Marlborough Walking and Cycling Strategy Appendix H: Funding and Monitoring There are a number of funding mechanisms for support of walking and cycling programmes. These include a mix of ratepayer funding, government funding through the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), public health agencies, Police, private developers, and voluntary community organisations. A walking and cycling strategy that is consistent with the NZ Transport Strategy (NZTS) is also required when seeking funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) for walking and cycling projects. Council works with many of these organisations in the community to provide support for walking and cycling projects and programmes and promote road safety. Within the LTCCP, funding for walking and cycling is provided in the following budget areas: District road maintenance– improvements to roads through routine maintenance activities. Minor Safety Works – provides for capital projects across the District which provides safety improvements to the road network. Projects are prioritised and considered by Council. Unsubsidised Roading – Council provides annual budgets for maintenance of walking facilities and a capital works budget for upgrading and construction of new facilities. A programme of capital work is approved by Council each year. Road Safety – Marlborough Roads employs a Road Safety Co-ordinator using funding available through NZTA. Recreation – Council contributes to Sport Marlborough and recreation initiatives across the District. Reserves and Amenities – budgets provide for maintenance, upgrade and development of public reserves and amenities will include extensive provision for walking and cycling activities. Rivers – Council rivers and drainage assets include extensive reserve areas. Although their primary purpose is flood and drainage protection, they also provide important amenity benefits including walking and cycling opportunities. Conventional road funding sources can be used for a range of improvements which have multiple advantages. For example, rural road shoulder widening treatments not only improve the safety and convenience of cyclists, they also protect the road structure from edge damage by heavy commercial vehicles and improve safety for motor vehicle traffic in general by providing a safety margin during overtaking manoeuvres. There is a significant opportunity to develop walking and cycling opportunities within Council local purpose and river reserves. Funding priorities will be the key to this. Additional funding is available from NZTA for walking and cycling projects and programmes that are consistent with district and regional walking and cycling strategies. These projects are considered at a nationwide level by NZTA, and are prioritised in terms of benefit versus cost. NZTA’s Economic Evaluation Manual allows existing and/or anticipated walker and bicycle traffic volumes to be quantified and given economic value in cost-benefit analyses. NZTA provides funding for community based road safety programmes. This funding can be accessed through the Road Safety Co-ordinator, and is available for educational projects where specific communities xxi