Keep Transport Choices feedback coming, says council team

Stephen Bowden, Roading Asset Manager at Stratford District Council, has had a lot of in-depth conversations about cycle paths with locals lately.

The council has released it's proposed Transport Choices plans for a safe and accessible walking and cycling network to connect Stratford primary schools with key destinations in the community.

While the plans are aimed at creating safe and active travel options for Stratford’s kids, the proposed upgrades to footpaths, raised crossing points, and increased safety measures will benefit community members of all ages, from pēpē being walked in strollers, to people using mobility scooters.

District residents are being encouraged to have their say before the feedback period closes at 4pm on Friday 8 September.

Stephen says Transport Choices drop-in sessions have been a great way to hear from the community and they're already thinking about ways some suggestions can be worked into the final designs.

"We wanted to keep the drop-in sessions really informal. We're not standing at the front of a room giving a presentation. We want to have good conversations with people about the plans and if and how the project is going to impact them."

"We've had people turn up with pages of notes and we've talked for over 45 minutes about their suggestions, and others might just have a few quick questions before they fill in their feedback form. Either way, come and have a chat," says Stephen.

There are two more drop-in sessions coming up on Friday 1 September and 8 September from 9am to 1pm at the Stratford Library and Visitor Information Centre.

So far, the Transport Choices team has received around 30 submissions through the council website, emails, and paper feedback forms. Stephen says he's hoping for a lot more.

"Our Transport Choices project is going to go ahead, but we need to know how our design will impact people so we can make adjustments where possible. Do you want to see changes made to the plans? Are you excited about your kids biking or walking to school? Make sure you have your say."

The proposed plans and an online feedback form can be found at Stratford.govt.nz/HaveYourSay

Paper forms are available at Stratford Library and Visitor Information Centre, Wai o Rua - Stratford Aquatic Centre, and council's Service Centre on Miranda Street.