The first set of Tim Tam concrete cycleway separators were removed from a portion of Devon Street West this morning to ascertain the costs involved with removal. It marks the first step of a trial that was voted on by NPDC councillors after a motion was narrowly lost to remove all separators and reinstate the road to its original state.
The trial will replace the concrete separators with low-profile rubber replacements and reinstate carparks along a stretch of Devon Street West that is being resealed by NZTA in March. For many local residents and businesses in the area, the loss of parking has been a major pain point, making it difficult for homeowners, visitors, customers and tradespeople to find a spot.
Mayor Max Brough, who campaigned on the removal of the blocks, has dubbed the new rubber replacements “Mallowpuffs.” Unlike the rigid concrete Tim Tams, these 80mm-high rubber dividers are designed to be driven over without damaging vehicles, a common complaint from locals, and will allow traffic to safely pull over to allow emergency vehicles through.
While the Mayor originally hoped for a total removal, the estimated removal costs of $1.6m led councillors to opt for this trial instead. However, the change hasn’t been met with universal praise. At a recent briefing, some residents expressed frustration that the trial doesn’t go far enough, while others questioned the unknown final cost of the “Mallowpuff” installation.
Council staff will be monitoring the new layout closely over the coming months. They are looking at safety data and traffic flow to see if this hybrid design provides the safety cyclists need without the “stress” the concrete blocks caused drivers.
This isn’t a permanent fix just yet. The results of the trial are expected to be reported back to the council in September, at which point elected members will decide if the rest of the Tim Tams stay or go.
8 Responses
I have been advocating for rubber strips since the debate began. Cyclists need protection from the heavy traffic and speed that is consistent along this area (and in fact all areas). It should have been done in the first place. The concrete separators are too big, for every reason.
However, I do think the layout of the cycle areas have not been thought through.
Massive shout out to the Downer and hiab team for their efforts. I was the STMS for the footpath extension and first few installments of cycle seperators. We went through the fire together, and together we took on all this town could through at us. Definition of working for each other, a trait no longer present in most work places. Pleasure working with you all, and will do it again if the chance arises.
just get rid of them all. Absolute waste of rate payers money putting ” Marshmallows ” in.
thought a good digger operator would be twice as fast once they are up from the surface. hoping they stay gone
WOW!!!! Way to go Max. Such a pleasing sight to see. Keep up the fantastic mahi. Oh it was a real pleasure to meet you at Americana in New Plymouth. Katie
Just put the tim tams and bumblebee strips. In the bloody rubbish tip and stop wasting rate payers money
Yes trash the lot .. If we dont drive a car safely we shouldn’t have a licence. Surely we can see a cyclist or visa versa when on the shared road. Been doing it for years
Total waste of rate payers money, unbelievable from a Mayor who claims to want to keep rates down – financial illiteracy.