Spa Road to be safer for cyclist

Taupo cyclists will soon be able to move more safely and easily along the town’s busiest arterial road.

Spa Road’s cycle lanes, which run along both sides of the road between Nukuhau Street and Pihanga Street, will soon have broken yellow lines added to reinforce the lanes’ legal “no stopping” status.

The lanes are 2.2 metres wide which many motorists perceive as a parking lane. However, in 2004, the government introduced a ‘Road User and Traffic Control Devices’ rule which gave cycle lanes legal status as special vehicle lanes. This means no stopping is permitted at any time.

Taupo District Councillor Bernhard Chrustowski says it is essential that well-planned cycle lanes are provided to ensure the safety of cyclists. “In the current economic climate, cycling is becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport. It’s important that we do all we can to make Taupo a cycle-friendly town,” says Cr Chrustowski.

The Council will initially allow a short grace period for illegally-parked vehicles as motorists become accustomed to the rule. However, from 1 January 2009, parking wardens will begin issuing infringement tickets to vehicles parked in the cycle lanes.

Businesses interested in using existing roadside berms for on-street parking should contact the Council to discuss 50:50 construction cost share options. Existing examples of on-street parking can be seen outside businesses along Titiraupenga Street.

For enquires, please contact Council’s Transportation Strategy Team Leader, Claire Sharland, on 376 0080 or email csharland@taupo.govt.nz.