The Local - Mt VictoriaOPINION
In this opinion piece, the Mt Victoria Residents Association’s president Ellen Blake makes the case that walking-only tracks are needed on Matairangi.
Our town belt is a treasure where we can enjoy a back-to-nature tranquil time wandering up and down hills, walking the dog, hanging out on our own or with friends. It was set up in the 1800s for the people of Wellington to be able to recreate in, as it continues. Fast forward to the present and now we see 12 mountainbike-only tracks and all the rest above Palliser Road south are ‘shared’. The Mt Victoria Residents Association is calling for a fairer allocation of tracks for all users to enjoy.
Until the last 20 years recreation meant getting out on foot and the park management strongly reflected this. Some commuter cyclists have used one or two routes for a long time and are usually long gone by 9am. Two mountainbike tracks were created in about 2002. Now 12 mountainbike-only tracks exist and all others are shared. Many of these mountainbike tracks were guerilla works and not well designed and only work for fast downhill descent. Considering this with two such different ways of getting around, there have been many issues. Putting aside the erosion risk and damage to regenerating bush that has gone along with the mountainbike tracks, the conflict between users has come to the fore. Mt Victoria Residents Association has raised this clash of use many times. We have heard of many people feeling frightened as high speed vehicles whoosh past them disrupting their park experience, and often with people in full face helmets – a clear sign to watch out. There have been serious injuries recorded, not least by local filmmaker Gaylene Preston, who has written of her experience.
Wellington City Council’s 2015 management plan documented the tracks and there was agreement that no new tracks would be built. However one eastern side mountainbike-only downhill track has been built since then. Over three years ago a Council resolution tasked staff to investigate this issue. In the latter part of this year people were invited to two meetings, one for on-foot users and one for mountainbikers. WCC has done a limited survey of some users and it plans more consultation.
The Council now has to look at fairly allocating existing track space. There just isn’t enough space to build more tracks and maintain native vegetation. Council has recently installed signs to indicate that people on foot have priority on the tracks. Signage rarely solves design issues and therefore we think better management is required.
To enjoy our parks they need to be safe and pleasant for all users. There is no suggestion that more tracks will be installed so we have to make the best of what we have. Mt Victoria Residents Association suggests an equitable allocation of tracks and to have at least 12 walk-only tracks through our park so people on-foot can enjoy a tranquil vehicle-free experience. Ideally they need to be continuous so we can walk safely and totally separated. See the map for our ideas.
We are interested in your views on where these walking / on-foot sections should be. Contact mtvicra@gmail.com with your suggestions.
