Waitakere Recreational Cycling Plan 2010 NZRA Presentation
What is Recreational Cycling Recreational cycling encompasses many forms and disciplines of cycling but which can principally be defined as cycling which is for fun, fitness and adventure whether that be sport, recreation or leisure and which is not primarily concerned with getting from point A to B, as in commuting.
Vision That cycling is promoted as a fun and rewarding activity whether participating for sport, recreation or transport and that there are opportunities for all levels of skills, interests and disciplines.
Purpose To seek funding for recreational cycling opportunities in the West of Auckland To support the outcomes of the Active Recreation Strategic Plan To establish a network plan for the provision of recreational cycling both now and into the future To ensure West Auckland maximises economic and community opportunities through recreational cycling
National Strategic Context
Waitakere Active Recreation Strategic Plan
Objectives Strong Organisation Recreational cycling has strong leadership and clear plan for achieving its goals Integrate recreational cycling objectives with those of transport to meet common goals Easy Access Provide a range of high quality, accessible and affordable recreational cycling facilities Ensure recreational cycling facilities cater to the wide range of skill levels Integrate recreational cycling facilities within parks Increased Awareness Residents and visitors are well informed about recreational cycling opportunities
Benefits of Promoting Cycling Social Improved physical and mental wellbeing Creating activities for children Increased socialisation and networking opportunities Improving safety Greater access and activities on parks Economic Increased business opportunities eg. new bike stores, cafes etc Increase in events in the city Community entrepreneurial activities encouraged Improve local tourism Environmental Specific parks chosen for off-road and mountain biking can reduce pressures on ecologically sensitive areas eg. Waitakere Ranges Encourage recreational routes to be used for sustainable transport Cultural Create local identity Make historical sites more accessible Able to show case local culture to tourists
Trends Commuting cycling has been in decline but seeing some minor growth Cycling investment in commuting Recreational cycling numbers increasing and in particular in mountain biking and road cycling Growth in rec cycling primarily male and in 35-50 year age bracket Dramatic decline in youth cycling between 1989 2009 - Children aged 5-12 decreased from 28 minutes per week to 9 today - Youth ages 13 17 decreased from 52 minutes per week to 13 today New cycling disciplines and sub cultures Downhill, Dirt jump (20 inch, big wheel), Pump tracks, 4x, x-country etc
Facility Needs Type of recreational cyclist Children and the novice rider (including adults) Sports and recreational cyclist Associated facilities Recreational cycling routes Learn to ride facilities Progressive skills parks Recreational cycling routes Specialist facilities (BMX, Dirt jumping and Mountain Bike parks) Safe yet challenging road circuits Criterium race circuits Camping facilities for touring cyclists Pump tracks
Positive Initiatives Project Twin Streams 19km of bike and cycle paths Scenic Drive cycle safety campaign Reserve management plans with cycling support NW cycle way Cycle lanes Funding for local MTB track development Skate parks incorporating bike
Issues Facing Rec Cycling Mountain Biking Growing numbers Mountain bike parks remote Mountain bike parks future unsecure All year ridability Limited urban opportunities unsanctioned use of Waitakere Ranges BMX and Jump Parks BMX track outdated and requiring upgrade BMX club numbers low illegal jump park developed
Issues Cont. Road Cycling Waitakere Ranges growing popularity Conflicts with motorists Safety issues both driver attitude and road conditions Youth Cycling Little effort to encourage youth cycling Lack of infrastructure Safety concerns of parents BMX club membership low Where s the fun?
Issues Cont. Bikes on Parks: Council bylaw prohibits bikes on parks except on facilities specifically designated for bikes I
Other General Issues Lack of events Lack of promotion Focus on transport Obstacles to network provision Lack of challenge
Opportunities/actions Develop Birdwood Reserve as cycling hub Learn to ride and skills areas Better utilise parks for cycling Build pump tracks Develop green highways Improve road conditions for road cyclist Explore local road cycling routes for racing and riding Tourist routes Improve sector leadership/governance Support events Velodrome Waitakere Ranges???
Connecting the Dots Health Sport FUN Transport Transport Environment
Commuting Can be functional and fun if we try OR
Kids want fun and challenge Pump Tracks build skills, confidence and a pathway to BMX and mountain biking. Will lead to more confident commuters