Parents call for safer commute to schools in Wānaka 

“I can’t let my seven-year-old bike to school because there is no way I’d let him cross [a busy] road all the time,” parent Craig Gasson said.

In a submission to a local authority, the group said Anderson Road and Aubrey Road are two of Wānaka’s main arterial routes, carrying significant vehicle traffic at peak school times.

“Both are crossed daily by children travelling to and from Wānaka Primary School, Mount Aspiring College, and Holy Family Catholic School – on foot, scooter and bicycle,” he said.

“Neither road currently provides adequate dedicated infrastructure at the key crossing points children use.

“There are no raised pedestrian crossings on Anderson Road, no pedestrian-activated signals at the informal crossing points children rely on and no physical separation between cyclists and moving traffic at the most hazardous merge points.”

Earlier this year, Mr Gasson and several people in the group met with members of the community board to share their concerns and make the board aware of the changes they were hoping for. 

Mr Gasson said the efforts to make commuting to and from schools in Wānaka has been endorsed by a number of community groups as well as the principals of Wānaka Primary School, Holy Family Catholic School and Mount Aspiring College.

Wānaka–Upper Clutha community board chair Simon Telfer said the board is working hard to secure as much funding as possible in the current deliberations on a long-term plan that could include improving safety and connectivity for those who choose to walk and bike around town.

FULL STORY

‘I can’t let my 7 year old bike to school’: Parents calling for safer route to schools (By Evie Sinclair/Otago Daily Times – subscription required)