Walking & Cycling: Urban Cycleway Programme

Introduction

The Urban Cycleway Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. UCP was announced in 2014 to accelerate the completion of urban cycle networks. It is funded from $100 million of Crown appropriations external to the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA ), to be spent between 1 January 2015 and 30 June 2018. This section outlines the responsibilities and process for funding applications and approvals as well as the management and reporting of UCP funding.

Objective of the UCP and leveraging of NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA and local funding

The objective of the UCP is to complete urban cycle networks. This requires the optimisation of all available funding sources, including NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA , local and Urban Cycleway Fund (UCF) funds. This will accelerate the delivery of cycling projects in main urban centres over a shorter period than would otherwise have been possible using only NLTF and local funding. The intention is that the UCF will leverage NLTF and local funding that would have been invested, albeit over a longer time period, rather than substitute for this funding. In nearly all cases of UCF funding, urban cycling programmes and/or projects will be funded from a mix of NLTF, local share (for Approved Organisation projects) and UCF funds.

Overview available on website

An overview of Investing in Cycling, which provides background information on the UCP and developing activities for the 2015-18 National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. (NLTP A National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. adopted by the NZTA under section 19 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied ), can be accessed on the Transport Agency's website. Scroll down to "Related documents and information" and select the "Investing in cycling: Working together to deliver more for New Zealand cycling" document from the list.

Cycle network design guidance, resources and research can also be found on the Transport Agency website.

UCP eligibility, funding priority and target allocations

Under the UCP Investment Strategy, a cycling project must only be included in the UCP if it is part of a primary corridor A primary corridor is the highest classification level route in a walking and/or cycling strategic network that carries the largest volume of pedestrians and/or cyclists and has the greatest potential to attract new pedestrians and cyclists. Primary corridors  provide for trips across town and between suburbs. For example in Auckland the strategic route would be the ‘metros’, in Christchurch the ‘majors’ etc. within a cycling strategic network in a main urban area, for the purposes of cycling to key destinations, such as to workplaces, schools and/or shops.

Priority will be given to investments that:

• accelerate, complete or significantly develop primary cycling corridors
• leverage local share contribution towards completing cycling strategic networks
• are on corridors that have benefit-cost ratios of over 3.0
• consider agreed actions following the Government's decisions on the Cycling Safety Panel's recommendations

UCF funding has been allocated to main urban areas Main urban areas An area within a permanent speed limit of less than or equal to 70 km/h. represent the most urbanised areas with respect to the concentration of employment, firms and population. Main urban areas are centred on a city or main urban centre. They have a minimum population of 30,000 and an above-average concentration of businesses (typically greater than 90 businesses per 1,000 population). Main urban areas are as defined by Statistics NZ.  Under these criteria the main urban areas are represented by Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Gisborne, Napier-Hastings, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Kapiti, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. The extent of the main urban areas is depicted in maps which can be found on the Statistics NZ website. as shown below, contingent on Approved Organisations meeting the requirements contained in the individual funding agreements between the Transport Agency and the Approved Organisation:

Investment in other main urban areas Main urban areas An area within a permanent speed limit of less than or equal to 70 km/h. represent the most urbanised areas with respect to the concentration of employment, firms and population. Main urban areas are centred on a city or main urban centre. They have a minimum population of 30,000 and an above-average concentration of businesses (typically greater than 90 businesses per 1,000 population). Main urban areas are as defined by Statistics NZ.  Under these criteria the main urban areas are represented by Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Gisborne, Napier-Hastings, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Kapiti, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. The extent of the main urban areas is depicted in maps which can be found on the Statistics NZ website. is targeted primarily at the next largest urban areas An area within a permanent speed limit of less than or equal to 70 km/h. ,(Hamilton, Tauranga and Dunedin), with some investment in smaller main urban areas that have projects that meet the UCF Investment Strategy.

The regional allocation optimises leveraging of local funding to maximise return on investment and minimises risk across the UCP. It is in accordance with the UCF Investment Strategy, including Cabinet’s regional funding target ranges.

Assessment and prioritisation of UCP proposals

Projects proposed for UCF funding have been assessed and prioritised by the Transport Agency's National Cycling Team against the UCF Investment Strategy. These projects were reported to the UCF Investment Panel, which provided assurance to the Minister of Transport that the proposed programme of projects aligned with the UCF Investment Strategy.

Most of the confirmed UCP activities are required to seek NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA funding, which requires the Transport Agency to assess and prioritise these against its Investment Assessment Framework.

Key roles and responsibilities

• The Minister of Transport approves the allocation of UCP funds to specific projects.
• The Investment Panel, consisting of Transport Agency and Ministry of Transport officers as well as independent expert advisors, provides assurance to the Minister that the programme aligns with the UCP Investment Strategy.
• The Transport Agency manages the funding process, and assesses and prioritises potential projects for Investment Panel consideration as well as for NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA funding.

Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. Delivery

There has been a high demand for funding from both the NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA and the UCF. To ensure value for money Selecting the right things to do, implementing them in the right way, at the right time and for the right price. from the investment the following criteria will be considered in programming projects for funding approval from the NLTF:

• The emphasis will be on projects included in the UCP as these have been selected for their contribution to complete cycle networks in main urban areas Main urban areas An area within a permanent speed limit of less than or equal to 70 km/h. represent the most urbanised areas with respect to the concentration of employment, firms and population. Main urban areas are centred on a city or main urban centre. They have a minimum population of 30,000 and an above-average concentration of businesses (typically greater than 90 businesses per 1,000 population). Main urban areas are as defined by Statistics NZ.  Under these criteria the main urban areas are represented by Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Gisborne, Napier-Hastings, New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Kapiti, Wellington, Nelson, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill. The extent of the main urban areas is depicted in maps which can be found on the Statistics NZ website. , which is also a high priority in the NLTP A National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. adopted by the NZTA under section 19 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied
• If there are other high priority projects not included in the UCP that are ready to proceed to implementation (within three months of seeking approval from the NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA ) these may be considered, subject to NLTF funding availability.
• Prior to funding from the NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA being approved under delegation the Transport Agency Investment Assessment staff responsible for oversight of the Walking and Cycling Activity Class A grouping of similar activities, as defined in the Government Policy Statement. must be consulted to confirm availability of funding in the NLTF. 

Process diagram

Process steps

1. Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency(state highways) develop their proposed cycling activities for the funding period (1 January 2015 to 30 June 2018) and input these to Transport Investment Online (TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. ). At this stage no distinction is made on the basis of funding source and the proposals are set up in TIO as if they would be funded from NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA and local funds only. Based on advice from their Transport Agency regional representatives as to which projects could be funded from the UCF, Approved Organisations should assume UCF funding will be available in setting up accelerated cash-flows in TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. . Transport Agency(state highways) staff will be advised by the Transport Agency national cycling team as to which of its projects could be funded under the UCF. Should a project not receive UCF funding, its cash-flows can be reviewed if constrained by NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA or local share funds availability. As the intention is to leverage NLTF and local funding, and no decision has been made on funding source at this stage, all proposals need to be submitted to an RTC A regional transport committee established under section 105 or clause 11 of schedule 7 of the LTMA. for inclusion in an Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP A regional land transport plan, prepared under Part 2 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied. ). A project cannot be considered for either NLTP A National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. adopted by the NZTA under section 19 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied inclusion or NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA funding if it is not in an RLTP A regional land transport plan, prepared under Part 2 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied. .
2. The Regional Council/Auckland Transport decides whether to include proposed activities in their RLTP A regional land transport plan, prepared under Part 2 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied. . If the decision is made not to include a proposed activity, then it cannot progress further through the process.
3. Transport Agency Planning and Investment staff assess and prioritise proposed activities by applying the Agency's Assessment Framework, using the relevant Walking & Cycling Activity Class A grouping of similar activities, as defined in the Government Policy Statement. criteria. This step also involves moderation of the assessment profile The three-part rating for an activity, rated as high, medium or low e.g. HMM, and representing the assessment for Strategic Fit, Effectiveness, and Benefit and Cost Appraisal respectively. within the Agency to ensure consistency of approach across the country.
4. The Transport Agency's Investment Team decides whether to include proposed activities in the National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. (NLTP A National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. adopted by the NZTA under section 19 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied ) based on their priority for investment from the NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA . While it is intended that UCF funding will leverage NLTF and local funding, a possibility exists that a project may not qualify for NLTF funding but could still be funded under the UCF. In such a case, the decision may be made to include the project in the NLTP on the condition that it is funded 100% from supplementary sources, which includes UCF funds.
5. If an activity is not included in the NLTP A National Land Transport Programme Interrelated and complementary combination of activities that, when delivered in a coordinated manner, produce synergies – can span more than one work category and more than one activity class, e.g. a programme could include a road improvement and public transport improvement activities. adopted by the NZTA under section 19 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied , it cannot be funded from the NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA .
6. The Transport Agency's national cycling team will assess and prioritise cycling projects submitted by Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency (state highways) under the UCP Investment Strategy.
7. The Transport Agency's national cycling team will decide whether assessed activities meet the UCP Investment Strategy's criteria.
8. If a project does not meet the criteria, it will not be funded under the UCP.
9. The Transport Agency's national cycling team will lead the step in which the funding sources for proposed UCF funded projects will be considered. This will involve moderation with other Planning and Investment staff, particularly with the Transport Agency's Investment Team. The projects proposed for UCF funding will be recommended to the UCP Investment Panel.
10. The UCP Investment Panel will consider the projects recommended by the Transport Agency's national cycling team. This may result in some recommended projects being rejected for UCF funding, which could require an adjustment of UCF funds amongst remaining projects recommended to the Minister.
11. The Minister of Transport approves UCF funding to projects. The final list of projects and levels of UCF funding by project may differ from that recommended by the Investment Panel.
12. The Transport Agency's national cycling team provides funding source signals to Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency(state highways) based on the Minister's UCF funding approvals. At this stage, project owners will be invited to apply for NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA funding, which cannot be assumed to be approved on the basis of the Minister's decision on UCF funding. Approval of NLTF funding by the Transport Agency follows a statutorily independent process.
13. Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency(state highways) apply for funding approval via TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. as if the project was to be funded from NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA and local funding sources, although the final sources will include UCP funding where applicable. This UCF portion will be shown as third party funding in the TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. funding application.
14. Transport Agency Planning Investment staff will split the funding sources in the funding applications as set out in the funding source signals. This will involve setting up a phase for the UCF funded component under Activity class 31: Crown funded. The level of UCF funding in the application must be consistent with the level shown in the current list of UCP activities approved by the Minister. The list must be uploaded as supporting information in TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. . Cash flows forecasted for each year must be realistic and are to split between the UCF and NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA /Local share The percentage of the funding for an activity that is provided by an approved organisation to balance the NZTA's usual funding assistance rate. phases proportional to the total cost split between these funding sources, e.g. for a project with total cost $600,000 and UCF $200,000, the cost entered in the cashflow tables for each year will be 1/3 UCF and 2/3 NLTF/local share.
15. Approval of NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA funding will be made at the appropriate level of delegation, following the Transport Agency's process, policies and criteria set out in this Knowledge Base. The same delegate will be responsible for the sign-off of the UCF funding approval in TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. , consistent with the level of funding approved by the Minister (refer to Step 14).
16. Approved Organisations and the Transport Agency(state highways) procure and deliver the cycling activity. Approved Organisations claim funding assistance from the Transport Agency via TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. for work completed on a regular basis during project delivery. State highway A road, whether or not constructed or vested in the Crown, that is declared to be a state highway under section 11 of the National Roads Act 1953, section 60 of the Government Roading Powers Act 1989 (formally known as the Transit New Zealand Act 1989), or under section 103 of the LTMA. suppliers invoice the Transport Agency for work completed. The procedures for claiming UCF funds for work delivered are discussed in the sections below on application in Transport Investment Online and claiming.
17. The Transport Agency's Finance team will draw down UCF funds as required and will make payments to Approved Organisations and state highway suppliers.
18. Transport Agency Investment Team staff will help manage the funding approvals in TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. . This includes ensuring: 

• cost adjustments are made against the Walking & cycling activity class phase using NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA /local funds;
• UCP funds approvals and expenditure are monitored and reported.

Application in Transport Investment Online (TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. ) and claiming as walking & cycling improvements

Applications for projects over $300,000 construction cost (including property costs) to be included in an RLTP A regional land transport plan, prepared under Part 2 of the LTMA, as from time to time amended or varied. and for funding approvals need to be made through the Improvements module in TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. . Selection of Work category 452: Cycling facilities at the phase screen will ensure the activity is recorded in the Walking and cycling activity class. The UCF funding in this phase should be shown as supplementary funding. The expected costs less the UCF portion will be split to NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA /local funding using the normal FAR The usual contribution in percentage terms, that the NZTA augments funding of an approved organisation, for the delivery of an activity or combination of activities. .

An additional phase for the project is to be created and UCF funds, to the level approved by the Minister, entered in the additional phase. Transport Agency staff will activate the Crown funded button for this phase to allocate funds to Activity class 31: Crown funded.

Initial claims/payments in a year will be applied to the Crown (UCF) funded phase until the approved allocation is exhausted. Subsequent claims/payments then will be applied to the Walking and cycling activity class phase.

Application in Transport Investment Online (TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. ) and claiming as minor improvements

Applications for projects of $300,000 construction cost or less may be made through the minor improvements module in TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. , under work category 341: Minor Improvements with the projects listed in the programme. The minor improvements programme can only account for the NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA /local share portion of the UCP project. To account for UCF funding on these programmes, a separate application is to be made using the Improvements module in TIO The NZTA's web-based funding allocation system. . Selection of Work category 452: Cycling facilities at the phase screen will ensure the activity is recorded in the Walking and cycling activity class. Transport Agency staff will activate the Crown funded button to allocate funds to Activity class 31: Crown funded.

Only the UCF portion of the project will be claimed through Work category 452. The NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA /local share funding will be claimed using the standard process for work category A type of activity – not confined to a particular activity class, e.g. new roads (work category 323) appears in:

* activity class 12 – local road improvements
* activity class 13 – state highways improvements 341: Minor Improvements. To support UCF claims against the Minor Improvements programme, invoices showing total cost, or evidence of work completed for accrued claims, will need to be uploaded to the UCF phase at each claim until the project is complete. The supporting evidence for the final claim should show the total cost of the project and the amounts claimed under the UCF and Minor Improvements phases.

Funding Assistance Rate (FAR The usual contribution in percentage terms, that the NZTA augments funding of an approved organisation, for the delivery of an activity or combination of activities. )

The UCF funded portion of an approved project will be funded 100% from UCF funds. The portion of an Approved Organisation's project funded from the NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA and local share will be at the organisation's normal FAR. The portion of a state highway project that is funded from the NLTF The fund established under section 10 of the LTMA will be at 100% FAR The usual contribution in percentage terms, that the NZTA augments funding of an approved organisation, for the delivery of an activity or combination of activities. .

Where there are cost adjustments to a project, this will not affect the level of UCF contribution to the project. Any cost adjustments will be requested by the Approved Organisation at normal FAR The usual contribution in percentage terms, that the NZTA augments funding of an approved organisation, for the delivery of an activity or combination of activities. or by the Transport Agency (state highways) at 100% FAR.