GET ROAD WISE IN THE RED ZONE
A red zoned Christchurch cul-de-sac in Burwood has been transformed into a miniature road for bikes where children can learn their road rules while having bucket loads of fun.
Complete with Lilliputian-scale signs, road markings, and even a tiny roundabout, the brand new Learn to Ride Track off Brooker Avenue is open to the public and perfect for children at all stages of their cycling journey.
The track is located within a nine-hectare area known as East x East – a collaboration between Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) and Life in Vacant Spaces (LiVS). As the landowner of this Crown-owned red zone area, LINZ has approved LiVS’ short-term use of the space, and they have ignited the area with a raft of activities and amenities, including the cycling track.
Lydia Bloy, LINZ Group Manager Crown Property Christchurch, says temporary events and activities are an important part of Christchurch’s regeneration.
“We love seeing projects like this bring people to the area. East x East is a great example of how a large area of red zone land can be transformed into a family-friendly space with lots of different activities that anyone can take part in.”
East x East Project Coordinator Hannah Watkinson says the Learn to Ride Track is a great place for children to gain confidence on their bikes in a controlled setting.
“They can learn their road rules and have fun – whether they’re on balance bikes, trainer wheels or getting ready to ride on the road on their own.
“Christchurch is an excellent place to be a cyclist, and we hope the track helps to improve confidence and skills at a young age, making our roads a safer place for all.”
As a charity, LiVS relies heavily on support from local organisations. With the track, Citycare Group was instrumental in getting it off the ground, donating services to repair the original road, paint line-markings, install road signs, and tidy up the surrounding area.
Citycare Junior Project Manager Thomas Parackal says they jumped at the chance to give back to the community and draw on a partnership with the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) to assemble a group of young volunteers.
“The Learn to Ride Track was a fitting project for us because of all our work looking after open spaces in Christchurch.”
Sam Johnson, Chief Executive of SVA, says the group was delighted to invite students from their Service Award volunteer programme to support the project, enabling young people to solve problems in their backyard and create meaningful change within communities.
Bringing this red zone area to life was an excellent result for the Citycare volunteers and young helpers from St Albans School, Rangi Ruru Girls’ School, and Papanui and Cashmere high schools, he says.
Other activities to be found at East x East include a sports field, pump track, and a nine-hole frisbee golf course.
Since 2016, LINZ has supported almost 150 short-term projects and events in the red zone, and it actively encourages the use of Crown-owned red zone land on a temporary basis.