Wellington cyclists welcome waterfront link but businesses say changes come at a cost

A new two-way cycle lane connecting Wellington's Basin Reserve to Waitangi Park on the waterfront has opened access between the city and southern suburbs.

But the move had come at a cost to businesses along Cambridge Terrace and cyclists were also reporting close shaves and aggressive driving along the stretch.

Resene Paints general manager Nick Nightingale said the company had run an outlet on Cambridge Terrace for 10 years.

Nightingale said a significant drop in turnover since the cycle lane was put in place meant they were currently looking for a new location.

The design of the lane could have been modified to lessen the impact on nearby businesses, he said.

"We don't think the council really listened. When the overwhelming amount of feedback from the people on the street was seeking some changes it's very surprising that no changes were actually made."

Mt Victoria resident Richard Burrell occasionally drove his SUV onto the pavement between Cambridge and Kent terraces to take a short cut across the lane to his favourite cafe.

Burrell said he was in full support of cycleways but he did not understand why the design did not allow at least one of previous layout's three U-turn points between Courtney Place and the Basin Reserve.

"I had been used to where we could do a U-turn in two or three different places up and down Cambridge Terrace and now I have to go to Roxburgh St or around the Basin and, as we saw today, the fire brigade also had to go around the Basin to get to a fire on Cambridge Terrace," Burrell said.

Stephen Maslin said he enjoyed the protection offered by the lane but was concerned by some of the negative response to the changes.

Maslin said soon after the lane was opened his wife and child were passed dangerously close on an unprotected section.

"My wife experienced two very close passes. [I'm] talking about millimetres, really terrifying. We call that 'punishment passes'. Even if you don't like cyclists on the road, there's no excuse for trying to terrify a more vulnerable road user," he said.

Amanda Berkahn cycle commuted to town from her Southgate home.

She was thrilled she could now ride all the way to the terrace via cycle lanes and a short trip along the waterfront.

The relief of the new lanes made her realise how exposed she felt without them, she said.

She shaken at the abuse she received after pointing out to motorist how close they came to her, she said.

"I sort of feel I run a gauntlet until I get to the safe zone because people just seem more aggressive. I mean most people aren't but it's just a few that ruin your day."

Paul Wilson said the new lane allowed his four and a half year old daughter, Iris, to ride her own bike on the family's trips to the beach on Oriental Parade.

The space afforded by the lane's wide design allowed him to keep her close and guide her through the route, he said.

"It's just made such a difference there's a physical barrier between her and the cars and it's awesome. There's traffic lights at all the junctions and it's nice and wide. She loved it, she was super happy. She likes being next to me and also feeling she's got that bit of independence."

Wilson said he hoped the lanes would encourage more families to feel safe in allowing their children to get around the city under their own steam.