatened with closing a cycleway due to some minimal rail crossing risk. Let’s hope that both issues resolve themselves in a sensible manner very soon!
What’s disappointing is that the latest Census figures have shown how investment in cycling is definitely a case of “build it and they will come”, with good growth seen in Christchurch (and even the wider world is recognising it too). It’s not surprising; as we’ve demonstrated, cycling is actually quite an efficient mode of transport too…
Ah well, if we can’t enjoy the cycleways in Christchurch, maybe we can at least check out some of the ones elsewhere around the country, including the Alps to Ocean trail, the Little River Rail Trail, loops out to Tai Tapu, and the Hurunui Heartland trails. Jumping to the North Island, the streets and paths in Palmerston North and the quick-build cycleway developments recently in Wellington have also seen further growth in their cycling numbers too.
And a great feature this year on this blog has been highlighting some of the many wonderful people who have helped to make cycling a little bit easier and better in Christchurch over the past few years (and even writing books about it…) – thanks to the efforts of all of you!
Thanks to everyone for your support and feedback throughout the year; fingers crossed that in the coming year we will continue to fight the good fight…
What’s been your cycling highlight of 2024?
Wow great story I’m 71 and still cycle most places in ch ch.
The new cycle ways are amazing long live cycling.
Well, I’m 77 and wouldn’t be cycling at all if it wasn’t for ebikes and all the awesome trails in and around Christchurch. I’m happily alive, fit and healthy thanks to all the cycling community up and down the country. Alps To Ocean booked for February, long may it all happen
Stop trying to justify your needless expensive cycle ways.
Your social engineering lacks subtly
If you think cycleways are expensive, wait until you hear about these things called motorways… 🙂
Alps to Ocean. You will love it.
A shout out of thanks for the trail and path improvements in the Waimakariri District as well. There’s been some great work done there recently. The coastal sections make for great riding and the beach setttlements are delightful relaxing places to visit.
Thanks for the 2024 review Glen.
I find it useful to refresh one’s perspective and appreciation of the cycle infrastructure we have here in Christchurch.
We are now lucky to have a multitude of cycling options, both within the city and in the neighbouring countryside. The latter are especially great for day rides, exploring with picnic lunches in our panniers. The benefits to the individual, and the community as a whole, are immense.
Of course, it is critical that the city’s cycle paths are completed so that they form a linked and efficient network. The term “future proofing” comes to mind.
Let’s hope that egocentric and irrational delays don’t force the cost of completing the network further along its exponential path.
Ride on!