Main Street – Pioneer Highway cycleway
The Main Street – Pioneer Highway cycleway is a separated cycleway running from Pitt Street in the centre of town to the Longburn shared pathway on the opposite side of Botanical Road.
Pedestrian-controlled traffic lights outside the Pioneer shops provide a safe passage for pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the street and connect to an off-street shared pathway along the grass verge.
You most likely know this cycleway for planter boxes
You may recall the use of planter boxes on Pioneer Highway as a trial measure to separate cyclists from vehicles following the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. This trial was funded by Waka Kotahi – NZ Transport Agency and aimed to encourage cycling and pedestrian initiatives.
In March 2022, elected members decided to replace the planter boxes with flexi poles, which are currently still in place, as a temporary solution until the permanent cycleway is designed.
This cycleway is a priority under our Urban Cycle Masterplan
The Main Street – Pioneer Highway cycleway is a crucial component of our Urban Cycle Masterplan. It is one of the top 10 priority routes aimed at creating a safe network of protected cycleways throughout the city.
This cycleway connects the Longburn Shared Path, Mangaone Stream Shared Pathway, and our western suburbs with the city centre – providing a significant distance for cyclists to safely travel around Palmerston North.
Why are we building cycleways?
Our Urban Cycle Network Masterplan is a vital component of our city's growth and transportation strategy. As the number of vehicles on our roads continues to increase, cycling offers a sustainable and efficient alternative for daily commutes. By creating a network of protected cycleways, we aim to make cycling a safer and more attractive choice for residents and visitors, reducing congestion and improving overall transport options.
While we acknowledge that cycling may have limitations, such as weather and transporting children, we hope that over time, people will consider different transport choices, feeling safer and more encouraged to cycle, even if only for a few days each week.