Summer's here, and for Piha residents that means more traffic. But they still don't have a footpath to walk on, finds Joanna Davies.
As school holidays roll on and the weather warms even more, the traffic on the road to Piha is increasingly busy. That means locals trying to walk to the village face more danger as they try to stay out of the way of cars, boat-trailers and motorbikes on Piha Rd.
In April, The Aucklander spoke with Piha resident and mother Sara Carbery about her desire for footpaths along the main road where people could walk safely.
On behalf of the Walk Safe In Piha group, she made submissions to Waitakere City Council's 10-year plan for funding for footpaths.
But the council doesn't have the money for these.
Ms Carbery says the group is disappointed.
"We did get some very positive feedback about our ideas but, unfortunately, it wasn't included in the plan. We could just let the matter rest now, but we will keep pushing for
it and looking for other opportunities to get funding.''
She says Auckland Regional Council's new walk, Hillary Trail, comes along Piha Rd, and more and more trampers will use it.
"I saw a group of trampers walking along the road the other week when it was quite misty. It is very dangerous.''
Waitakere City Council officers have met the Walk Safe in Piha group to see what the problems are.
"They have come and walked along it with us to see how dangerous it is, and contractors will be mowing the verges more so people can walk on them,'' says Ms Carbery.
The council is also laying a metal footpath along Beach Valley Rd leading to the surf club.
Waitakere City Council spokesman Glyn Walters says the council is not considering new footpaths or cycleways in Piha in the next 10 years, but the council will look at the speed
limits along some of the busy roads.
"The council will be engaging in consultation regarding speed limits across multiple Waitakere sites in 2010 to see if speed limit reductions are warranted.
"A walking plan is proposed to be developed in 2009 and 2010 that will help direct and focus walking improvements and expenditure in rural areas and rural townships,'' says
Mr Walters.
Ms Carbery is optimistic that changes will be effected sooner.
"Hopefully, by the time my children are teenagers, they will be able to walk safely to the beach.''
On the road again
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.