Parking over cycle lanes an ‘issue of safety’

Parking opportunists are angering cyclists, after five cars took advantage of the temporary removal of cycle lane separators.

On Wednesday, five cars were photographed parking over a cycle lane in Great King St, between St David St and Union St West.

The NZ Transport Agency says the cycle lane separators were taken out for development work, and will be replaced next week.

Cycle advocacy group Spokes chairman Jon Dean said it was "outrageous", and a safety issue when so many cars were in one spot.

"I’ll come across cars blocking the cycle lane twice a week, but usually it’s a car dropping someone off. Five is a lot."

He had noticed an improvement since the cycleways had been established, but said the issue was ongoing.

"It’s a frustration and an inconvenience. It’s also an issue of safety — it’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt because of it.

"It would be great if the authorities could take a bit more notice of it — it interferes with the intent of having an efficient transport system."

NZ Transport Agency safety engineers team lead Roy Johnson said the concrete cycle lane separators were removed temporarily in connection with development work nearby.

"Parking on the cycle path is not to be encouraged and we have requested the separators be put back as soon as possible. Indications are this will be early to middle of next week.

"In the meantime, we will ensure the area has road cones to stop people parking on the cycle lane to protect the cyclists," he said.

Mr Johnson encouraged drivers and passengers to take care around people cycling and pedestrians and to check before they opened their car doors.

emma.perry@odt.co.nz