PNCC Draft Street Design Manual

Despite the current ‘cost of living challenges’ facing all community events, Bike Manawatu is 100% committed to ensuring the 51st year of the Novice Tour – once again provides a safe, fun, competitive cycle racing event.

We will adopt a high-quality assured approach in implementing the Local Roading Authority’s/Cycling New Zealand’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) standards which ensure best practices and rider and spectator safety.

If the level of community funding secured is not sufficient to contract in external road management service providers with the ability to stop/go traffic, the Novice Tour will proceed on a ‘local club racing’ model, whereby our team of trained/experienced road marshals will, where necessary, pause racing in order to give way to traffic and ensure rider safety.

Although funding external road management services with the ability to stop/go traffic is ideal, if this is not feasible – we are confident that the event’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) will provide a competitive, fair, enjoyable and importantly safe racing environment.

Irrespective of which model of traffic management/racing is finalised, as with all CNZ/Bike Manawatu events, normal road rules will apply and a full rider briefing confirming the event rules will be provided to all riders prior to the start of each race.

Palmerston North City Council have just released their Draft Street Design Manual for public consultation. This manual will provide a design framework for engineers upgrading all of the city roads into the future.

There is an emphasis on “shared space” and providing safe facilities for cyclist and pedestrians. PNCC have asked for responses to their draft. Bike Manawatu will be submitting a response.

If you would like to have some input, you can see a copy of the draft on the PNCC website at the following link http://www.pncc.govt.nz/yourcouncil/councilactivities/councilinitiatives/street-designs-initiative/.

Feel free to submit your own response, or email any thoughts or comments that you have to katherine.stannard@pncc.govt.nz for inclusion in the Bike Manawatu submission.

Submissions close on 5th July.

There is a public presentation about the Manual and chance for questions at 5:15pm on Monday 24th June at the City Library Sound & Vision space.

This is an excellent opportunity to have your say on making Palmerston North a cycle friendly city – don’t waste it!”