2022 Candidate Responses – HCC part 1

Working out who to vote for in the 2022 local elections can be a tough choice when it is hard to tell what values candidates are bringing to the table. Often we want to vote for candidates who understand the issues we face and can speak for our needs when it comes to investment, especially in transport.

At the beginning of September Bike Waikato sent out questions, focussed on sustainable and active transport, to candidates in three main areas to provide their views on funding and improvements for alternative modes of transport. We contacted candidates in Hamilton City, Waikato Region Hamilton Ward and Waipa District.

This is the first of a series of posts where we are publishing the answers from candidates who provided us with responses.

We hope this helps you make some informed decisions when you come to filling out your voting papers.

Lachlan Coleman – Mayor

Question 1: What modes of active and public transport do you use, and for what types of trips?
Biking (getting places, fun and exercise), Walking (getting places)

Question 2: What are your ideas to make it safer for people on bikes to ride in our towns and cities, particularly around schools?
I have had several near miss and contact events in my time cycling all of them were intentional by the driver (who I had no connection with whatsoever and was wearing full HI-Vis and had flashing lights). This I believe is one of the greatest factors of what makes cycling feel unsafe. The utter disrespect that some members of the community have shown in the past, going to the point of threatening to endanger my life, because I was biking must change, however this is not something a council can do, we can work with central govt to educate everyone about both safe practices for cyclists and motorists.
It would also be important for drivers who have proven reckless and unsafe (in their actions or attempts to intimidate) to be removed from the road to make the roads a safer place for everyone. These are central govt problems, but we can advocate for change.

Question 3: What is your position on reallocating road space (either on-street parking or traffic lanes) towards space for people on bikes?
As someone who has biked around Hamilton extensively, I can say that wherever this has been done has contributed to a worse experience for both myself on a bike and also when driving where it causes severe congestion, not to mention the detriment to the local businesses lack of parking and increased congestion cause.

Question 4: Where do you think Council should focus its education initiatives for transport and road safety?
As for education this is an absolute must, I believe this Is something that should be taught in schools more frequently as statistically many of the fatalities of pedestrians being hit by cars are children, this has continued to be a worrying trend and is even more worrying that the rate of children being hit per their distance being walked is increasing. (NZTA) I believe this must be due to children often walking out into the road without looking due to the respect for moving vehicles decreasing.

Another issue is with the addition of raised platforms and different coloured intersections that are not actual pedestrian crossings it can often be confusing for even adults if cars need to stop for you. I understand that pedestrians always have the right of way however less respect and understanding of moving vehicles and other dangers on our road seem to be contributing to an increase in children being hit by moving vehicles as personal responsibility seems to be a thing of the past.

Question 5: Do you think Council should spend more, less or about the same on cycling infrastructure as proposed in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan? Explain your answer.
As an avid cyclist myself I have enjoyed the usage of Hamilton’s cycle friendly assets such as the Riverwalk and Roads. Many of the new additions to the roads, such as, unnecessary speed bumps both frustrate and endanger cyclists, so, I would intend to advocate for a stop the addition of unnecessary and unsafe speedbumps as well as making the river walk (and its offshoots) more accessible as an arterial route for people-powered transport.

Through the smart usage of funds on projects that will actually benefit cyclists of Hamilton there should be no reason to spend more than what was outlined.

Other recent additions such as flexible bollards have proven frustrating to both cyclists and motorists both impeding the flow of traffic and giving cyclists less room from the cars at intersections, and most importantly less visibility for cyclists and motorists.

All of the cycle friendly projects the city council are undertaking are admirable however many of the projects that should improve safety do not actually look at the real problems that dissuade the usage of people powered transport and often cause more problems than they solve.

Moko Tauariki – Maaori Ward

Question 1: What modes of active and public transport do you use, and for what types of trips?
None. I typically use my car.

Question 2: What are your ideas to make it safer for people on bikes to ride in our towns and cities, particularly around schools?
I think the provisions around town are OK as it seems that cars and bike users can use public roads safely. Where there are no dedicated bike lanes then I would support planning that provides for bikes to be used safely. Where there is safety required around schools then I would be advised by the experts as to what provisions need to be made to ensure bike use to and from schools is provided for.

Question 3: What is your position on reallocating road space (either on-street parking or traffic lanes) towards space for people on bikes?
I would entertain that idea if there are alternatives to how people can access businesses in the CDB or suburbs.

Question 4: Where do you think Council should focus its education initiatives for transport and road safety?
In schools and Marae. I would link with Hapuu and Iwi to look at initiatives that promote healthier lifestyles for our kids and save on petrol. Having a targeted strategy for hapuu and Iwi is something I have never seen and I think we should look at that seriously.

Question 5: Do you think Council should spend more, less or about the same on cycling infrastructure as proposed in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan? Explain your answer.
I am not educated on the plan. But I would support initiatives that compliment a cleaner taiao (environment).

Angela O’Leary – Hamilton West Ward

Question 1: What modes of active and public transport do you use, and for what types of trips?
Walk for exercise and short local trips.

Question 2: What are your ideas to make it safer for people on bikes to ride in our towns and cities, particularly around schools?
I fully support our Biking & Micromobility Plan which is currently with Waka Kotahi for funding approval. One of the key principles of the Plan is investing in separated cycleways along key routes in the city and to connect community and major destinations. I proposed to Council to increase a trail of our School Travel Plans over two years and also included it for Government funding in our application to CERF (Climate Emergency Response Funding) just recently. I also led the refresh of our transport strategy Access Hamilton Ara kotuitui Kirikiriroa and am excited if re-elected to roll this out. This strategy puts people first and commits to delivery of safe, accessible and enjoyable cycleways.

Question 3: What is your position on reallocating road space (either on-street parking or traffic lanes) towards space for people on bikes?
I am dedicated to providing a genuine range of transport options for everyone that will include the reduction of road space and/or parking. Our city is the most car dominated city in New Zealand because the infrastructure makes it easy to take the car everywhere. If we develop facilities to cycing including beginning and end of trip facilities, we will be well on the way to creating ‘space’ for people on bikes.

Question 4: Where do you think Council should focus its education initiatives for transport and road safety?
As Chairperson of the Infrastructure & Operations Committee I’ve asked Council to write to the Minister to ask for a nationwide campaign to address drivers’ education around cycling. Council can play its part in that by responding at a local level, but I think the country would be better served with a national campaign. There are some serious gaps in drivers ability and education to overcome, particularly when it comes to sharing the road with cyclists!

Question 5: Do you think Council should spend more, less or about the same on cycling infrastructure as proposed in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan? Explain your answer.
We currently have plans for $400m of cycling and walking infrastructure over the next 30 years but only $97m funded. Government has asked us to respond to climate change and support mode shift, and as a city we are committed to achieving those goals, but we need funding help. I think the 30 year plan is right, but we need the funding to match our aspirations.

Dan Steer – Hamilton West Ward

Question 1: What modes of active and public transport do you use, and for what types of trips?
Cycle, electric scooter, train, plane. I live, work and play around the CBD so usually take the opportunity to cycle or scoot around. Recreational, I like to ride up the Te Awa River Ride. I use the Te Huia train when working in Auckland and fly when working in Wellington.

Question 2: What are your ideas to make it safer for people on bikes to ride in our towns and cities, particularly around schools?
We need separated cycle lanes on roads or wider footpaths to accommodate both cycling and walking. Cycle lanes need to be highly visible, particularly at intersections.

Question 3: What is your position on reallocating road space (either on-street parking or traffic lanes) towards space for people on bikes?
I think this could be done in parts of the CBD and suburban shopping centre areas. However, I did not support the recent innovating streets trial of Ward and Rostrevor Streets . It needs to be done in way that will allow all modes to move around our city safely and efficiently. Council must also consult local businesses or residents. Well thought out and planned design can have huge benefits for all who get around our city.

Question 4: Where do you think Council should focus its education initiatives for transport and road safety?
Far too often cyclists are blamed. I’ve many examples of when I’ve been on my bike and been tooted at or abused by angry drivers when I actually am not in the wrong. Same goes to drivers who do not give way to buses and also those who don’t merge or use roundabouts safely and properly. Transport and road safety involves all of us.

Question 5: Do you think Council should spend more, less or about the same on cycling infrastructure as proposed in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan? Explain your answer.
MORE! I don’t want any more serious injuries or deaths involving cyclists on our roads. As someone directly impacted by a recent cyclist death on our streets. I believe Council needs to invest responsibly in cycling infrastructure and the carefully planned work needs to happen soon, before it’s too late and another life is lost.

Jose Gonzalez – Hamilton West Ward

Question 1: What modes of active and public transport do you use, and for what types of trips?
I use the following active and public transport modes:
– a push-bike to commute to/from work as a regular commuter;
– a push-bike to travel to/from football training and for leisure purposes;
– a mountain bike in Pirongia, Te Miro and Pukete mountain bike park for leisure purposes;
– Te Huia passenger rail service to travel from Hamilton to Auckland;
– Jog/run for leisure purposes throughout Hamilton; and
– Occasionally the bus for commuting purposes when I’m not using the above modes.

Question 2: What are your ideas to make it safer for people on bikes to ride in our towns and cities, particularly around schools?
I want council to deliver on a safe, affordable and accessible transport network. This includes priotizing investment in public transport and active modes across Council’s 10-year plan, annual plans and during implementation of new infrastructure to manage growth. My ideas are;
– Push council to have a fully connected bike network across Hamilton by 2030 so people can travel safely and comfortably.
– Increase capital expenditure on cycling infrastructure as a percentage of council’s total capital budget to 7% in the next 10-year plan. Currently is 4.7%!
– District plan wise, ensure that when allowing medium-high density housing within proximity to our central city, we need clear rules/controls that will prioritise the provision of safe cycling infrastructure (fully separated cycle lanes/paths where possible, creation of cycle lanes with bollards/flower beds/kerb or other type of separation).

Question 3: What is your position on reallocating road space (either on-street parking or traffic lanes) towards space for people on bikes?
My position is that there are great opportunities to reallocate road space coming up, especially in high-transit routes, the CBD and areas within walking/cycling distance of the CBD. I think we should aim to deliver on a multi-modal network that can cater for all road users. However, today’s status quo prioritises car-centric road infrastructure over space for cyclist. I will challenge Council to change this.

Question 4: Where do you think Council should focus its education initiatives for transport and road safety?
I think it is important to clarify that road safety is led by the Waikato Regional Council. However, Hamilton City Council does play an active role as a key stakeholder under the Regional Transport Committee to make sure that we are working hard to reduce the Death and Serious Injuries in our roads. I think Hamilton City Council could do better to educate, with digital communication and advertising, on defensive driving behaviour to ensure the safety of pedestrians/cyclists and active modes users. An active role should be taken by Council in this space as we need to build mutual respect across road users and promote transport equity across all modes.

Question 5: Do you think Council should spend more, less or about the same on cycling infrastructure as proposed in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan? Explain your answer.
As per my previous answer, I think Hamilton City Council needs to increase the % of investment on cycling infrastructure in the 10-year plan from 4.7% to 7%. I understand that people will argue that merely 7% (2018 census) of Hamiltonians bike/walk so why increase the investment here. Well news flash but the reason why that 7% number isn’t higher is because the level of service (safety, quality of the ride, journey times, etc..) isn’t good enough due to poor infrastructure. We build it and cyclists will come.

Louise Hutt – Hamilton West Ward

Question 1: What modes of active and public transport do you use, and for what types of trips?
I do not own a car (and haven’t for three years) – so biking, e-scootering, busing, and carpooling are my main modes of travel.

I have an e-bike (convert) which I use to commute to work (a 20km round trip). My partner and I have a shared e-scooter which we use for little trips to the local shops and back, or I take on the bus (and sometimes is often on loan to our friends who want to borrow it before buying their own). I often bus when the weather is particularly bad, when my bike needs repairs, or more recently since recovering from COVID-19. I also regularly bus when travelling inter-regionally (especially to Auckland airport) or take the train (including to Palmerston North two Christmas’ ago to spend time with my partner’s family in Whanganui – they picked us up from the train station).

To read about my decision not to replace my car when it was written off, see my Substack: https://saycheeselouise.substack.com/p/to-bike-or-not-to-bike

Question 2: What are your ideas to make it safer for people on bikes to ride in our towns and cities, particularly around schools?
Investing in:
– Separated cycle lanes
– Traffic calming measures such as lowering speed limits and installing speed bumps
– Priority crossings for cyclists
– Safety barriers for on-road cycle lanes such as cycle wands, or concrete timtams (“what’s a concrete timtam, Louise?” 👉https://twitter.com/EmmaMcInnes__/status/1564406860588785664)
– Supporting end-of-ride facilities (like secure bike parking or repair kits)

Question 3: What is your position on reallocating road space (either on-street parking or traffic lanes) towards space for people on bikes?
Our transport system is incredibly car-centric, both in terms of money invested into it and physical space allocated – and our carbon emissions reflect that. As a cyclist myself, I am sick of being relegated to the gutter, often filled with glass, debris, rubbish, and not to mention Council contractor signs and road cones. I am very supportive of reallocating road space where needed to ensure that people can safely get around our city. The critical aspects to maintain are, of course, mobility car parks and bus stops (and particularly ensuring buses and bike users can safely share spaces).

Question 4: Where do you think Council should focus its education initiatives for transport and road safety?
When I first moved to Hamilton as an 18-year-old with a push-bike, I didn’t understand why they didn’t make drivers (who were able to) bike around the city to experience it as a much more squishy and vulnerable road user before sitting their full license. As a 29-year-old, I know that’s not quite how vehicle licensing works but still feel the same frustrations. It costs drivers just a few extra seconds to slow down, take a wide berth, and ensure they safely pass cyclists – but prioritising those few seconds of convenience over a cyclist, could hospitalise or take their life.

I also know that cyclists are not always bottom of the food chain and on shared paths can also be a menace for pedestrians, and particularly people who are blind, low-vision, deaf, or hard of hearing (and might not be able to see or hear bike users coming). I would like to see Council working with central government and organisations like AA to improve driver knowledge and improve infrastructure so cyclists can more safely use shared paths (like mirrors on obscured corners, trimming foliage, widening paths, and providing free bells).

Question 5: Do you think Council should spend more, less or about the same on cycling infrastructure as proposed in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan? Explain your answer.
More, much more. As a region, 94% of transport spending was on roads, and that equated to $2,400 per person on roading, while just $40 per person on walking or cycling infrastructure. Looking at Council’s transport plans, some of them are for 30-year bodies of work – and some things take time, but I turn 30 years old in December, and I don’t want only to have a safe, efficient, enjoyable transport system when I’m getting ready to apply for the pension. Climate change will not wait 30 years – keeping in mind the majority of our city’s carbon emissions come from transport.

Could we fund rapid change on our own? No probably not, central government needs to come to the party as this also falls into the Carbon Zero Act, it falls into Waka Kotahi’s Vision Zero. It requires collaboration – we need to be ambitious and we need the government onboard to help make it a reality.

Melissa Smith – Hamilton West Ward

Question 1: What modes of active and public transport do you use, and for what types of trips?
I use my bike as my main mode of transport. I use my bike to attend meetings, commute to work and school, pick up food and takeaways from the supermarket, hang out with friends, and to exercise. If the weather or time does not permit, then I take the bus. I really enjoy biking as I do not need to worry about traffic or parking, in addition to the benefits to my health (mental and physical), my wallet, and the environment! Meanwhile, taking the bus means that I can relax and reflect on my day. That is why I try to arrange my trips around these modes.

Question 2: What are your ideas to make it safer for people on bikes to ride in our towns and cities, particularly around schools?
We need a significant program of investment to connect, separate, and protect our cycle network. In the short-term, that means using cycle wands and bollards to protect the existing network. In the long-term, that means connecting the network together with separated cycling infrastructure and dedicated cycling infrastructure at intersections, such as advanced cycle boxes and leading green lights.

We must also invest in traffic calming in residential neighbourhoods and around schools. Traffic calming refers to the infrastructure used to naturally enforce low speed limits, such as narrower streets, speed bumps, chicanes, and a brick road surface. This will create a much safer traffic environment for cyclists and pedestrians.

Question 3: What is your position on reallocating road space (either on-street parking or traffic lanes) towards space for people on bikes?
I am in favour of reallocating road space to people on bikes because this is a more efficient use of space, in addition to reducing road maintenance costs and encouraging mode-shift. While this may cause some upset in the short-term, over many years this will create not only a safer cycling and walking environment, but also a more pleasant driving experience with less congestion and more available parking.

Question 4: Where do you think Council should focus its education initiatives for transport and road safety?
As drivers are responsible for the majority of traffic incidents between drivers and cyclists, the Council (in collaboration with other stakeholders such as Waka Kotahi) should focus on educating drivers. From my experiences and discussions with drivers, many people who drive as a primary mode of transportation are ignorant of many road rules concerning people on bikes and bike lanes, such as a safe passing distance, driving through bike lanes, taking the lane, and giving way. Council, in collaboration with Waka Kotahi and New Zealand Police, must tackle this knowledge gap in order to create a safer traffic culture.

Question 5: Do you think Council should spend more, less or about the same on cycling infrastructure as proposed in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan? Explain your answer.
Council should spend more on cycling infrastructure, but that additionally funding should come from Waka Kotahi and Central Government.

Roger Stratford – Hamilton West Ward

Question 1: What modes of active and public transport do you use, and for what types of trips?
Bus for convenience.

Question 2: What are your ideas to make it safer for people on bikes to ride in our towns and cities, particularly around schools?
Be aware of traffic to the rear.

Question 3: What is your position on reallocating road space (either on-street parking or traffic lanes) towards space for people on bikes?
Positive.

Question 4: Where do you think Council should focus its education initiatives for transport and road safety?
Public transport etiquette.

Question 5: Do you think Council should spend more, less or about the same on cycling infrastructure as proposed in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan? Explain your answer.
More. There are too many accidents

Sarah Thomson – Hamilton West Ward

Question 1: What modes of active and public transport do you use, and for what types of trips?
I bike to work most days. Usually walk when something is close e.g. the supermarket or local park. Occasionally take the bus for trips on the weekend.

Question 2: What are your ideas to make it safer for people on bikes to ride in our towns and cities, particularly around schools?
The council has developed a city-wide biking and micro-mobility plan. Over the next few years we need to fund and speed up the delivery of this plan. It includes a mix of permanent separated infrastructure, temporary separated infrastructure (e.g. using plastic cycle wands) and slow streets/low traffic neighbourhoods. I am very supportive of 30km school streets and have championed the school travel planning pilot, which is aimed at enabling and encouraging more students to get to school by walking, biking, scootering and public transport.

Question 3: What is your position on reallocating road space (either on-street parking or traffic lanes) towards space for people on bikes?
I support reallocation of space. It’s great to take bike routes over green space where we can, but the reallocation of road space is going to be necessary for us to create a safe and connected network (and in a cost effective way). We’ve recently signed off a parking policy which puts the safety and movement of people as our number one priority, above the storage of cars. In some cases it will be important to work closely with the local community on parking changes and I think we can learn some good lessons from other cities including Christchurch, which is much more advanced with its cycling network.

Question 4: Where do you think Council should focus its education initiatives for transport and road safety?
If the school travel planning pilot proves successful, I would like to see this expanded. We also need to educate drivers on being respectful and driving safely around people on bikes e.g. looking before opening car doors, giving clearance when passing, or increasing understanding around when people on bikes can/should take the lane. At the same time, there are some key messages we really need to get out to people on bikes e.g. the importance of taking the lane at roundabouts (or using the shared path) rather than sticking to the left of the traffic lane.

Question 5: Do you think Council should spend more, less or about the same on cycling infrastructure as proposed in the 2021-31 Long Term Plan? Explain your answer.
We will need to increase our investment in the next LTP to reach our 2030 climate change target and address urgent safety issues. However, we also need to keep advocating for Waka Kotahi and central government to pay their share – we have missed out on 51% co-funding for a number of cycling projects which significantly reduces what we can deliver.