Even while funding for some cycleway projects has stalled, it’s nice to know that work is still ticking along on some of the Major Cycle Routes around the city. One of those is the Nor’West Arc cycleway through Ilam and Bryndwr, and a couple of weeks ago I went to have a look at progress (Spokes Canterbury also posted a video ride-through of part of it too).
First consulted on back in 2017, the overall Nor’West Arc route actually stretches all the way from Cashmere in the south, through Hoon Hay, Hillmorton, Middleton and Riccarton, before continuing north via Ilam and Bryndwr until it reaches Harewood Rd in Papanui. The northernmost section (“Section 3”) was actually consulted on over four years ago, but construction is still only partially complete.
For now, the top end starts from Condell Ave and heads south along Aorangi Rd. In a few months, the final stage will head up Matsons Ave to reach a signalised crossing at Harewood Rd.
A two-way separated cycleway runs along the western side of Aorangi Rd here, with side-road and driveway crossings highlighted.
There have been some grumbles that the new cycleway is narrowing up the existing roadway and removing some car parking as a result. I have to say though that the on-street parking demand was looking pretty slim when I was riding along there (and seems to be the case most of the time), so I’m not sure if it’s really a major issue…
Approaching Wairakei Rd, things get interesting as a signalised crossing provides a safe way for cyclists and pedestrians to get across this busy road.
Once on the other side, there’s a quick switcheroo from the east to the west side again and the two-way cycleway continues south.
Approaching Brookside Tce, we get to the next gap in the route – currently from there until the end of Aorangi Rd at Ilam Rd.
Work on this should be getting underway fairly soon, continuing the two-way separated cycleway along the western side.
Once we reach Ilam Rd, the cycleway picks up again and becomes part of a shared path.
As well as a pathway along the frontage of Jellie Park, there are also on-road cycle lanes as well.
At the Cobham Intermediate School entrance, a signalised crossing lets pedestrians and cyclists cross over.
Now the cycleway becomes separated one-way cycle paths on each side of Ilam Rd.
The cycleway paths continue across the signals at Memorial Ave and head south towards the university.
Again the one-way separated cycleways continue along each side of Ilam Rd.
One more set of traffic signals get you across the Creyke/Maidstone intersection.
Soon after this you have reached Canterbury University! The Nor’West Arc then continues on down Ilam Rd heading towards Riccarton Rd.
At the bus stops near the university, there are even bypasses steering cyclists behind the bus shelters.
(By the way, if you’re wondering about the lack of people cycling – that’s what happens when you have a look at a brand new cycleway on New Year’s Eve…)
Overall the cycle route is looking very good, with some nice crossings along the way as well. I’m looking forward to seeing the final parts of the cycleway completed in the next half-year, making it much easier for people to access Canterbury University from the northern suburbs.
Have you ridden the Nor’West Arc cycleway yet? What did you think?