Complaints about Kihikihi’s $8 million Te Ara Rimu cycle way are being addressed by Waipā District Council.
Cyclists on the Kihikihi cycleway
Service delivery group manager Dawn Inglis told The News, in a statement, that the council had received and addressed seven complaints following the construction of the cycle way partially funded by NZ Transport Agency.
Inglis’ comments come after Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board chair Ange Holt told the February board meeting that she had not received any positive feedback on the project as there was a disconnect between what residents thought was planned and what was delivered by the council.
Holt said drivers of some large vehicles were having to go around the two roundabouts created in the project the wrong way because they could not otherwise fit.
Inglis said the roundabouts were designed to easily accommodate all movements of trucks that frequent urban areas, like rubbish trucks and emergency services.
“Larger truck and trailers can easily travel straight through the roundabouts. Waipā District Council has not received any complaints from trucking companies or industry representatives regarding the roundabouts.”
She was aware of one instance following a crash on State Highway 3 which led to a diverted truck and trailer running over a sign on the new Herbert Street roundabout.
Kihikihi Cycleway on a recent Friday afternoon. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
“This was an out-of-the-ordinary situation,” she said.
“The cul-de-sac heads in Kihikihi are 16m across, a size that worked within the existing road width and services. The rubbish and recycling trucks are able to make two-point turns, as they do in many cul-de-sacs.”
In response to the complaints of lack of parking, Inglis said a number of indented parking bays had been created at regular intervals. “This is to cater for anyone who cannot park on their property,” she said.
“As part of the evaluation and monitoring of the completed project, we are open to hearing from residents and road users and addressing issues that have arisen and need attention,” Inglis said.
The council has received complaints about excessive speed in Herbert Street.
“This street is unaltered by the pathway, but the creation of the cul-de-sacs means traffic volume has increased,” Inglis said. “This was an expected outcome and was discussed with the community. Council staff are monitoring the traffic volume and speed and will report publicly on this. Staff are liaising with the police to request patrols of the area.”
The Kihikihi Cycleway on Whitmore Street.
The council will reseal streets in March in response to complaints that old road markings still exist and are confusing drivers.
Council contractors will address weeds growing in the new grass areas and plant missing trees in the new cul-de-sacs, having already installed missing “No Exit” signs.
The shared path project is led and delivered by Waipa District Council as part of the Transport Choices programme.
NZTA is not aware of any issues or complaints about the design.
Kihikihi Cycleway on a recent Friday afternoon. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The community board will discuss the issue at its March meeting.
