Marlborough District Council Roading Assets - Activity Management Plan 2015 - 2018 SECTION 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 900.0 800.0 700.0 600.0 500.0 400.0 300.0 200.0 100.0 0.0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Sealed Urban Sealed Rural Unsealed Rural Figure 4.3.4.1 : Growth in Road Lengths 1.4.3.5 Demographics The demography of the resident population of Marlborough is slightly different from the rest of New Zealand in that there are a greater percentage of older people (Statistics NZ). Approximately 15.5% of Marlborough population are over 65 against 12.1% nationally. Subsequently the median age for Marlborough is 41.7 which is significantly higher than the national median age of 35.9. 1.4.3.6 Public Transport There is currently one urban 44 seat passenger bus operating in Blenheim on each weekday. This service completes a series of loops around the town suburban area. This service is subsidised by the NZTA. The service commenced 7 years ago on a 2 day per week, commuter bus, basis and has grown to the current service. Council monitors the occupancy rates of the service and will determine when an upgraded service is required. See section 6.16 Public Transport for details on this service and specific demand issues. 1.4.3.7 Walking & Cycling The vision of the Marlborough District Council Walking and Cycling Strategy (2006 - 2011) (under review in 2009) is that: Marlborough people and visitors walk and cycle safely fr rael, halth ndejoyot meta nve n The objectives of the Strategy are to encourage and support people in Marlborough to choose walking and cycling for an active and healthy lifestyle, develop a safe, convenient and attractive travel network for walking and cycl g,ad ensure that all relevant strategies, policies, plans and practices for Marlborough include and support walking and cycling. 1.4.4 Demand from Changes in Land Use The location, scale, density, design and mix of land uses are major determinants of the demand for travel and can consequently impact on the development and operation of the roading network. In Marlborough the Blenheim & Wairau Plains Strategic Study, a Regional State Highway Strategy, was completed and issued in 2009 that incorporates Blenheim and its immediate environs. Council has also commissioned and published 3 urban growth strategies for Blenheim, the northern townships and the southern townships in Marlborough. In summary the road network in the study area is generally in reasonable condition both from a safety and capacity perspective. There are however significant actions and opportunities that can assist in achieving a sustainable transport system into the future. The findings of this study can be utilised for both land use planning purposes and as an input into this AMP. There are two types of initiatives that can assist in achieving the objectives. 30 September 2014 Page 18 of Section 1