I applaud the efforts of Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust, Waka Kotahi and Gisborne District Council for the upgrades on Grey St. 

Cycling and walking are valid forms of transport, not just recreational. The dangerous behaviour on Grey St seems to be by vehicular traffic, not cyclists or pedestrians. 

I walk Grey St daily and although most of the traffic is considerate of cyclists and pedestrians, there are some who speed between the bumps, and even the occasional driver handling a cell phone while driving. With the start of the school holidays, it is imperative that drivers are careful around the skatepark. 

Some of this may be due to inadequate signage and I would suggest the council puts speed limit signs at the Awapuni Rd end so the speed limit is clear. Installing speed cameras, especially those that identify drivers on phones, would address two concerns that the protesters had - improving safety and providing the council with another revenue stream. Maybe we could also ban heavy traffic from that part of Grey St. 

In this time of accelerating climate change we need to be encouraging people out of their cars. To quote the Chinese proverb, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” 

It is my hope the council will continue to make the area safe and pleasant and that the decisions they make will be based on reason, rather than just listening to those who shout. 

Rory O’Keeffe