People can expect to see significant progress on the city's Major Cycle Routes network over the next three years after the Government's multi-million-dollar commitment to the project.

Local funding for the project was included in the Council's budget for the next 10 years, the Long Term Plan 2015-25. In a piece of good news for Christchurch ratepayers, Government funding from The Urban Cycleways Fund contributes $19.04 million, while there is potential for a further $22.57 million from the National Land Transport Fund.

"Being able to deliver $65 million of the $156 million programme over the next three years for a local investment of $23.5 million represents great value for Christchurch ratepayers," say Phil Clearwater, who chairs the Infrastructure, Transport and Environment Committee.

The Council website has more information about the Major Cycle Routes, go to www.ccc.govt.nz/cycleways

Contractors are busy converting the layout of Matai Street East and building a separated cycleway from the railway to Deans Avenue. Kerb and channel has been removed along the south side of Matai Street East and work will start in the next few days to replace it.

Work is also underway to improve safety and traffic flows at the intersection of Deans and Harper avenues with Fendalton Road.  In the next few weeks work will also start on a signal-controlled crossing leading over Deans Avenue to Hagley Park.

Construction remains on target to be finished in spring.

People can now comment on plans to improve facilities for cyclists and pedestrians on sections of the Uni-Cycle route.

The plans include a 4 metre-wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists through North Hagley Park and improvements to the path connecting Riccarton Bush to Matai Street  across Kahu and Straven roads including signal-controlled crossings.  The plans and maps are able to be viewed on the Council's website, www.ccc.govt.nz/haveyoursay, where you can also comment on the proposals.

Work is being done in certain areas of the city to make riding safer by using devices such as flexible posts and painted lanes to indicate where cycle paths are separate from vehicle lanes.

This will help avoid situations where vehicles cross over areas designated for cyclists and you will see some changes to intersections and the inside line of curves.

The Council's efforts to make it safer for people who like to ride to get where they are going is appreciated. A visitor from Perth took the time to point out the different approach in the two cities, and especially noted the painted lanes flexible bollards and changes to intersection. It's nice to hear that compared to some other cities, we are doing well, although there is room for improvement.

Thank you to all the cyclists who provided feedback outside the new Bus Interchange. We heard your comments and the bike-only light is now bigger and easier to see.

From 1 July 2015, it will be easier to find information about the Major Cycle Routes, tracks and other cycling related information online.The Council's website is having a make-over, with a new design and layout making it easier to find the information you want.

Check it out at www.ccc.govt.nz