Active Transport Strat Cover.indd - Palmerston North City Council

MANAWATU ACTIVE TRANSPORT STRATEGY 

2007

1 

MANAWATU 

ACTIVE 

TRANSPORT 

STRATEGY 

Produced by: In collaboration with staff of the Roading Division of Palmerston 

North City Council and the Manawatu District Council. 

Approved for Issue by: Palmerston North City Council and Manawatu District Council 

Dated: April 2007 

MANAWATU ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY 2007

MANAWATU ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY 2007 2

PNCC Mayor Heather Tanguay PNCC Chief Executive Paul Wylie MDC Mayor Ian McKelvie MDC Chief Executive Rod Titcombe 

3 

WELCOME 

We are pleased to introduce you to the fi rst pedestrian and cycling strategy for the Manawatu, 

a joint venture between Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) and Manawatu District Council 

(MDC). In these districts we enjoy relatively short distances in and around towns and the 

city, a mild climate, fl at terrain and jeweled surroundings; Manawatu is well placed for 

making active transport an attractive and easy choice for everyone. Active transportation 

includes those forms of transport that have a component of physical activity, such as cycling, 

jogging, skateboarding and walking. 

We have developed this document with the help of many agencies and interest groups. 

In particular, we would like to thank the members of the Manawatu Active Transport 

Strategy Working Group for assisting in the development of this strategy. Together with our 

communities, we are committed to the vision of this strategy: 

MORE MANAWATU PEOPLE AND VISITORS USE ACTIVE TRANSPORT 

MORE OFTEN FOR TRAVEL, HEALTH AND ENJOYMENT. 

This strategy aims to be a community document with Council clearly having a role but not 

able to directly provide or infl uence all areas of the plan. Partnerships are key elements 

and without your support and input, we can only achieve limited success. Please think 

about areas you can be involved in and what needs to happen to achieve the results we are 

aiming towards. The Manawatu will become an active transportation centre of excellence 

in New Zealand! 

A commitment to your own health starts with the fi rst step. We expect to see more people 

leaving the car at home for some or all of their travel. So for the good of your health and the 

community’s health, get moving! 

COME ON MANAWATU PUT YOUR BEST FOOT FORWARD AND 

WORK WITH US TO MAKE THIS HAPPEN! 

We’ll see you out there! 



5 

TABLE OF 

CONTENTS 

1 INTRODUCTION 7 

2 THE FOUR E’S 9 

2.1 Engineering 9 

2.2 Encouragement 10 

2.3 Enforcement 10 

2.4 Education 11 

3 VISION AND GOALS 13 

3.1 Vision 13 

3.2 Goals, Objectives and Action Plan 14 

4 INDICATORS 23 

5 BACKGROUND 25 

6 GLOSSARY OF TERMS 27 

7 STRATEGY WORKING GROUP 29 

APPENDIX A WALKING AND CYCLING NETWORK PLANS 31 

APPENDIX B POLICY CONTEXT 37 

Appendix B.1 National 37 

Appendix B.2 Regional 38 

Appendix B.3 Local/District Policies and Initiatives 39 

APPENDIX C DATA AND TRENDS 43 

Appendix C.1 Census Data 43 

Appendix C.2 Pedestrian and Cycle Crash Analysis for Manawatu 1995-2004 44 

APPENDIX D BENEFITS OF ACTIVE TRANSPORT MODES 47 

Appendix D.1 Individual Benefi ts 47 

Appendix D.2 Transport System Benefi ts 47 

Appendix D.3 Economic Benefi ts 48 

Appendix D.4 Community Benefi ts 49 

Appendix D.5 Environmental Benefi ts 49 

APPENDIX E: DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR FACILITIES 51 

APPENDIX F: ENCOURAGEMENT 53 

APPENDIX G: FUNDING 55 



1 

7 

INTRODUCTION 

The Manawatu Active Transport Strategy, for Pedestrians 1 and Cyclists is a joint venture 

between PNCC 2 and MDC. However, the vision of this strategy could not be realised without 

the assistance and support of partner agencies committed to achieving positive outcomes 

in our community. 

Partners include: 

• Sport Manawatu 

• Destination Manawatu 

• RoadSafe Central 

• Transit New Zealand 

• Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ) 

• New Zealand Police 

• Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) 

• Public Health 

• Sport Clubs 

• Advocacy Groups 

• Road Sense 

While vitally important, it is widely recognised that engineering alone has limited ability to 

deliver on sought objectives. Throughout the development of this strategy a collaborative 

approach combining the aspects of Engineering, Encouragement, Enforcement and Education 

(i.e. the 4 E’s) has been taken. 

It’s time for Manawatu people to work together towards a community where “More Manawatu 

people and visitors use active transport more often for travel, health and enjoyment”. 

1 Pedestrians - includes those with intellectual, sensory and physical impairments and is therefore intended to provide for 

the needs of the elderly and disabled. 

2 PNCC adopted its Bike Plan in 1998, signalling its intent to encourage cycling in one of New Zealand’s leading cycling 

cities. This strategy supersede’s the Bike Plan. 



2 

ENGINEERING - ENCOURAGEMENT - ENFORCEMENT - EDUCATION 

9 

THE FOUR E’S 

2.1 ENGINEERING 

The ‘Four E’s’ is a term describing often overlapping areas of agency responsibility regarding 

active transport. Individually, Engineering, Encouragement, Enforcement and Education 

are interventions used in central government’s Road Safety 2010 strategy 3 . The following 

describes each intervention of the ‘Four E’s’ and details where agencies are most likely to 

be playing a key role. 

The responsibility for ‘Engineering’ rests with PNCC, MDC and the national road controlling 

authority, Transit New Zealand. Engineers recognise that pedestrians and cyclists are the 

most vulnerable of road users and because of this there is a need to maintain a higher safety 

focus for these road users. In keeping with best practice standards the roading network is 

being upgraded continuously to improve accident blackspots such as intersections, pedestrian 

crossings, and kerb ramps. 

Both local and international experience indicates that developing connected facilities in a 

pedestrian and cycling network better serves the needs of the users than isolated facilities. 

For these reasons an Active Transport Network / Principal Cycle Network has been developed 

(please refer to supporting documentation). When the roads were considered for inclusion 

in the Active Transport Network, the following attributes were reviewed: 

ENGINEERING PLANNING 

• Carriageway width • Road hierarchy 

• Presence and width of footpaths • Land use 

• Intersection control • Origins and destinations 

• Centre and edge marking • Connectivity 

• Shoulder width • Integration with passenger 

• Road surface transport interchanges 

• Road gradient • Aesthetics 

• Traffi c volumes • Spacing of facilities, toilets/rest areas, 

• Traffi c speed water, food, accommodation 

• Traffi c composition (i.e. % of truck traffi c) 

3 http://www.landtransport.govt.nz/strategy-2010/ 


2.2 ENCOURAGEMENT 

2.3 ENFORCEMENT 

The responsibility for ‘Encouragement’ rests with many agencies. Sport Manawatu, Public 

Health and RoadSafe Central have bigger roles to play than others, yet all network partners 

and advocacy groups support encouragement activities. While each partner has varied 

reasons for increasing pedestrian and cyclist activity, all agree that our communities’ key 

benefi ts are in reducing vehicular trips. 

Examples of encouragement could be programs or projects that have been designed to 

promote the increased use of Active Transport modes and/or reducing vehicle trips for short 

journeys. Passenger Transport may directly benefi t from these programs. All partners to this 

strategy clearly see ‘Encouragement’ as a component that complements the other E’s. 

Partners to this strategy recognise that other sporting activities such as mountain biking, can 

encourage riders to choose active transport modes for commuting purposes. Consequently, 

all partners will encourage other sporting and recreational activities that have commuting 

benefi ts. See Appendix F for more detail. 

The primary responsibility for ‘Enforcement’ rests with the New Zealand Police however both 

PNCC and MDC are able to contribute to ‘Enforcement’ through a parking enforcement role 

within the community. 

In addition to enforcement, the Police have a role to play in targeting traffi c offenders with 

educational activities, advertising and promotion campaigns. 

It is a legal requirement for all crashes to be reported to the Police. Land Transport New 

Zealand captures this information in a database, where crashes are then analysed, so key 

agencies collaborate on improving problematic areas. 


2.4 EDUCATION 

11 

The primary responsibility for road user ‘Education’ and wider road safety rests with Land 

Transport New Zealand. It is also supported by many other agencies such as New Zealand 

Police, Accident Compensation Corporation, Horizons Regional Council and RoadSafe Central 

e.g. New Zealand Police play a large role in ‘Education’ by providing programs to local schools 

to teach them how to comply with road rules and how to travel safely on the roads. These 

programs are delivered through the ‘Police Education Offi cers’. 

Land Transport New Zealand and New Zealand Police actions are targeted around the major 

contributing factors to crashes. Pedestrians’ and cyclists’ safety can be improved through 

better education of all road users, including motorists. 

At a school level, walking school buses teach children road safety behaviour on their journey 

to and from school. The Land Transport New Zealand “RoadSense” programme delivers road 

safety messages as part of the school curriculum. 

Locally, RoadSafe Central is working with the community to develop localised community 

road safety projects. In addition, Sport Manawatu and Public Health are developing regional 

initiatives that directly benefi t our communities by increasing awareness of pedestrian and 

cycling benefi ts. 

Nationally, Kidsafe awareness campaigns have highlighted key child road safety issues 

including pedestrian and cycle safety. Bike Wise Week also highlights key safety messages 

when encouraging the use of bicycles for short journeys. 

As central government further develops its implementation programme for the ‘Getting there 

– on foot, by cycle’ strategy, further educational opportunities will present themselves. Local 

Authorities and their partners will play a key role in the collaboration and implementation 

of these opportunities. 



3.1 VISION 

3 

13 

VISION AND 

GOALS 

The vision of this strategy is that: 

MORE MANAWATU PEOPLE AND VISITORS USE ACTIVE TRANSPORT 

MORE OFTEN FOR TRAVEL, HEALTH AND ENJOYMENT 

In an effort to achieve this vision, network partners will work towards the following objectives 

and actions. 

A large number of projects have been suggested by the working group or requested by members 

of the public and interested groups. Not all of these projects were identifi ed individually as 

several of the generic action points eliminate the need for separate identifi cation. 

While the partners are committed to pursuing these actions, implementation will necessarily be 

tailored to budgets and resource allocation. For this reason, setting a fi rm priority and target 

for each action is not included. As this strategic document is intended to offer long term 

guidance, budgets will change based on Annual Plans and potential new funding streams. 

Palmerston North City and Manawatu District Council’s Commitments are shown in Appendix 

G, “Funding”. 


3.2 GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTION PLAN 

GOAL 1: TO PROMOTE MORE USE OF ACTIVE TRANSPORT MODES FOR HEALTH AND ENJOYMENT AND AS ALTERNATIVES TO 

PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLE TRAVEL 

Encouragement – Education 

RESPONSIBILITY 

OBJECTIVES SUMMARY OF ACTIONS, PROJECTS AND PROGRAMMES TARGET 

(WHERE APPROPRIATE) 

PNCC, MDC and other partners 

May 2007 – Ongoing 

1.1.1 Promote Manawatu Active Transport Strategy 

• Develop a promotional campaign to raise awareness of the 

Ongoing 

strategy 

• Regular review and implementation 

1.1 To encourage more people to use 

active transportation more often 

instead of driving cars for day to day 

trips, tourism and recreation. 

PNCC, MDC, Sport Manawatu, Public 

Health and other partners 

October 2007 

1.1.2 Promote Active Transport Network 

• Develop a promotional campaign to raise awareness and 

Ongoing 

encourage use of the existing walk and cycleway networks 


All partners 

July 2007 

1.1.3 Promote End of trip facilities such as secure parking and lockers 

• Develop a promotional campaign to raise awareness and 

Ongoing 

encourage use of existing end of trip facilities 


PNCC, MDC, Transit, LTNZ, 

RoadSafe Central, Horizons and 

January 2008 

1.1.4 Safe Routes to Schools 

• Investigate the possibilities of ‘Safe Routes to School’ 

other partners 

programmes 

• Develop implementation programmes 

July 2008 

Ongoing 


MANAWATU ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY 2007 14 

Sport Manawatu, Horizons, Public 

Health and other partners 

Ongoing 

1.1.5 Workplace and Travel Plans 

• Encouragement of workplace and travel plans to employers 

and educational institutes 

1.1.6 Support active transport events where appropriate Ongoing PNCC, MDC, RoadSafe Central, ACC, 

NZ Police, Public Health and other 

partners




Sport Manawatu and other partners 

Ongoing 

1.1.7 Promote active transport events 

• Coordinate active transport events with the support of 

other network partners and agencies 

NZ Police, RoadSense, RoadSafe 

Central and other partners 

Ongoing 

1.2.1 Road user behaviour education programme for school students 

• Deliver the programme to all primary and secondary 

1.2 To provide safety, education and 

enforcement programmes to advance 

schools in the Manawatu and Palmerston North areas 

active transport 

15 

LTNZ, RoadSafe Central, Transit NZ 

and other partners 

Ongoing 

1.2.2 Road user behaviour education programme for the community 

• Deliver the programme in the Manawatu and Palmerston 

North areas 

PNCC, MDC, NZ Police, RoadSafe 


November 2007 

1.2.3 Parking 

• Develop a promotional campaign to raise awareness of 

parking infringements affecting active transport 

Ongoing PNCC, MDC, Horizons, RoadSafe 


1.3.1 To develop programmes/projects that enhance community 

perception of Active Transport modes and program them for 

implementation 

• To act as role models in the community 

• Biannual surveys to measure community attitudes towards 

1.3 To improve the image, social 

acceptability and community 

awareness of the benefi ts of active 

transport 

active transport modes 

MANAWATU ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION STRATEGY 2007 

Ongoing PNCC, MDC, Horizons, RoadSafe 


1.4.1 • Through Communitrak survey 

• Through ongoing community anecdotal feedback 

1.4 Monitor satisfaction of active 

transport programmes/projects 

1.5.1 Promote active transport tourism options where appropriate Ongoing Destination Manawatu and other 

partners 

1.5 To ensure the tourism potential of 

active transport are realised

GOAL 2: TO DEVELOP A SAFE, CONVENIENT AND ATTRACTIVE TRAVEL NETWORK FOR ACTIVE TRANSPORT 

Engineering - Encouragement 



(WHERE 

APPROPRIATE) 

2.1.1 Cater for all road users in new designs Ongoing PNCC, MDC, Transit 

2.1 To ensure new and existing roads and 

footpaths are compatible with the 

needs of pedestrians and cyclists 

Ongoing PNCC, MDC 

2.1.2 Review road design policies with a view to applying Design 

Guidelines for Facilities (Appendix ( E) 

2.1.3 Develop policy regarding lighting of new sealed pathways December 2008 PNCC, MDC 

Ongoing Transit 

2.1.4 Review State Highway design with a view of applying Design 

Guidelines for Facilities (Appendix ( E) 


2.1.5 Investigate and action Active Transport Network / Principal Cycle 

Network (Appendix ( A) 

Ongoing PNCC, MDC, Transit 

2.1.6 Review intersections to determine suitability for pedestrians and 

cyclists and implement any improvements 


2.1.7 Consider the needs of pedestrians and cyclists with any new road 

or intersection upgrade 


2.1.8 Review roads and bridges to ensure they are suitable for 

pedestrians and cyclists; implement any improvements 


Ongoing PNCC, MDC, Transit, LTNZ 

2.1.9 Consider where there are opportunities to reduce speed limits on 

open road and around school areas (urban & rural)



(WHERE 

APPROPRIATE) 

PNCC, MDC, Transit 

Ongoing 

2.1.10 Additional maintenance 

• of segregated cycle routes (and footpaths/walkways where 

Ongoing 

appropriate) will occur in response to seasonal demand 

• in response to complaints that compromise safety within 

48hrs 

• Water blast footpath on a 5 to 7 year cycle, as required 

17 

Periodically 

• Investigate improved broken glass clearance system 

• Road shoulder as part of the annual reseal program 


2.1.11 Regular checks of lighting on pedestrian and cycle routes will be 

carried out. Repairs of defects will be implemented as soon as 

possible, but no more than 48hrs after notifi cation 


2.1.12 To undertake a review of all lighting on existing walkways and 

cycle paths. Implement new lighting where appropriate 


2.1.13 Investigate the possible reduction of urban speed limit below 50 

km/h (full or part time) in high pedestrian/cycle areas 


2.1.14 Promote “Report a Hazard” system (e.g. advertising, rates demand 

letter, community newsletter) 



2.1.15 Investigate width of existing footpaths and widen where 

appropriate 


2.1.16 Investigate and develop a programme for pedestrian crossing 

points and implement improvements 


2.1.17 Investigate and develop a programme for converting sump 

grates 

Ongoing PNCC, MDC, Transit, 

2.1.18 Investigate and develop a programme for removing isolated 

impediments on State Highways within Palmerston North City 

and Manawatu District



(WHERE 

APPROPRIATE) 

Ongoing PNCC, MDC, Transit, LTNZ 

2.2.1 Traffi c Calming Devices (LATM’s) 

• Ensure use of traffi c calming devices on the Active Transport 

Network takes into consideration the needs of cyclists and 

pedestrians 

2.2 To ensure that Local Area Traffi c 

Management (LATM) plans and the 

Council’s Safety Management System 

for roads support active transport 

• Investigate and prioritise implementation of traffi c calming 

devices on roads, where appropriate 

Ongoing MDC, LTNZ 

2.2.2 Review the Safety Management System from a pedestrian and 

cyclist’s perspective 


2.3.1 Consider pedestrian, cycle and public transport linkages through 

future subdivisions 

2.3 To ensure that convenient and 

attractive linkages are developed 

between new subdivisions and within 

parks and reserves 


2.4.1 Investigation of pathways and cycle routes 

• Manfeild Park Pathway 

2.4 To provide pedestrians and cyclists 

with good linkages within the district 

• Kowhai to Kitchener Park Pathway 

• Te Araroa Trail 

and neighbouring districts 

• Regional pedestrian and cycle routes 

• Rural routes (Appendix A) 


2.4.2 Bridges (Urban/Rural) 

• Investigate river crossing for pedestrians and cyclists 

upstream and downstream of the existing Fitzherbert 

Avenue Bridge 

• Any future road bridges/underpasses or river crossings 

should consider access for pedestrians and cyclists 

• All existing bridges urban/rural should be investigated for 

active transport user safety and improvements programmed 


accordingly



(WHERE 

APPROPRIATE) 


2.5.1 Use land designations where necessary and required to achieve 

linkages 

2.5 To expand and enhance the active 

transport networks and facilities in 

the Manawatu 


2.5.2 Utilise unformed legal road for active transport corridors, where 

appropriate 

19 

Ongoing PNCC, MDC, and other partners 

2.5.3 Investigate and implement improvements to end of trip facilities 

including cycle and mobility scooter parking, showers and 

lockers 

February 2008 PNCC, MDC 

2.5.4 Develop guidelines for all cycle parking requirements for all new 

developments 


2.5.5 Investigate need for drinking fountains and public toilets on 

active transport networks 

Ongoing PNCC, MDC, Horizons, LTNZ 

2.6.1 • Investigate the option of bike transport on urban buses 

• Include wheeled pedestrian facilities on all connecting 

routes, e.g. pushchair access on buses from Feilding to 

Palmerston North 

2.6 To look for synergies between public 

transport, and active forms of 

transport and implement appropriate 

opportunities to enhance these 

modes of travel 


Ongoing UCOL, PNCC, MDC 

2.6.2 Investigate Safe bike parking, potentially including lockers and 

bike stands at selected bus stops 

Ongoing Horizons, PNCC, MDC 

2.6.3 Promote public transport (plus provision of bus shelters, 

timetables) as a measure of promoting active transport

GOAL 3: TO ENSURE ALL RELEVANT POLICIES AND PRACTICES INCLUDE AND SUPPORT ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION 

Engineering – Encouragement – Education - Enforcement 





3.1.1 Review Subdivision Standards and code of practice to ensure they 

comply with best practice for active transport modes 

3.1 To ensure that relevant resource 

management plans, Long Term 

Council Community Plan (LTCCP), 

land use planning and urban design, 

and other key plans support active 

transport 


3.1.2 Ensure that developers of new subdivisions provide safe, 

convenient and attractive linkages for pedestrians and cyclists 

through and between subdivisions 


3.1.3 Review landscape and urban streetscape policies and practices 

• Consider ‘Living Streets’ landscape designs for new and 

existing neighbourhoods 4 


3.1.4 Review walking track standards (e.g. gravel vs. sealed, steps vs 

steep grade, disability access) 


3.1.5 Review footpath standards to ensure they adequately cater for 

all pedestrian needs 

2007/2008 MDC 

3.1.6 Investigate the need to develop a policy for appropriate planting 

of trees and shrubbery adjacent to roading and active transport 

networks 


2007/2008 MDC 

3.1.7 To incorporate elements from the Manawatu District Leisure Plan 

that will enhance the Active Transport Network 


3.1.8 Ensure that development neither severs existing routes without 

providing alternatives of equal or greater quality nor unjustly 

prejudicies accessibility by pedestrians and cyclists 

4 www.livingstreets.org.nz See Appendix E





3.1.9 Investigate practices of temporary traffi c management at 

roadwork sites affecting pedestrians and cyclists 

2008/2009 PNCC, MDC 

3.1.10 Develop a riverside pathway policy complementing any regional 

riverside plans 

PNCC, MDC and other partners 

Ongoing 

3.1.11 To ensure that any new or existing plans, policies consider the 

needs of active transport users 

21 

2009 

Ongoing 


• Review Active Transport Strategy 

• Actively monitor progress of this strategy 

3.2.1 Review reseal programme for opportunities to reassess road 

layout which may include additional provisions for pedestrians 

3.2 To ensure road and park management 

and maintenance activities support 

and cyclists 

active transport 


3.2.2 Review capital works programme for opportunities to include the 

needs of pedestrians and cyclists 


3.2.3 Ensure the needs of active transport users are considered during 

maintenance activities. Conduct periodic inspections of the 

active transport network to pre-empt safety or access issues 


3.2.4 Monitor and audit quality and quantity of pedestrian and cycling 

facilities 


2008 and 2011 PNCC, MDC, Transit and other 

partners 

3.3.1 Review the network plans and implementation programme for 

2009 and 2012 Long Term Council Community Plans and Annual 

3.3 To facilitate collaboration amongst all 

relevant sections of PNCC, MDC and 

Plans 

Transit working on issues relevant to 

pedestrians and cyclists 


3.4.1 Consult with relevant stakeholders on strategies, policies, plans 

and practices 

3.4 To ensure that groups representing 

pedestrians, cyclists and the disabled 

are consulted at appropriate stages 

on all relevant strategies, policies, 

plans and practices




July 2007 MDC 

3.5.1 Consider the appointment of an Active Transport Offi cer to drive 

the implementation of this strategy 

3.5 To ensure that adequate funds 

and other resources are made 

available for implementation of this 

strategy within relevant budgetary 

constraints 

2011 PNCC, MDC 

3.5.2 Review this Strategy to ensure amended objectives are 

incorporated into the 2012 LTCCP 

3.5.3 Support this strategy with adequate funding and staff resources Ongoing PNCC, MDC, Transit 

Ongoing PNCC, MDC and other partners 

3.6.1 Encourage staff to walk and cycle to work and for short journeys 

related to work and private activities 

3.6 To act as role models in the 

community for good corporate 

behaviour supporting active forms of 

transport 

3.6.2 Provide and promote the use of bikes for staff Ongoing PNCC, MDC and other partners 

3.7.1 Convene a Regional Active Transport Steering Group Ongoing Horizons and other partners 

3.7 To encourage other agencies to ensure 

that all relevant strategies, policies, 

plans and practices for Manawatu 

support active transport 


4 

23 

INDICATORS 

Progress made in realising the vision, goals and objectives of this strategy will be measured 

using these indicators: 

1 Increase the proportion of walking and cycling trips. Measures to include: 

• Census “Travel to Work” data 5 

• CBD cycle parking surveys 

• School cycle parking surveys 

• Recreational Route Cycle Counts 

2 Reduce the proportion of pedestrians and cyclists injured in crashes with motor 

vehicles on Manawatu roads, relative to the total number of casualties 

• As recorded in the Crash Analysis System, LTNZ database 

3 Increase the level of satisfaction expressed by residents regarding active transport 

infrastructure. 

• As recorded in the residents’ survey 

Progress reports will be completed annually. 

5 Census data are based on those who travel to work (i.e. excludes those who worked from home or did not travel to work). 



5 

25 

BACKGROUND 

Central government requires ‘walking and cycling’ to be given more importance at the 

regional and local level than previously, as noted in the NZ Transport Strategy (2002) and the 

Land Transport Management Act 2003. “Getting there - on foot, by cycle” (February 2005) 

reinforces the importance central government places on these modes of travel. Government 

fi nancial support through Land Transport New Zealand for projects depends on the existence 

of walking and cycling strategies. 

Keeping these key documents in mind, Palmerston North City and Manawatu District Councils 

joined forces to develop a walking and cycling strategy in early 2005. Determined to create 

and develop a safe and seamless walking and cycling experience for their communities. 

Recognising the value in evolving regional linkages and local routes for pedestrians and 

cyclists, the offi cers took a collaborative approach to developing a ‘terms of reference’ for the 

project. Land Transport New Zealand funding enabled the Councils to engage MWH consultants 

Andrew MacBeth and Axel Wilke of Christchurch City Solutions to lead the development of a 

draft strategy. 

Keeping their walking and cycling communities at the forefront, strategy development 

progressed through two groups of dedicated walking and cycling enthusiasts. A working 

group comprising of key stakeholders from both districts set the content and direction, while 

a wider consultation group made valuable contributions. 

The overall aim of the strategy was to encourage greater use of active transport modes, 

which would inevitably make Manawatu a safer place in which to live, learn, work and play. 

It is intended to be a guiding document for both Councils to use for planning and funding 

the implementation of active transport routes, reinforcing the commitment required from the 

communities and network partners to achieve its goals. 

Network partners, such as Land Transport New Zealand, Transit, Public Health, Accident 

Compensation Corporation, RoadSafe Central, RoadSense, Sport Manawatu, Destination 

Manawatu and New Zealand Police, are equally committed to supporting the strategy. They 

will support the strategy by educating and encouraging our community to take responsibility 

for our health, economy, and environment by safely taking active transport into the future. 

The Manawatu Active Transport Strategy supersedes Palmerston North’s Bike Plan (1998), 

is an action identifi ed in the Manawatu District Leisure Plan, and refl ects the New Zealand 

Transport Strategy objectives of: 

• Assisting economic development 

• Assisting safety and personal security 

• Improving access and mobility 

• Protecting and promoting public health 

• Ensuring environmental sustainability 


The goals of Getting there - on foot, by cycle (the national walking and cycling strategy) are: 

• Community environments and transport systems that support walking and cycling 

• More people choosing to walk and cycle, more often 

• Improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists 

Until recently, roading standards made few provisions for disabled users, pedestrians in a 

higher traffi c environment, or the needs of differing types of cyclists. New paradigms will need 

to be explored throughout New Zealand as population and land use trends are contributing 

to the changing transport environment. In Palmerston North policies such as commercially 

realistic pricing for carparking will assess more of the true market costs to motorists and 

increase demand for active transport facilities. The Manawatu Active Transport Strategy is 

our collaborative commitment to meeting the transport challenges of the future. 


6 

27 

GLOSSARY OF 

TERMS 

Action Plan Programme of proposed pedestrian and cycling projects and activities 

Bicycle A cycle with two wheels (see “cycle”). 

Cycle A vehicle designed to be propelled solely by the muscular energy of its 

driver(s) through pedalling. 

Cycle lane Part of a roadway allocated specifi cally for cycle use but which may 

occasionally be used by motor vehicles for turning at intersections or 

driveways or manoeuvring into parking spaces. 

Cycle Network Plan A map of the primary cycle route network and a schedule of the 

infrastructure projects required to develop it. 

Cycle path An off-road path path for cycles. It can be an exclusive cycle path, a 

shared-use path or a separated path (see “shared path”). 

Cycle route A recommended route for cyclists comprising cycle lanes, cycle paths, sign 

posting, pavement markings or other walking and cycling facilities. 

Cyclist A person riding a cycle. 

Footpath A path for use by pedestrians and others (see “pedestrian”). 

LTNZ Land Transport New Zealand is a government agency providing funding 

and support for New Zealand’s land transport system and road safety 

responsibilities. This agency was formed from the amalgamation of 

Transfund NZ and the Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) in December 

2004. 

LTCCP Long Term Council Community Plan, plan of council activities mandated 

by the Local Government Act 

Manawatu The area comprising the Palmerston North City Council and Manawatu 

District Council. 

MDC Manawatu District Council 

Network plan Plan of existing and proposed walking and cycling facilities 

Pedestrian Any person on foot or who is using means of conveyance propelled by 

human power, other than bicycle. (As defi ned in the Pedestrian Network 

Planning and Facilities Design Guide, Land Transport NZ 2005). See also 

“walking”. This is further clarifi ed by noting that this strategy includes 

people with a range of sensory, physical and intellectual impairments. 

A pedestrian is someone walking under this defi nition. 

PNCC Palmerston North City Council 

Shared path A physically separated path for pedestrians and cyclists, from motor 

vehicles. A path provided for use by both cyclists and pedestrians. 

Track An off-road path used by pedestrians and/or cyclists but not motor 

vehicles. Generally has an unsealed surface. 

Transit Transit New Zealand, agency responsible for New Zealand’s state highway 

network. 

Walking The Pedestrian Network Planning and Facilities Design Guide, Land 

Transport NZ 2005 defi nes walking as “the act of self-propelling along 

route, whether on foot or on small wheels, or assisted by additional 

aids” (see “pedestrian”). 



7 

29 

STRATEGY 

WORKING GROUP 

Many people have provided assistance and reviewed drafts of the strategy during its 

preparation. The assistance of all concerned is greatly appreciated - especially that of the 

Working Group who assisted in the development of this draft strategy. Composition of the 

group was as follows: 

Name Organisation(s) Represented 

Bob Nicholls Manawatu Striders 

Chris Teo-Sherrell Cycle Aware Palmerston North (CAPN), Living Streets Aotearoa 

Christine Cheyne CAPN, Massey Bicycle Users Group, Masters Cycling Club, 

Te Araroa Trust 

Colin Giles Manawatu District Council (MDC) 

Cushla Bowie Sport Manawatu 

David Curson Land Transport New Zealand (LTNZ) 

Donald Kerr CAPN, Manawatu Forest and Bird 

Frank Goldingham Te Araroa Trust, Walk New Zealand 

Grant Spiers Manawatu Triathlon Club 

Heather Mordaunt Public Health - Mid Central Health 

Mary Mitchell Road Safe Central, Palmerston North 

Maurice Mildenhall Transit New Zealand 

Peter Lister DPA New Zealand. Phoenix Inc and Destination Manawatu 

(until June 2005) 

Sandi Morris Palmerston North City Council (PNCC) 

Todd Simmiss CAPN, Massey Bicycle Users Group 

Tracey Hunt Manawatu District Council (MDC) 

Andrew Macbeth MWH New Zealand Ltd, Christchurch, Working group co-ordinator 

Axel Wilke Christchurch City Council, Christchurch 

We would like to make special mention of our friend and colleague Peter Lister who 

unexpectedly passed away during the development of this strategy. 

“Peter, we sincerely hope that our work fulfi ls your vision”

Active Transport Strat Cover.indd - Palmerston North City Council

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