Cycling in Blenheim contributes to improving transport options, providing a more efficient and integrated transport network, improving health, economic and social outcomes and liveability.
With assistance from Bike Walk Marlborough and Marlborough Roads, Marlborough District Council is developing a safe, convenient and integrated network to encourage more people to choose walking and cycling as an active and healthy way to get around. The programme will link residential areas with schools, the CBD, workplaces, wineries and other key destinations.
In Blenheim, the Urban Cycleways Fund will be investing in the Spring Creek, Taylor River path and Eltham/Beaver Road cycle link projects. All cycling infrastructure will be complemented with cycling education and training.
Download the Blenheim Urban Cycleways map
Spring Creek
This 2.4km2.8km off-road shared path will extend the existing high-quality facility between Blenheim and Grovetown through to Spring Creek. This high-priority project for the Marlborough District will bring Spring Creek and its residents into the Blenheim cycling network and provide off-road access to the Spring Creek and Grovetown schools, both within 500m of the route. In addition, this project will also provide a path for people who would otherwise cycle on State Highway 1.
Benefits
This off-road facility will provide a safer route for students and others to cycle between Spring Creek and Blenheim, separated from the high-speed traffic along State Highway 1. This new facility will help to encourage new people to cycle, many of whom lack the confidence or experience to cycle the existing state highway. The off-road path will encourage more Spring Creek residents to cycle to work and school. The route will also provide increased safety for recreational cyclists.
Construction is anticipated to begin in August 2016 and be completed by November 2016.
B. Taylor River path
This 2.6km off-road cycle path will extend the existing popular route along the Taylor River further to the south, linking more residential areas in south Blenheim to the CBD. The existing section already caters for a considerable number of pedestrians and cyclists, many of whom are travelling to the colleges to the northwest of the town. This project will increase the catchment area for the path and offer a safer and more pleasant alternative to the road network.
Benefits
This off-road cycle path will provide a safer commuting option for over 1700 students to cycle to school, and for commuters to cycle to work in the CBD. The attractive cycling route will improve the transport choice for residents in south Blenheim travelling to the CBD. The route is expected to attract over 400 people each day when complete.
Construction is anticipated to begin in October 2016 and be completed by December 2016.
Eltham/Beaver Road cycle link
This 1.5km route will consist of a 500m separated two-way cycle path on the eastern side of Eltham Road and traffic calming measures on Beaver Road. This path will provide direct access to Whitney Street School and nearby St Mary’s School and connect Eltham Road to Taylor River path, via Carr Street and Beaver Road.
Benefits
This separated cycle path will offer a safer cycle route for the 500 students that attend Whitney Street and St Mary’s schools. It will also encourage more people to cycle to the Taylor River reserve path to reach the town centre and other destinations in the area. This route is expected to attract around 200 people each day.
Construction is anticipated to begin in January 2018 and be completed by March 2018.
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