21 June 2000

Barriers that were originally intended to prevent the undesirable use of sealed paths in parks, reserves and access ways could be coming down.

The moves are part of the Christchurch City Council’s vision to be the most cycle-friendly city in the country.

The barriers are being assessed around the City with the aim of lessening their severity. This is being done so that a greater variety of users are able to gain access to the parks, reserves and access ways.

"More than half of the 400 barriers assessed so far have been identified as not meeting the New Zealand standards for people with disabilities and need upgrading," says the City Council’s Cycle Planner, Brent Ferigo.

"The problem is they are too restrictive for our current use. Not only do cyclists find the barriers awkward to negotiate but so do people with prams or using wheelchairs and scooters," he says.

The barriers were originally erected primarily to keep motorcyclists out of the parks, but as the number of motorcycles being used is now fewer than half of those of 10 years ago there is less threat from motorbike users, he says.

There is also increased demand for access by other users.

Many of the entrances, particularly in parks and reserves, have already been redesigned and opened up with little or no evidence of undesirable use.

Each site is being assessed to ensure that local issues are considered along with safety factors and the minimum access standards.

It is expected that the majority of the work will be carried out in the next three months.

Further information: Brent Ferigo: 9418925.

Cycle Strategy for Christchurch City - January 2000