CAMBRIDGE NEWS | 1
THURSDAY DECEMBER 8, 2022
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Inside today…
THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE
We’re at the Cambridge parade. See Page 3
INSIDE FIELDAYS –
Mary Anne Gill reports on the big summer event. See pages 23-25
POWER PLAY –
American giant Tesla wants to park in Cambridge. See Page 20
It’s a real newspaper
DECEMBER 8, 2022
Ride on: money for Waipā By Mary Anne Gill
A project which drew ridicule in Cambridge has been backed by the Government to the tune of more than $10 million. Waka Kotahi declined to back the scheme to get more people on their feet and bikes – but money has been made available from the climate emergency relief fund. Projects in Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Kihikihi form part of the council’s $11 million Urban Mobility programme which stalled when a 51 per cent contribution from Waka Kotahi - the government’s land transport agency - did not eventuate. There was condemnation when the streets for people section of the plan, involving brightly coloured bollards and polka dots painted on intersections, was trialled in Cambridge. Despite that, the work has resulted in more cycle use, particularly among youngsters heading to school. Transportation manager Bryan Hudson told the Service Delivery committee this week that Waka Kotahi was using Waipā’s “flagship projects” as a good example for other councils of how to roll out cycling and walking initiatives. “We accept not everyone wants to be on a bike, but plenty of people in Waipā
Celebration time, from left: Cambridge Community Board chair Jo Davies-Colley and her three children Lansley, 7, Nina, 11, and Sylvie, 9 with deputy mayor Liz Stolwyk, mayor Susan O’Regan, Margaret Drew and in the pram Adie Williams, 19 months. do and that number is growing,” deputy mayor and Urban Mobility Group chair Liz Stolwyk said The money will offer safer ways to get to school, town, parks and home again without relying on a car. On Sunday Transport Minister Michael Wood announced a range of projects selected to get a slice of $350 million as part of the Transport Choices package. The projects, funded from the climate emergency
response fund - established in this year’s Budget – focus on low- and no-emissions transport to reduce the need for cars. Waipā’s share could be up to $10.4 million, the council said in a media release and work could get underway mid next year. Under the plans, the popular Te Awa River Ride and Hamilton Road cycleways would be extended into the Cambridge business district
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and broken cycle links in Cambridge west fixed. In Duke St, council is considering a wooden boardwalk to provide enough space for a two-way cycleway while maintaining two-way traffic. The funding in Kihikihi would connect the town centre with the domain and eventually extend to schools in Te Awamutu. Stolwyk said most people want fewer cars on roads and safe pathways for
mobility scooters, e-scooters and walkers. “This is win-win for everyone and I’m absolutely thrilled. “In the meantime, the work to reduce our reliance on cars, reduce emissions and provide more transport choices in Waipā – including an improved bus service across the district – won’t stop. “There’s more work to do but wow, this is a great way to end the year.”
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