May 22

Security On Bridge Ramped Up For Protest

Cam, 22-05-2009 2:16 pm

The Herald reports:

Walkers and cyclists planning a protest crossing of Auckland Harbour Bridge on Sunday morning will find it defended by a new security fence as well as by police.

The Transport Agency, which has put up the 1.8m fence this week along the Curran St on-ramp, is also concerned that schools have been among recipients of a mass email invitation by the Getacross Campaign to “a public walk/cycle” over the Waitemata.

The agency said yesterday that it had emailed almost 50 schools believed to have received the invitation, to warn them off on safety grounds… [more]

I would urge people to turn up to Pt Erin at 9:00am Sunday 24th May regardless. Even if we don’t get to walk across the bridge, a strong turnout will demonstrate to the NZTA that the issue of equality for pedestrians and cyclists is one that needs to be addressed.

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One Response to “Security On Bridge Ramped Up For Protest”

  1. jarbury says:
    May 22, 2009 at 11:12 pm

    From Facebook:

    Just sending out some last-minute details for all those keen to come down to the GetAcross demonstration of support for permanent walking and cycling options on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Get your chanting voice on, this is going to be fun!

    Police will provide safe passage if the Transport Agency gives the word!

    The Police advise that if the Transport Agency’s Wayne McDonald says ‘Yes’ on Sunday morning, then the Police will provide us safe passage across the bridge. This was confirmed in a meeting between Police representatives Supt John Kelly and Inspector Paul Marshall with GetAcross spokesperson Bevan Woodward.

    Bevan Woodward says: “The two lanes on the Eastern clip-ons could be used for safe access, as this was recommended by Transport Agency officers to their Board in August 2008”.

    “We’ve suggested to the Police that we go across at 9:30am. Then at 10:30am everyone turns around and we make our way back, thereby clearing the two traffic lanes of walkers and cyclists by 11:30am, causing minimal disruption to traffic.”

    Walk Auckland’s Andy Smith says “This Sunday will be a fun and historic event on the 50th anniversary of the Bridge first opening to Aucklanders. The more people that come along on Sunday, then the greater the chance the Transport Agency will give the OK to the Police to provide us with safe passage across the Bridge.”

    “We’ve also arranged for a stage, sound system, coffee stand, a lolly scramble for the kids and Mr Whippy!”

    Speakers include:
    Darien Fenton, MP and Labour’s spokesperson for Transport Safety
    Christine Rose, ARC’s Chair of Transport
    Chris Darby, North Shore City Councillor
    Keith Locke & Russel Norman (Green Party MP’s)

    “We’re asking everyone to gather at 9am at Point Erin, city side of the Bridge.”

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