Catherine Stewart Tauranga City Councillor

One of the latest social media debates is whether or not cyclists should be able to cycle along the Pilot Bay boardwalk.

A year or so ago there was debate as to whether cyclists should share the walkway along the foreshore at Otumoetai and a sign was put in place stating 'Share with Care”. The key thing for cyclists to remember is to use their bell when approaching pedestrians as it is near impossible, as a walker, to hear a cyclist on concrete.

As a cyclist and walker I believe the key issue is around common sense. The road speed limit at Pilot Bay is 30km/h. In the middle of winter if there are only one or two people using the boardwalk I do not see an issue in a cyclist going at an appropriate slow speed on the boardwalk and using their bell as a warning device as they approach people.

However, as this boardwalk is well utilised, most of the year it would be inappropriate to cycle on the boardwalk.

We live in a world where there are more and more signs appearing advising us what to do (or not) as the case may be. Many of the road signs can be very distracting for motorists.

Fireworks are another example. They are fine if used once a year in a controlled manner. Unfortunately, many misuse and abuse fireworks and cause alot of unnecessary harm to people, animals and buildings. Should we ban fireworks? The council is currently reviewing the bylaw which includes the use of fireworks.

Unfortunately, like many things in society, one or two people spoil it for the majority of law-abiding people.