Te Aratai Cycleway Safe System Audit

Christchurch City Council engaged ViaStrada to undertake a detailed design-stage Safe System Audit for the Te Aratai Cycleway, a major active transport project connecting Te Aratai College with the Rapanui-Shag Rock and Heathcote Expressway cycleways.

The audit reviewed the proposed cycleway, shared path and intersection upgrades to assess how well the design supports safe and efficient travel for people walking, cycling and using micromobility devices. Building on a previous scheme design audit, the review identified opportunities to strengthen safety outcomes before construction further.

Working in accordance with NZTA's Safe System Audit Guidelines, ViaStrada's multidisciplinary audit team independently assessed the detailed design, with a focus on key elements including intersections, shared path connections, bus stop interfaces, crossings and cycleway transitions. The audit considered how users are likely to interact with the future infrastructure, identifying opportunities to reduce potential conflicts and improve accessibility.

The Te Aratai Cycleway forms part of Christchurch's ongoing investment in safer, more connected active transport networks, making it easier and safer for students and the wider community to travel through the corridor. ViaStrada's independent advice helped support the delivery of a high-quality facility aligned with the city's transport safety, accessibility and connectivity objectives.