Back in 2019 – long before widespread road speed woes surfaced – a Martinborough couple had identified the need to provide separate systems for fast-moving road vehicles and slow-moving bikes and pedestrians.
Rosie and Paul Collins made an unsolicited submission to South Wairarapa District Council:
“Martinborough Cycle Paths” was the heading on a brief note submitted by the pair.
They began by noting they had lived in the area since 2002, had historic family links and were “excited” to “see it (the south) prosper.”
“We’ve seen the growth in tourism generally, and more specifically, the recent rise in the number of cyclists. The Green Tours Cycle company based here in Martinborough, for example, has 350 bikes for hire,” their 2019 submission added.
Then came the kicker.
“While thrilled by this hive of cycling activity around Martinborough and its vineyards, our concern is for their safety and enjoyment. We see family groups, couples and social groups having a great day riding around our roads. Naturally they like to ride two or more abreast.
“Our roads are narrow – with an open road speed limit (of 100 kph). Reducing that limit won’t solve the problem.
“The problem is that there’s not enough room for cars and cyclists,” they warned – at the same time pointing to a solution:
“Most of these roads have wide grass verges, ideal for a cycle path. The total distance is miniscule (approx 11 km).
“In HB (Hawkes Bay) there are hundreds of kilometers of cycle paths. Their initiative is to get people out and about, riding bikes for exercise and good health, but the paths also make it safe for cyclists to cycle around the HB vineyards.
“This is something that could be a great general initiative for our area too, but the first step should be the roads around Martinborough, between the vineyards, where we see so many people.
“Our concern is that one day there will be a fatal accident if they aren’t given the alternative of a safe path to ride on.”
This 2019 submission by the Collins couple is the fourth road speed limits, cycling or road calming proposal made to SWDC which has surfaced in
recent weeks – and over which no (significant) action was taken.
All remained dormant in council files – until February’s fatal car vs “crocodile” multi-bike accident on Puruatanga Road sparked calls for action from the wider community.
