The Tauranga urban cycle network comprises 10 commuter routes totalling 150km, and a wider network of recreational connections and routes. The aim of the cycling programme is to provide a safer and more connected cycle network for the people of Tauranga leading to improved transport choices and an increase in the number of cycle trips, especially to school and to work.
The Urban Cycleways Fund will accelerate the programme over the next three years and focus on connecting the cycle network and completing the missing links, while also addressing safety issues, particularly at intersections. It will also accelerate the Omokoroa to Tauranga cycle trail which is a priority for the region and will provide a facility that can be used for recreation, tourism and commuter cycling.
Wider investment will be made in supporting Tauranga’s new and improved cycling facilities with the existing TravelSafe programme, which includes education and safety campaigns.
Download the Tauranga Urban Cycleways map
2015-2018 projects
Tauranga urban cycle network connections
This project will see the construction of the missing links in Tauranga’s urban cycle network, completing the final 60km of the city’s 10 commuter routes that connect residential areas to commercial zones, schools, employment and other key destinations. The Tauranga cycling programme addresses key barriers and safety issues, particularly at intersections. This project will include installing cycle lanes, widening shoulders, constructing shared paths and overbridges, improving intersection safety along key cycle routes and installing advance stop boxes, cycle stands and signage. Infrastructure improvements will be complemented by the TravelSafe programme that works with local schools and businesses to encourage cycling.
Benefits
The completion of the Tauranga urban cycle network will help to provide a more balanced transport network that is better equipped to deal with Tauranga City’s expected growth. Tauranga has a relatively low proportion of commuter cyclists, but the linking up of existing cycle routes and provision of safer facilities on and off-road is likely to help grow demand by making cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice. The infrastructure improvements will also help to unlock the benefits of the award-winning TravelSafe programme, that focuses on encouraging people to walk and cycle to work and school. When complete, the Tauranga urban cycle network is expected to attract a considerably increased number of cyclists.
Construction beganis anticipated to begin in Decemberlate 2015 and will be completed by June 2018.mid-2018.
Omokoroa to Tauranga
This 16km route, made up of both new and existing off-road shared paths and local road connections, will provide a link between the growing township of Omokoroa and Tauranga City’s existing urban cycleway network. This is a high profile project for the region with significant community support, including contributions from the Tauranga Round Table and other potential external investors, as well as assistance from project partners PowerCo and KiwiRail. The project will provide an alternative way to access the urban communities in the area, schools, parks and reserves, Tauranga Harbour area and the higher density rural development areas planned for under the sub-region’s SmartGrowth partnership. The development of this northern city route will also provide an alternative transport choice to the busy State Highway 2 corridor that connects the area to Tauranga City.
Benefits
The project will provide a much safer alternative to the existing state highway corridor, where heavy and high volume traffic is suppressing demand for cycling. This scenic new route will encourage more walking and cycling between the urban communities in the area and is likely to increase the number of children cycling to school. It will also become a key part of a tourist trail from Waihi to Maketu. The route is expected to attract 130-200 commuter cyclists a day, with a higher estimate for recreational users.
Construction is anticipated to begin in Septemberlate 2016 and be completed by June 2018.mid-2018.
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