Christchurch City Council has applied for Government funding to add painted cycleways, road signs, and introduce lower speed limits in the city to help residents maintain social distancing in the fight again Covid19.

Funding will come from Julia-Anne Genter’s innovating streets for people fund.

NZTA says “Guidance has been developed by NZTA to help councils across New Zealand respond to the challenges presented by COVID-19 on our streets, and increase the feasibility of walking and cycling for people in our communities.”

“The World Health Organisation recommends that during COVID-19, whenever feasible, walking and cycling are preferred ways of getting around as they can support physical distancing while meeting minimum daily physical activity requirements.”

The council’s plans are expected to impact on-street car parking, but the authority won’t say where.

A spokesman said “this will be determined as we work through the design if the funding for any of these projects is obtained.”

Beckenham Neighbourhood Improvements – Total Project Cost $184,000

· A series of temporary streetscape amendments are proposed that aim to slow traffic and create a safer and more accessible walking and cycling environment. The proposals would help to promote access and enjoyment of key destinations including Beckenham School, Beckenham Park, and the Heathcote River, support the success of local businesses, and make the area a more attractive place to live.

Selwyn Street Neighbourhood Improvements – Total Project Cost $133,000

· Traffic calming trial including intersection build outs using short-term, low cost interventions. Suggestions include painting on roads, reflective flexi posts, and planter boxes, which can be moved or adapted fairly easily or removed if unsuccessful.

St Albans School – Sheppard Place – total Project Cost $90,000

· A trial temporary closure of Sheppard Place with temporary bollards is proposed during school start and finish times, to put a stop to poor parking behaviours that endanger children at St Alban’s School. Residents of Sheppard Place would still have vehicle access to the street.

The proposal would improve safety for pedestrian and cycling access to the school from Sheppard Place and through from English Park, and creates a safe place for families to meet.

Covid-19 Initiatives – Central City / Key Activity Centres – Total Project Cost $56,000

· This proposal aims to make physical distancing easier and safer in the Central City/ Key activity areas, by reducing obstacles to pedestrian movement, and providing ongoing communication and advice on safe distancing practices. Initiatives include social distancing messaging and removal of pinch points to allow space for people to safely move about the city

Covid-19 Response – Coastal Pathway – Total Project Cost $12,000

· Installation of temporary barriers to divert pedestrians and cyclists along one-way pathways for the not yet completed section of the Coastal Pathway to allow social distancing to occur. This location has been prioritised due to a significant increase in pedestrian and cycling activity, a desire to continue safe access through this area, and the opportunity to strategically trial and test planned future works

Mairehau Road – Cycle Route and Schools Safety Improvement – Total Project Cost $180,000

· A package of works to improve safety on key routes to schools including trial temporary cycle facilities along Mairehau Road en-route to Shirley Boys/Avonside Girls High Schools and around Waitākiri Primary School, temporary pedestrian refuge islands, thresholds, and shared space.

Hendersons Road – Cycleway Improvement – Total Project Cost $173,000

· Trial a shared path on Hendersons Road between the wetlands and the Penruddock Rise /Cashmere Rd intersection. Since its opening the wetlands have become even more popular for walking and biking, and there currently is no footpath.

Colombo Street (Bealey to Kilmore) – Central City connection between MCR and Central City

Total Project Cost $430,000

· Trial painted cycle lanes with buffers, installation of temporary features (e.g. planter boxes, cycle stands), coloured patterning on carriageway, lower speed limit to 30km/h between Bealey Ave and Kilmore Street.

· Opportunity to work with businesses and local community, and assess impact on on-street parking and assist with economic recovery as we move through Covid 19 Alert levels.

Ferry Road – Central City connection between MCR and Central City – Total Project Cost $400,000

· Trial painted cycle lanes with buffers, installation of temporary features (e.g. planter boxes, cycle stands), coloured patterning on carriageway, lower speed limit to 30km/h between Fitzgerald Ave and Madras Street.

· Opportunity to work with businesses and local community, and assess impact on on-street parking and assist with economic recovery as we move through Covid 19 Alert levels