Doing it right

Capital’s 147km cycle network gets the nod

(Sept 24), in particular the comments by Andy Foster that ‘‘the removal of car parks would be a challenge for the community’’, I am not anti-cycleways, and I agree that cyclists have the right to travel safely around our city.

It is a bold plan and, if done well, with imagination, could be a real asset to our city, showcasing our amazing natural environment, without alienating the non-cycling community.

Sadly, the proposed cycleway from Greta Point to Cobham Drive lacks these attributes. The proposed removal of 141 car parks from Hataitai beach to Cobham Drive, without any consideration for creating alternative parking to service this busy area, shows a total disregard for the multitude of existing recreational users of Evans Bay and Hataitai Beach.

The proposed route, ignoring the opportunity to take one that follows the coastline around Niwa, Cog Park and the marina, shows a lack of vision for the possibilities the area offers, both aesthetically and historically. It could be amazing.

This ‘‘sledgehammer’’ approach to city planning creates an ‘‘us’’ and ‘‘them’’ mentality which is unnecessary and unhelpful. We are all users of our city’s beautiful spaces and our needs are varied.

I encourage anyone who lives in the Evans Bay/Hataitai Beach area, or who uses it recreationally, to look closely at the proposals and have your say before submissions close on October 12.

Let’s do it once and do it right. Adrienne Linney, Seatoun