The Wellington City Council is poised to pause the controversial Wadestown cycleway project, which has been budgeted at a significant $472,000 for consultant costs alone. This decision follows extensive public feedback and ongoing discussions within the council, signaling a shift in how the city approaches its infrastructure development.

Cost Breakdown and Public Feedback

The cycleway, designed to extend from Wadestown shops to Churchill Drive, has faced considerable opposition from the community. Public feedback revealed strong resistance to the cycleway, with concerns also raised about the associated parking changes. The current budget for the cycleway includes $472,000 in consultant fees, $290,000 in staff costs, and an additional $543,000 for construction. Proposed parking changes are estimated to cost $125,000 in consultancy, $114,000 in staffing, and around $240,000 for construction.

The council’s street transformation manager, Paul Barker, has provided a detailed cost breakdown, but it remains unclear if the $472,000 consultant budget has already been spent. Recent papers suggest that council staff are recommending a deferral of the cycleway until there is increased demand and until key central city sections of the network are completed.

Reactions from Local Leaders and Advocates

Cycle Wellington spokesperson Alex Dyer expressed support for the council’s efforts but emphasized the importance of completing the city’s cycle network. “For decades Wellingtonians have been crying out for protected bike lanes and a basic level of safety and connectivity by bike,” he said. “It’s great to see the council is getting on with the job. We celebrate their efforts to respond to what Wellington wants.”

Local councillor Ray Chung questioned the reliance on consultants, suggesting that significant portions of the $472,000 budget may have already been expended. Councillor Sarah Free, who chairs the regulatory processes committee, anticipated that the vote to defer the cycleway would pass. She pointed out that the council would need to justify removing car parks for what she described as a “low quality” cycle lane.

Councillor Diane Calvert criticized the current approach, suggesting that earlier traffic calming measures could have been more cost-effective and avoided the current delays. “Piloting these measures several years ago would likely have been a cost-effective and resource-efficient approach,” she said.

Controversy Over Parking Changes

The proposed parking changes have been a significant point of contention during recent public consultations. Opposition came from various quarters, including a man about to undergo a hip replacement, a mother with chronic pain, and a medical center that claims it may be forced to shut due to the changes. These concerns highlight the potential impact of the parking modifications on residents and local businesses.

However, the parking changes have also received support from others who view them as a positive development. Some see the changes as a necessary improvement amid challenging times, believing they will enhance road safety for cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.

Community Perspectives

Wadestown resident John Forster, while not opposed to cycleways, described the decision to halt the Wadestown west cycleway as “sensible” due to the narrowness of the road. He suggested that, rather than expanding cycleways, Wellington might consider implementing a lower 35kph speed limit city-wide to improve road safety.

Cyclist and advocate Larri Wallbridge, though not a Wadestown resident, argued that the narrow roads could be used as a case for promoting cycleways, which could encourage more people to ride.

Conclusion

As Wellington grapples with these complex issues, the decision to pause the cycleway reflects a broader debate about balancing infrastructure development with community needs and budget constraints. The outcome of this decision will likely influence future urban planning and transportation strategies in the city.