Waitakere Recreational Cycling Plan

Waitakere Recreational Cycling Plan

“Since the bicycle makes little demand on material or energy resources, contributes little to pollution, makes a positive contribution

to health and causes little death or injury, it can be regarded as the most benevolent of machines.”

Paul Cornish

Prepared by Louis Rattray: Leisure Services for Waitakere City Council

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Waitakere Recreational Cycling Plan

Executive Summary

Recreational cycling is the predominant purpose for cycling outstripping commuter cycling 100:1. Most bikes bought and sold in New Zealand are for the purpose of recreation with mountain bike’s being the most popular. There has been a rapid growth in recent years of road cycling for sport and recreation purposes and this is reflected in New Zealand performing exceptionally well on the world stage in all disciplines.

Whilst this Plan acknowledges the importance of providing infrastructure for community cycling this Plan has been produced due to the lack of focus on cycling provision for recreational purposes. It is believed that an increased focus on recreation cycling will further enhance the sustainable transport objectives by providing alternatives to road based commuting, provide people with the skills and confidence to ride on the roads for commuting and further improve infrastructure providing for a more pleasant commuting experience.

Whilst this plan is a Waitakere plan many of the themes and objectives are transferable to the wider Auckland region. Issues such as identifying popular recreational road cycling routes, the lack of mountain bike and off road facilities and providing local facilities for children on local parks appear to be regional issues. With the imminent restructuring to the Auckland Council in 2010 it is uncertain who will develop the actions of this plan however there is the opportunity to incorporate this document into a regional plan. Some issues relating to road cycling for instance are not necessarily local issues for example the recreational cycling that takes place in the Waitakere Ranges is undertaken by people from all over the Auckland region.

The intention of this plan is to strengthen the recreational cycling environment for Waitakere residents and beyond. It looks to provide local recreation opportunities whereby children can take their bikes and spend time honing their skills on obstacles and


jumps, provide economic opportunities for communities, encourage more recreational cycling through safer environments and develop the cycling sports to foster champions of tomorrow.

Vision

That cycling is promoted as a fun and rewarding activity whether participating for sport, recreation or transport and that there are opportunities for all levels of skills, interests and disciplines.

Purpose

1. To seek funding for recreational cycling opportunities in the West of Auckland.

2. To support the outcomes of the Active Recreation Strategic Plan.

3. To establish a network plan for the provision of recreational cycling both now and into the future.

4. To ensure West Auckland maximises economic opportunities through recreational cycling.

What is Recreational Cycling

Recreational cycling encompasses many forms and disciplines of cycling but which can principally be defined as cycling which is for fun, fitness and adventure whether that be sport, recreation or leisure and which is not primarily concerned with getting from point A to B, as in commuting.


Research Summary

I producing the recreational Cycling Plan Key research findings relating to Recreational Cycling are:

SPARC – Active NZ Survey 2007/2008 SPARC – SPARC Facts 1997 – 2000 Ministry of Transport - Cycling for transport: Ongoing New Zealand Household Travel Survey 2003 – 2007 League of American Bicyclists - The Economic Benefits of Bicycle Infrastructure Investments 2009 Bike NZ – Bike NZ Strategic Plan 2007 – 2010 New Zealand Transport Agency – New Zealand Walking and Cycling Strategy Stocktake 2008 Taupo District Council – Walking and Cycling Strategy 2006 Cycle Advocates Network – Facts about New Zealand Cycling Ridestrong – The Facts: Cycling in New Zealand Land Transport Safety Authority - Network and Route Planning Guide City of Napier – Bike It: The Napier Cycling Strategy Land Transport New Zealand – New Zealand Walking and Cycling Strategies - Best Practice 2005 Cycling England – Cycling and Health North Shore City Council – Recreational Cycling Plan 2007

Trends in Recreational Cycling

Since the 1970’s, whilst commuter cycling has been in decline, recreational cycling has enjoyed a significant upsurge.

INSERT GRAPH

The number of cyclists in New Zealand is estimated to be about 1.3 million with about 750,000 of these being regular cyclists.

According to Census statistics, the percentage of employed people who used their bike as their main means of transport to work fell from 3.1% in 1996 to 1.9% in 2006. During the same time-span, the percentage of people who drove to work increased from 56.9% to 58.6%. Conversely in 2007 over 280,000 bikes were imported into New Zealand, according to the Bike Industry Association of New Zealand (BIANZ), compared to 158,000 in 1997 and 96,000 in 1988.


Bikes Imported to NZ (BIANZ)

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50,000

100,000

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300,000

1988

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A significant contributor to the upsurge in recreational cycling has been the advent of mountain biking which started with limited numbers in 1984. In 1985 tariffs were significantly reduced on a variety of recreational items and the importation of mountain bikes increased. Of the BIANZ bicycle import figures stated in the above graph the largest percentage of sales are mountain bikes.

Mountain Bikes 38% Road Bikes 29% BMX 13% City Bikes 12% Fitness Bikes 10% 178,000 bike helmets imported into NZ in 2007

The popularity of mountain bikes is driven by the sport itself but also because the mountain bike is a rugged, versatile and easy bike to ride in everyday situations.


DemographicsAccording to the Active New Zealand Survey conducted by SPARC in 2007/2008 cycling has increased in popularity as an active recreation activity for adults (16 years +) when compared to the SPARC Facts 1997 -2000 research conducted by SPARC utilising the 1997, 1998 and 2000 Physical Activity surveys.

SPARC Facts1997-2000

Active NZ Survey2007/2008

% population % population

All NZ 15% 411,300 23% 745,000

Male 17% 223,000 28% 453,000

Female 13% 187,900 18% 295,000

Age Demographics


Active NZ Survey


2007/2008% Ranking

in Top 10

% Ranking in Top 10

Up to 24 23% 8th 23% 6th

25 - 34 20% 8th 27% 6th

35 - 49 18% 6th 32% 4th

50 - 64 9% 8th 20% 5th

65 + 3% 9th 6% 10th

Notes:

SPARC Facts included Asian in Other category. Pacific did not feature in the Top 10 Recreation activities in Active NZ Survey

According to the Cycling for transport: Ongoing New Zealand Household Travel Survey 2003 - 2007 less children are riding bikes less frequently. In 1989 children aged 5-12 were riding on average 28 minutes per week. Today this is 9 minutes. For youths aged 13 -17, this has gone from 52 minutes per week 20 years ago, to 13 minutes today.

Recreational Cycling Needs


Ethnic Demographics


Active NZ Survey2007/2008

% Ranking in Top 10

% Ranking in Top 10

European 16% 7th 26% 5th

Maori 16% 8th 20% 7th

Pacific 8% 9th - -

Asian n/a n/a 11% 10th

Other 9% 9th 22% 5th

For on road recreational cyclists the then Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA), summarised rider preferences in the 2003 Cycle Network and Route Planning Guide with the following:

Sports adults

Sports adults often travel at speeds higher than 30 km/h. They are confident cyclists and prepared to claim their road space. They generally cycle over long distances, mainly along urban arterial or rural roads, and may seek challenging terrain. They often travel in groups of two or more and like to ride two abreast.

These cyclists prefer:

high-quality road surfaces minimal delays physically challenging routes and demanding gradients generous road widths.

Recreation cycling

Recreation cyclists ride mainly for leisure and place a high value on enjoying the experience. They are usually less constrained by time and vary widely in skill and experience.

Popular recreation cycling destinations include routes along rivers, coasts and reserves, as well as attractive routes with low traffic volume and speed.



comfort good surfaces minimal gradients a high degree of safety and personal security routes that are pleasant, attractive and interesting screening from weather and wind parking facilities where they dismount to use facilities or visit attractions on the journey.

Touring cycling

Touring cyclists travel long distances carrying camping gear and provisions. They are often experienced and travel in pairs or groups.


routes that are, or lead to, pleasant, attractive and interesting locations generous roadside shoulders high-quality road surfaces, although some may seek journeys on lightly trafficked back roads rest areas - water, toilets, shelter.

The LTSA did not address the needs of off road cycling such as mountain biking, youth specific activities and sport specific requirements as these activities are not generally conducted on the roading network and therefore sits outside of the LTSA mandate.

Due to the number of recreational cycling disciplines and activities the needs of the various recreational cycling groups can largely be summarised as follows:


Type of recreational cyclist Associated facilities

Children and the novice rider (including adults)

Recreational cycling routes Learn to ride facilities Progressive skills parks

Sports and recreational cyclist Recreational cycling routes Specialist facilities (BMX, Dirt jumping

and Mountain Bike parks) Safe yet challenging road circuits Criterium race circuits Camping facilities for touring cyclists

Strategic Context


The Recreational Cycling Plan sits within the strategic framework of the below model as described in the Active Recreation Strategic Plan and provides a level of detail that fills the space between the various Strategic Plans and Activity Plans.

The outcome sought by the Active Recreation Strategic Plan is to see More People, More Active More Often in the West and views the three pathways of Increased Awareness, Easy Access and Strong Organisations as a means to achieving this outcome. A key to achieving the desired outcome of the Active Recreation Strategic Plan is to ensure that participation in activities is high. The


Eco City Vision

SustainableDynamic

J ust

Social Strategy

EconomicStrategy

Cultural Strategy

Governance Strategy

TransportStrategy

Growth ManagementStrategy

Environmental Strategy

Active Recreation

Strategic Plan

Parks and Open Spaces Strategic Plan

Community Development Strategic Plan

SPARC

NZRA

Sport Waitakere

ARPASS

Other Council Strategic Plans

Leisure Activity Plan

Parks Assets Activity Plan

Properties Activity Plan

Libraries Activity Plan

Other UnitsActivity Plan

Leisure Activity Plan

Parks Assets Activity Plan

Properties Activity Plan

Libraries Activity Plan

Other UnitsActivity Plan

Com

munity O

utcomes, P

olices and Plans

Com

munity O

utcomes, P

olices and Plans

Active Waitakere

Active Recreation Strategic Plan talks of a Participation Pathway Model whereby high performance sport is a natural by product of many people participating in sports and activities. SPARC also reflect the participation element in their model below.

The Recreational Cycling Plan seeks to offer opportunities for all people to participate in cycling based sports and activities and as a result will help meet the objective of getting more people, more active, more often.

Key Stakeholders


NATIONALLY

SPARC (Sport and Recreation New Zealand) was established as a Crown entity on 1 January 2003 under the Sport and Recreation New Zealand Act 2002 to “promote, encourage and support physical recreation and sport in New Zealand”.

SPARC’s functions are set out in section 8 of the Sport and Recreation New Zealand Act 2002. These functions can be grouped as follows:

develop and implement national policies and strategies for physical recreation and sport; provide advice to the Minister of Sport on issues relating to physical recreation and sport work with health, education and other agencies to promote greater participation in physical recreation and sport through policy

development, advocacy and support, in line with the objectives of the New Zealand Health Strategy represent the Government’s policy interests in physical recreation and sport internationally

SPARC is supporting New Zealand sport cycling for the next four years until the 2012 Olympic Games with a grant of $12m for high performance development.

Bike NZ was established to support and deliver services to its member national cycling organisations, including advocacy, in their respective development of competitive, recreational and commuter cycling. In this regard, BikeNZ is unique internationally and supports SPARC’s mission to be “the most active nation”.

BikeNZ will lead the delivery of its integrated Strategic Plan, which represents the sporting, recreational and advocacy growth development targets of the following member organisations, as well as other key stakeholders such as SPARC, national Charitable Trusts and the cycle industry, who are supporting BikeNZ’s programmes.

• BMX NZ

• Cycling NZ

• Mountain Bike NZ


• NZ Schools Cycling Association

• NZ Masters Cycling Association

• Cycling Advocates Network (CAN)

Cycle Advocates’ Network (CAN) was formed in 1996 as New Zealand's national network of cycling advocate groups. It is a voice for everyday cyclists - recreational, commuter and touring. CAN works with central government and local authorities, on behalf of cyclists, for a better cycling environment.

CAN’s Vision is that “Cycling is an everyday activity in Aotearoa/New Zealand.” and their aims are: to increase public and official recognition of the benefits of more cycling to increase safety for cyclists by educating cyclists and other road users and by improving provision for cyclists in transport

planning & engineering to promote the development of a cycling environment that is convenient, pleasant, accessible, safe, comprehensive,

connected and constructed to standards reflecting international best practice to develop cycle advocacy and cycle action to encourage cycle tourism. to promote the integration of cycle and transport planning with planning in areas like housing, land use, education, health &

the environment

Bicycle Industry Association of New Zealand (BIANZ) is a non-profit trade association of specialty bicycle retailers, with supporting membership from wholesalers. BIANZ is a specialist trade section operated under the umbrella of the New Zealand Retailers Association. The BIANZ Executive is composed entirely of elected active cycle retailers and wholesalers who give their time for the quarterly meetings, at which all executive decisions are taken, on a voluntary basis. Activities of BIANZ include:

Proactively promotes and protects the interests of its members. Represents members’ interest to both local and central Government Industry representations to the Commerce Commission, Safety Standards Committee, ACC and Land Transport Safety

Authority, among others. Promotes Bike Wise Week nationally.


Informative Bi-Monthly Newsletters to members and other interested cycling parties sent either electronically or by mail. Representation on various cycling committees and with other kindred bodies. Keeping abreast with updates of the Standards

REGIONALLY

Counties Maunukau Cycling Club North Harbour Cycling Club Cycle Action Auckland (CAA)

LOCALLY

Department of Cycling (DoC) is committed to support all kinds of cycling activities in West Auckland, organise exciting events and work with the Waitakere City Council and other organisations on improving cycling infrastructure out West.DoC has been started to support an existing community of both road cyclists and mountain bikers whom have fallen into that interesting community between elite and youth - the majority of riders out there today. DoC activities include:

Road Cycling:• Saturday no drop bunch rides for novices - this is all about learning and building confidence.• Sunday bunch rides are for that next level up as well as more elite riding.• In co-junction with Avanti Plus Waitakere run spin classes at the shop with a professional teacher (Tuesdays in summer added Thursday in winter).• Summer, running a Time Trial circuit out at Kumeu, which caters for riders of all abilities.• Taking support team to most major events.• Working with Waitakere City Council to promote and support safer cycling and the existing cycle ways.

Mountain Biking:• Wednesday night group rides to Woodhill Forest,• Saturday and Sunday mornings trips to Woodhill or Riverhead.• Provide support and teams for major events (Moon Ride and The Dual).


Waitakere BMX Club is based at Te Rangi Hiroa Reserve in Ranui/Swanson. This active club currently has between 40 and 50 members at any one time, ranging in age from 5 – 40+.

Avanti Cycles Waitakere is a retail store in Henderson

Bike Barn New Lynn is a retail store in New Lynn

Reserve Management Plans that promote cycling initiatives

Reserve Management Plan

Statements Policy #

Te Rangi Hiroa (2002) Provide for cycle access from Glen Road to the mountain bike trail Clearly mark boundaries between areas of active recreation such as BMX, mountain biking,

Pony and Car Club, and areas for passive recreation eg. walking and picnicking. Develop a cycle route connecting Don Buck’s Corner with Birdwood Depot along the

southern boundary of the Swanson and Momutu Stream Corridors Develop a mountain bike trail through the area of pine trees north of Momutu. Investigate the opportunities for extending the nature trail and cycleway to Don Bucks

Corner through the reserve land to be acquired on the northern scarp. Ensure the ongoing lease and support of the BMX Club. Priority should be given to the lease of facilities to groups that provide for a City-wide range

of users, with an emphasis on outdoor pursuits.

2.1

2.1

2.3

2.5

2.5

2.5

2.7

Swanson reserves Support the development of cycle ways and bike trails wherever possible and appropriate 2.1


(2004) within the reserves. Support the development of walking and cycle ways as a priority within and between

reserves, whenever possible. Support the development of facilities that promote walking (including dogs), mountain biking

and cycling within appropriate areas of Swanson Scenic reserve, the Billy Joe site and Kay Road Balefill.

2.1

2.2Moire park (2001) Construct walkways which can also accommodate skating and biking.

Seal the internal road to allow for skating and biking use Promote pedestrian/bike linkages to other reserves within the local area and major transport

routes

1.2

1.2/5.2

4.6

Parrs Park (2000) Construct an all weather path through Parrs park which is suitable for wheelchairs and has clear visibility into the park and which links to other parks, reserves or walking and cycling networks as opportunities arise

1.

Waitemata Harbour Foreshore (2007)

Increase opportunities for multisport, rowing, running and cycling on appropriate reserves, particularly around Te Atatu Peninsula where there is existing and future infrastructure for such activity.

6.1

Te Huruhuru- Henderson Creek (2003)

Develop and maintain a consistent and safe standard of cycle and/or walk way on each bank.

To implement the section of the North West Cycle Route that connects Henderson with the north western motorway link through the reserves along the eastern bank of the creek.

Reduce the amount of vehicle traffic requiring carparking space by improving pedestrian and cycle access to the reserves.

2.1

2.3

8.2

Current Recreational Cycling Facilities in West Auckland

Recreational Cycling Facilities Location Condition


TypeRoad Cycling Waitakere Ranges Waitakere Ranges Road conditions

variable with some poor and dangerous road surface conditions.

Lack of hard shoulder causes riders to ride in traffic flow.

Some narrow sections which cause motorists to slow to a crawl

Road Cycling North Western Cycle path

Recently section on Auckland City boundary upgraded.

Waitakere sections unswept and littered with glass. (This section is maintained by the New Zealand Transport Agency).

Track Cycling Olympic Park Velodrome

New Lynn Out door, asphalt base.

Non compliant for competition of any sort.

Not used by clubs Mountain Biking No official facilities

however some illegal riding in the Waitakere Ranges

Nil Nil


Dirt Jumping 1 x Dirt Jump park Te Rangi Hiroa Excellent facility and possibly the best example of its type in New Zealand.

BMX Waitakere BMX Club Te Rangi Hiroa Reserve, Swanson/Ranui No longer meets national/international standards and in need of upgrading

BMX Te Pai Skate Park Te Pai Park, Henderson Skate park with a half pipe and bowl popular with local riders alongside skateboarders

BMX Moire Park BMX Track Massey Dilapidated BMX track with fallen trees over it

Potential upgradeRecreational Approximately 10km

of Project Twin Streams cycle paths

See map http://www.waitakere.govt.nz/AbtCit/ne/pdf/cycleways-funmap.pdf

Excellent

Learn to Ride Te Atatu shared path Te Atatu Positive feedback

Benefits of Recreational Cycling

There are wide ranging benefits for our communities to be recreationally cycling ranging from the well documented physical and mental health benefits to those that meet broader community wellbeing outcomes. Encouraging recreational cycling has benefits across all age groups and has the ability to break down community barriers such as ethnicity and deprivation by creating a common value for socialisation.

Social Improved physical and mental wellbeing Creating activities for children


Increased socialisation and networking opportunities Improving safety Greater access and activities on parks

Economic Increased business opportunities eg. new bike stores, cafes etc

Increase in events in the city Community entrepreneurial activities encouraged Improve local tourism

Environmental Specific parks chosen for off-road and mountain biking can reduce pressures on ecologically sensitive areas eg. Waitakere Ranges

Encourage recreational routes to be used for sustainable transport

Cultural Create local identity Make historical sites more accessible Able to show case local culture to tourists

Economic Development example

Whakarewarewa Forest is state park formed more that 100 years ago as an exotic timber source to combat the dwindling native species milled for timber. This forest, although, a state park, is still a working forest and is approximately 5,700 hectares supplying radiata pine.

Whakarewarewa Forest is well known to recreational users and user groups include walkers, runners, mountain bikers, horse riders, dog owners, picnickers and tramping groups. There is no cost to the user and access is free. The trails are maintained by local community groups, PD workers and the Rotorua District Council.

In 2007 APR Consultants Ltd produced the Recreational Use of Whakarewarewa Forest report for the Rotorua District Council, Ecomomic Development Unit. The report made the following key findings,


Recreational use in 2007 was estimated to be 225,000 visits up from 185,000 visits in 2005. In 2007 Mountain Biking accounts for over 50% of recreational up from 30% when measured in 2005. 47% of mountain bikers were residents of Rotorua whilst 48% were domestic visitors and 3% international visitors. Of these

visitors over 50% came to Rororua specifically for mountain biking Mountain bike specific spending in Rotorua is up from $1.94 million in 2005 to $2.56 million in 2007 Overall mountain biking related spend is estimated to be $7.37 million or an average of $20,192 per day (includes travel,

accommodation, food and beverages, equipment and other expenditure) Bike retail shops have increased from 2 stores to 5 46 bike related events held in forest per annum

The 2006 UCI World Mountain Bike Championships hosted in Rotorua attracted 538 competitors, 1572 accredited visitors, 246 media and 40,000 spectators. The estimated television audience was 35.2 million whilst the website attracted 12 million hits. It is interesting to note that this event took place between the 2005 and 2007 surveys and as such a correlation can possibly be made to the increased 2007 figures for mountain biking over 2005 due to the effect this event had on the sport.

Issues facing Recreational Cycling

Some of the issues which affect recreational cycling are:

Mountain Biking.


Mounting bikes outsell all other bikes in New Zealand and the popularity of mountain biking is second to none. Almost every city in New Zealand has a Mountain bike club and APPENDIX 1 details those cities which have inner city mountain bike parks. These inner city parks are on reserve land whilst those outside of the city tend to be on private or forestry land. Auckland has four mountain bike parks however none are in urban areas and are accessible, primarily, by vehicle being approximately 30- 50 km from the CBD. The distance to get to these mountain bike parks is a barrier to participation in the sport and in particular to youth who rely on transport being provided.

The June 2009 ARPASS report on Informal Sport on Recreational Open Space highlighted the issue of mountain biking relying on four key sites within the Auckland Region and with three of those sites occupying commercial/crown forests. The report points out that the sport is at risk should there be a change in ownership or management practice which sees mountain biking as secondary activity, in the forest, constricted or stopped altogether as has been the case with other similar facilities around New Zealand.

The ARPASS study also identified some illegal use of the Waitakere Ranges for mountain biking. Riders are utilising the Waitakere Ranges as the terrain and environment is the sort that mountain bikers seek out and are more accessible to the city than the current mountain bike facilities which are considerable distance away and may not be easily accessible to some people.

Planners should not look to force multi use parks/trail when planning for mountain biking. It is not ideal to create dual use tracks for walking and mountain biking and or mountain biking and horse riding for instance, as the two activities are not compatible due to the differing nature of the activities and the increased health and safety risks. In some circumstances walkers and mountain bikers do share trails such as a number of Department of Conservation iconic tracks eg. Queen Charlotte track and is seen as a compromise to increase access and users of these iconic tracks. The speeds mountain bikers travel does, however, pose risks to walkers and riders and mountain bikers need to show restraint and obey track rules. The nature of mountain biking does include speed which is part of the challenge.

Combining bikes and horses is even more problematic and carries health and safety risks with horses cutting up tracks making mountain biking difficult and horses being easily spooked putting riders of horses and bikes at risk of injury.

Waitakere has a number of dual use paths in the Twin Streams routes and is well served with an abundance of walking trails in the Waitakere Ranges for there to be a need to combine walking and mountain bike trails and there are a number of dedicated


horse parks in Waitakere to cater to horse riding sport needs. It is recommended that an urban mountain bike park be dedicated to the single sport as it offers a higher quality experience, is easier to manage and maintain and reduces health and safety risks.

BMX and Jump Parks

West Auckland has one active BMX club situated in Te Rangi Hiroa Reserve. The club has between 40-50 members at any one time, ranging in ages from 5 – 40+. There are a number of issues facing the club. The most significant is the track is open to public use however the track must be maintained by the club. The lack of public BMX and jump parks around the city is negatively impacting upon the Waitakere BMX club as the track and facilities are suffering significant damage by public use, by motorbikes and vandals and as such the club is finding it difficult to fund the maintenance. As a result the track is deteriorating.

The Waitakere BMX club track, is not only suffering maintenance issues, it no longer meets national or international standards. The Waitakere facility last hosted a national championship event in the early 1990’s and recently developed tracks such as Whangarei and North Harbour are examples of tracks meeting both national and international standards. The Whangarei track is considered one of the best examples in the world and has the potential to host an international event.

The club is concerned the impact of the encroaching residential development will have on their club. Noise complaints from neighbours on club nights and events have the potential to affect the club activities. This will need to be managed by Council to ensure the club security.

A dirt jump park has been created in the foothills of the Te Rangi Hiroa reserve behind the BMX track. This facility has been built by locals however is acknowledged by some as being possible the best example of a dirt jump facility in New Zealand. The people who have built the facility have done so without Council knowledge however Council should look to protect this facility as it has potential to be a valuable asset to the region for this sport type. Council will need to identify a legitimate group to formalise the relationship and be assured of health and safety issues are addressed to allow its continued use.

Sport Road Cycling

The 2007 Waitakere Ranges Cyclist Survey identified a number of safety issues facing cyclists in the Ranges. Of the 175 respondents to the survey over 90% rode in the Ranges for fitness and training and over 85% rode in Ranges at least once a


week. Riders chose to ride in the Waitakere Ranges because they offer the best and most accessible hill training to Auckland City residents and are a scenic environment to train and ride. Over 60% of riders were between 40 and 60 years of age, 22% are female and 56% came from Auckland City.

The surveyed cyclists overwhelmingly stated that their two biggest safety concerns were driver behaviour/attitude (eg speed and aggressive driving) and lack of road shoulder to ride in.

Road cyclist numbers are increasing across the Auckland region and cycling event participation has steadily increased over the years. It is anticipated that there will be increasing numbers of cyclists riding and training on the roads around the Waitakere Ranges and as such safety issues need to be addressed. Scenic Drive sees an annual road cycling event in February of each year and 200+ riders take part in one of the tougher one day races/events in the calendar.

The Scenic Drive Awareness Campaign Research Report (August 2009), reported that up to 20% of traffic on Scenic Drive will be cyclists in the morning on weekend days. Scenic Drive is designated with a special roading status, that being a Scenic Road, and as such greater emphasis and investment should be considered to increase this recreational amenity to improve the safety for recreational users.

Another safety issue which is a concern to road cyclists is man hole covers which are below the surface of the road after resealing. These are of particular concern to sport cyclists as they have the potential to break a light weight frame or fork and the nature of riding in bunches means that these obstacles can often not be seen and pose significant threat to safety.

The North Western cycle way is often littered with glass which causes frequent punctures for road cyclists. Glass is possibly the number one enemy of the road cyclist and the conditions on the Waitakere side of the cycleway are particularly bad and Council needs to advocate to the New Zealand Transport Agency, (the organisation responsible for maintaining this section of the North Western cycleway) to ensure regular sweeping and other maintenance as required.

Recreational Cycling

According to the Cycling for transport: Ongoing New Zealand Household Travel Survey 2003 – 2007, produced by the Ministry of Transport in 2008, less children are riding bikes less frequently. In 1989 children aged 5-12 were riding on average


28 minutes per week. compared to 9 minutes today. For youths aged 13 -17, this has gone from 52 minutes per week 20 years ago, to 13 minutes today.

Councils have for years provided casual recreation opportunities on parks and reserves with playgrounds, half courts and skate parks however there is an active discouragement of riding bikes on parks due to the damage bikes may do to fields and safety issues. There is a need to provide opportunities for informal cycling and in particular targeting youth. Facilities which develop and test bike handling and road riding skills are required.

Cotton Wool CultureThe perceived dangers of cycling has seen less kids riding bikes on the streets as part of recreation and fun as well as commuting, such as riding to school. Councils are often risk adverse as not to support activities whereby people might get hurt, fearing liability issues. Recreational cycling has inherent risks which the participants accept and are no different from the risks one might expect playing rugby for instance. Mountain bike parks are required to have health and safety plans and built structures need building consent however some of the obstacles and structures are very challenging and have the potential to cause serious harm however riders do so knowing the risks.

The provision of BMX and Dirt Jump facilities should be introduced to local neighbourhoods to allow kids to ride bikes with a recreational purpose of having fun, testing their skills and experiencing some of the risks that will provide youth with the ability to evaluate risk in the future and therefore make better risk decisions . The purpose of these facilities should be to provide progressive skills to youth for when they do ride the purpose built tracks

Focus on transport rather than recreation

Cycle planning has revolved around transport goals and has often been combined with walking, for example the Waitakere City Council Walking and Cycling Strategy 2003. With over 90% of cycling being recreational, transport planners should also consider recreational motivations and needs as this information could also improve transport objectives. Walking should also be separated from cycling as they have distinct attributes, behaviours and needs. Shared paths are desirable where appropriate and where desired minimum standards can be met.


It may be possible to create ‘green highways’ within the city by a series of interconnected parks, riparian margins and green belts which serve as transport routes for those with mountain bikes. An example of this is Wellington where many people mountain bike through the Town Belt to commute to and from work. This offers a recreational experience but also meets transport objectives by promoting a modal shift.

Obstacles to network provision

In some cases private property or main roads/highways may present obstacles to developing a recreational cycling route or green highway. There may be need to purchase private property to complete networks.

Bike Racks

A lack of bike racks for locking bikes against does not encourage cycling for both transport or recreation purposes. In particular youth targeted facilities should have bike racks to encourage cycling to the facility eg Global Café which currently lacks bike racks and bikes lying on the ground can often be seen.

Opportunities and Benefits

Mountain bike park

The Te Rangi Hiroa Reserve Management plan makes provision for mountain biking and has the potential to provide 14ha of undeveloped bush land for this purpose. By linking the Swanson reserves along the Swanson Stream Esplanade Reserve to the Kay Road Balefill site an additional 50ha of land available for mountain biking will be opened up.

The development of an extensive mountain bike network through these reserves would have both local and regional benefits such as:

Local economic benefit Regional and national events Regionally significant facility


Provides long term future for the sport Removes illegal mountain biking in Waitakere Ranges Greater access to the sport and in particular for youth

BMX & Jump parks

The development of public BMX and jump parks in the city will provide bike related activities on parks in well defined spaces and will help the Waitakere BMX club with issues around public use of their track. Building a series of public facilities would allow the Club to secure their premises thereby protecting it for the sport and club use. This will allow the club to invest in upgrading their track facility without fear of it being damaged by public use and motorbikes.

The Moire Park BMX track is in a very poor state and could be improved as an example of a good public BMX facility. Other potential facility locations have been identified to ensure accessibility (see Appendix xxxxx).

The dirt jump park in Te Rangi Hiroa is arguably the best example seen in New Zealand it the moment. It has potential to hold national and international events the likes of seen in the X-Games. This facility should be legitimised and enhanced to attract events and develop the talents of people who might go on to compete in international competitions.

Some of the benefits of supporting these opportunities are:

Encourages youth active recreation Attract local, regional, national and potentially international events Economic benefits Improved club facilities and sport performance Local opportunities Skill development which may encourage more commuter cycling\

Learn to Ride facilities


Providing learn to ride facilities in parks is a way of integrating recreation and transport objectives into one opportunity. Developing tar sealed facilities with road markings, such as can been seen in Hutt City (http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/News-and-Notices/news/Avalon-Cycle-Park2/ ) offers people a place to ride bikes safely and in particular children and families but can also be used for road safety purposes.

The benefits of Learn to Ride facilities are:

Offers a safe place to ride bikes for children and families Able to be used for road safety Provide people with skills and confidence to commute by bike Meets sustainable transport objectives

Waitakere Ranges

Reducing speed limits, improving road surfaces and creating a hard shoulder on Scenic Drive would improve safety for cyclists and other recreational users on this specially designated (in the district plan) recreation route. These measure will have the following benefits:

Improved safety for cyclists Encourage more people to enjoy the Ranges Economic development from riders stopping for a coffee in Titirangi and Swanson Improved health and wellbeing Possible new events

Green highways

It may be possible to link recreation and transport objectives by creating a series of off road cycle routes whereby people can have a high quality mountain bike experience whilst commuting from A to B. An example of this can be seen in Wellington


http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/News-and-Notices/news/Avalon-Cycle-Park2/

http://www.huttcity.govt.nz/News-and-Notices/news/Avalon-Cycle-Park2/

whereby many people commute to and from work by mountain bike on off road dirt tracks through the Green Belt and Mt Victoria.

Where Commuting figures remain extremely low compared to recreational cycling, and mountain bikes are the majority of bikes owned, it is feasible that commuting through networks of parks, riparian margins and other green belts will attract more commuters due to the recreation experience they also gain.

The following benefits might be experienced:

Improved commuting numbers Greater health and wellbeing Active communities Low cost as paths naturally formed rather than concrete paths Safe routes

Sector Leadership

There is currently a lack of sector leadership the field of sport and recreational cycling. There are two cycling related club in the West with the Waitakere BMX Club and the Department of Cycling. The Department of Cycling is a local cycling club established in late 2008 targeting local cyclists. The club initially sought road cyclists as its members however is starting to venture into the mountain bike market and represent these riders interests. The club currently has approximately 70 members.

There is an opportunity for the cycling clubs and community to amalgamate to create a stronger organisation better able to meet the goals and objectives of all recreational cycling interests. An recent example of this is the amalgamation of cycling sports in Northland to become Bike Northland. Established in 2007 to become a consolidated voice promoting cycling throughout the region they have quickly establish credibility through some signature projects.

The local road cycling club, mountain bike and BMX club were all struggling individually with increasing administration, declining memberships and capacity to deliver quality events. Collectively, as Bike Northland, the club has a clear strategic


plan, efficiency and growing membership. The club has been successful in a proposal to Council for a new multi purpose bike facility in Whangarei which includes an international quality BMX track, technical features for mountain bike training, a freestyle area, learn to ride facility, multi use building and a possible future velodrome.

It is this sort of leadership which will see the combined cycling sports grow and thrive in the West delivering the following benefits:

Growth in cycling sports Reduced duplication Greater utilisation of volunteers Great support from funding agencies

Objectives

Strong Organisation

1. Recreational cycling has strong leadership and clear plan for achieving its goals

2. Integrate recreational cycling objectives with those of transport to meet common goals

Easy Access

3. Provide a range of high quality, accessible and affordable recreational cycling facilities

4. Ensure recreational cycling facilities cater to the wide range of skill levels


5. Integrate recreational cycling facilities within parks

Increased Awareness

6. Residents and visitors are well informed about recreational cycling opportunities

Actions

Strong Organisation

1. Support recreational cycling clubs achieve their sporting goals Support the Department of Cycling and Waitakere BMX Club meet their strategic goals for developing their sports.

2. Support the formation of a regional cycling body representing the needs of all recreational cycling

Easy Access

1. Develop off road recreational cycling routes through a network of interconnected parks Explore potential off road routes linked through parks and reserves

2. Establish a specialist urban mountain bike park Te Rangi Hiroa and Kay Road Balefill explored as potential options


3. Develop a cycling hub for all cycling sports Te Rangi Hiroa to be developed as a base for multiple cycling sports and activities

4. Develop a series of BMX and jump park facilities on existing parks Support an upgrade to the Waitakere BMX Track Develop a plan for a series of jump parks within local parks and reserves

5. Develop Learn to ride facilitiesExplore the development of a learn to ride facility in Waitakere

6. Improve safety for sport and recreational road cycling on Scenic Drive and other popular road cycling routesImproved road conditions on popular road cycling routesShoulder created on Scenic Drive where practical and possibleReduce speed limits on Scenic Drive

7. Ensure design standards for roads are safe for road cyclists Evaluate potential hazards on popular road cycling routes Ensure man-holes flush with road surface

Increased Awareness

1. Recreational cycling to be promoted on identified suitable parks

2. Promotion of identified recreational cycling routes

3. Safety campaigns for Scenic Drive and popular recreational cycling routes

4. Encourage more cycling and multi sport events within the city


Active Recreation

pathwaysActions Who When Council Support Council Resources

RequiredStrong Organisation Support the

formation of a regional cycling body representing the needs of all recreational cycling

Sport Waitakere Current and ongoing

Easy Access Investigate the feasibility of providing cycle lane/hard shoulder on sections of Scenic Drive

Recreation Planner and Transport Planner

2010/2011 ???

Development of a specialist mountain bike facility in Te Rangi Hiroa and linked to Kay Road Balefill

Mountain Bike Club 2010 onwards Lease/licence of land to club allowing track development

$200k capital for park improvements including, removal of bamboo on road frontage, car parking upgrade, bridge to cross stream accessing cycle park

Redevelopment of the Waitakere BMX Club track

Waitakere BMX Club 2010 onwards Leisure Facility Partnership Fund

Design standards for roading design and surfaces investigated and implemented.

Roading engineers and planners

2010 Staff time to review and rewrite standard for contracts. Could result in increases to contracts.

Investigate solutions Roading engineers 2010/11 ???


to prevent road debris and glass from entering North Western cycle path from motorway.

and planners

Develop or allow development of dirt jumps on parks for local recreation

Parks assets 2010 onwards Provide dirt for jump development

???

Recreational cycling opportunities and facilities to be linked to Project Twin Streams routes where possible

Recreation Planning

Develop a learn to ride facility

Parks Assets 2011/12 ????

Explore suitable locations for local standard BMX tracks and dirk jump parksFuture skate parks developments designed to cater to both skateboard and BMX markets

Parks Assets Ongoing

Increased Awareness

Recreational cycling to be promoted on identified parks and key recreation routes

$5k per annum

Increased Awareness

Safety campaigns for Scenic Drive and Waitakere Ranges popular cycle routes

$20k per annum


Increased Awareness

Sponsor and promote local cycling and multi sport events

Recreation $20k per annum budgeted

Glossary

BMX – an off road bike race held on a purpose made track filled with jumps, berms and obstacles.

Criterium - is a bike race held on a short course (usually less than 5 km), often run on closed-off city centre streets.

Cross-country (XC) cycling - is the most common discipline of mountain biking and garners the highest levels of participation both recreationally and competitively. Cross-country cycling became an Olympic sport in 1996 and is the only form of mountain biking practiced at the Summer Olympics.

Cyclocross - is a form of bicycle racing. Races take place typically in the autumn and winter (the international or "World Cup" season is September-January), and consists of many laps of a short (2.5–3.5 km) course featuring pavement, wooded trails, grass,


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_racing

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Summer_Olympics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_Summer_Olympics

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Olympic_sports

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_biking

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_bicycle_racing

steep hills and obstacles requiring the rider to quickly dismount, carry the bike whilst navigating the obstruction and remount in one motion

Dirt jumping - is one of the names given to the practice of riding bikes over cement type jumps of dirt or soil and becoming airborne. The idea is that after riding over the 'take off' the rider will become momentarily airborne, and aim to land on the 'landing'.

Downhill biking (DH) - is a gravity-assisted time trial mountain biking event. Riders race against the clock on courses which typically take two to five minutes to complete. Riders are timed with equipment similar to that used in Downhill skiing. The placing is determined by the fastest times to complete the course.

Flatland BMX - occupies a position somewhat removed from the rest of freestyle BMX. Flatland differs from the others in that the terrain used is nothing but a smooth, flat surface (e.g. an asphalt parking lot, basketball courts, etc.). Tricks are performed by spinning and balancing in a variety of body and bicycle positions. Riders almost always use knurled aluminum pegs to stand on to manipulate the bike into even stranger positions.

Freeride - is a relatively new discipline of mountain biking, combining different aspects of the sport such as downhill and dirt jumping which has progressed rapidly in recent years, and is now recognized as one of the most popular disciplines within mountain biking.

Freestyle BMX - or "freestyling" is a creative way of using bicycles originally designed for bicycle motocross racing. It consists of five disciplines: "street," "park," "vert," "trails" or "dirt jumping," and "flatland." Riders generally participate in more than one discipline.

Mountain biking - entails the sport of riding bicycles off-road, often over rough terrain on specially equipped mountain bikes. Most mountain bikes share similar characteristics that underscore durability and performance in rough terrain: wide, knobby tires, large frame tubing, front fork or dual suspension shock absorbers. Mountain biking is broken down into four categories: cross country, downhill, freeride, and trials/street riding. Each has differing levels of safety-consciousness with different types of mountain bikes and riding gear. A combination sport named mountain bike orienteering adds the skill of map navigation to mountain biking.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_bike_orienteering

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bike_trials_riding

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeride

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downhill_cycling

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross-country_cycling

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shock_absorbers

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_frame

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountain_bike

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMX

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirt_Jumping

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirt_Jumping

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downhill_cycling




http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_trial

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gravity

Skateparks - are used by BMX’ers as well as skateboarders. Styles of riding will depend on the style of the parks. Wood is more suited to a flowing style, with riders searching for gaps, and aiming to air higher from the coping. Concrete parks usually tend to contain bowls and pools. However, it is not unusual for riders to merge the two styles in either type of park.

Road bicycle racing - is a popular bicycle racing sport held on roads (following the natural terrain of the area), using racing bicycles. The term "road racing" is usually applied to events where competing riders start simultaneously (unless riding a handicap event) with the winner being the first at the end of the course (individual and team time trials are another form of cycle racing on roads).

Street riding - involves maneuvers on obstacles that are typically manmade and not designed for bicycles. They can be, but are not limited to, stairs, handrails, ledges, curved walls, banks, unusually shaped architectural designs and even a simple curb.

Track cycling - is a bicycle racing sport usually held on specially-built banked tracks or velodromes and which various cycling event types take place.

Trials biking - is a form of mountain biking derived from motorcycle trials. The rider negotiates man-made and natural obstacles without their feet touching the ground.

Vert - is perhaps the most extreme of the freestyle BMX disciplines. A half pipe consists of two quarter pipes set facing each other (much like a mini ramp), but at around 2.5 to 3.5 metres high. The biggest ramp ever used in competition is the X-Games big air ramp at 10 metres tall. Both ‘faces’ of the ramp have an extension to the transition that is vertical, hence the name. Riders go up each jump, performing tricks in the air before landing into the transition having turned 180 degrees with variations including 540, 900 degrees. In competition riders are scored on the complexity of the tricks landed

There is a variety of bicycle types available to choose from (based on function):

o Utility: ideal for commuting, shopping, and running errands; include medium or heavy weight tires and frames; often feature internal hub gearing; riding position is usually upright

o Road/Racing: characterized by light frames and narrow, high-pressure tires; allows for faster and more responsive ride; easy for up-hill riding; generally considered less comfortable than other types; fastest and lightest bicycle type available


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/X-Games

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini_ramp

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quarter_pipe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Half_pipe

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_trials


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Velodrome



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Street

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Team_time_trial

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individual_time_trial

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racing_bicycle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racing_bicycle

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrain

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Road_cycling



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coping_(architecture)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skatepark

o Mountain: designed for off-road use; able to absorb rough riding; feature high-performing brakes, suspension, fat tires, and comfortable seats; heavier in weight due to the sturdy frame; not ideal for travelling far on flat surfaces

o Hybrid: made from a combination of features from the road bike and the mountain bike; versatile wheels provide comfortable ride on either off-road or on-road surfaces; often have a high number of gears and upright handlebars; tend to be slightly less expensive than road bikes

o Touring: feature eyelets for attaching racks, and gearing and stable handling for transporting heavy loads; also feature smooth tires and low gears for hilly terrain; designed to make long road rides comfortable and to accomodate touring bags for multi-day rides; less agile handing than road bikes

o Recumbents and Trikes: allows you to sit upright; ideal for those with back, neck, or hand problems; easy to reach high downhill speeds and difficult to climb hills because of the rider's sitting position; less responsive than traditional bikes; the ride is low to the ground, so they are difficult for drivers to see in traffic

o BMX: very advanced; designed for stunts and tricks; sometimes made of titanium to make the parts lightweight and strong; used as part of a popular worldwide sport that includes paid professional riders

o Cruiser: feature heavy frames with balloon tires; also known as beach bikes or boulevardiers; designed for comfortable travel over various terrain types; the standard bicycle used from the 30s to the 50s, but now they are regaining popularity

References

Cycling Advocates Networks (CAN), facts about Cycling in New Zealand

Appendix 1 - Mountain Bike parks of NZ accessible to main town centres


City Suburb Park Name Inner City

Distance from CBD

Difficulty Rating Local Mountain Bike Club

Whangarei Parihaka Trails Yes <5km Easy to Difficult Mountain Bike Whangarei

Auckland

Mt Wellington Hamlins Hill (Proposed)

Yes 10km Proposed Auckland Mountain Bike Club

Grey Lynn Arch Hill (Under construction)

Yes 5km Easy to Medium

Kumeu/Hellensville Woodhill Forest No 35km Easy to DifficultRiverhead Riverhead Forest No 35km Easy to DifficultWhitford Whitford Forest No 30km Medium to DifficultHunua Ranges No 35km Medium to Difficult

Hamilton Pukete Yes <10km Easy to Moderate Hamilton Mountain Bike Club

Rotorua Whakarewarewa Forest

Yes <5km Easy to Extreme Rotorua Mountain Bike Club

Tokoroa Cougar MTB Park Yes 6km Easy to Difficult Tokoroa Mountain Bike Club

Tauranga

Oropi Oropi Grove Mountain Bike Park

No 8km Easy to Difficult Mountain Bike Tauranga

Papamoa Summerhill recreational Farm Trails

No 20km Easy to Difficult

Whakatane Rawhiti Forest No 20km Easy to Difficult Whakatane Mountain Bike


ClubGisborne Gentle Annie

ReserveNo 20km Under Development Gisborne

Mountain Bike Club

New Plymouth Lake Mangamohoe Lake Mangamohoe No 10km Medium to difficult New Plymouth Mountain Bikers

Taupo

Craters of the Moon

Yes 5km Easy to Difficult Taupo Mountain Bike Club

Spa Park yes 2km Easy to moderateKinloch to Whakaipo

no 20km Moderate to Difficult

Wanganui

Aramoho Hylton Park Yes 4km Easy to Intermediate (Site for Cross Country NZ Master Games and NZ Secondary School Champs)

Wanganui MTB Club

Lismore Forest No 20km Medium to Difficult Wanganui MTB Club

Palmerston North

Kahuterawa Loop (K-loop),

Yes 5km Medium to Difficult Manawatu Mountain Bike Club

Wellington

Various Town Belt Yes <5km Medium/Hard Wellington Mountain bike Club

Karori Makara Peak yes 10km Easy to AdvancedNelson Dunn Mountain Yes <5km Easy to Advanced Nelson

Mountain Bike Club

Grampians Yes <5km Easy to Advanced Nelson Mountain Bike


ClubMaitai Valley Yes <5km Easy to Advanced Nelson

Mountain Bike Club

Tantragee Saddle Yes <5km Easy to Advanced Nelson Mountain Bike Club

Christchurch

Port Hills No 10km Moderate to Extreme Canterbury Mountain Bike Club

Spencer Park Bottle Lake Forest No 10km Easy to ModerateWaimakariri River Regional Park

McLeans Forest No 20km Easy to Moderate

Dunedin Signal Hill Yes <5km Easy to Difficult


Documents

Waitakere Recreational Cycling Plan