Bay of Plenty residents are being asked to provide feedback about cycling to help planning for the urban Cy-Way network, which will connect suburbs to main cycling routes and central Rotorua.
The Cy-Way project will see the creation of 23.7km of cycleways and shared paths in Rotorua, while some existing infrastructure will also be improved.
Photo: File.
The network is tipped to make cycling safer and more accessible for people, including children, connecting communities to schools, work, the city centre and forest trails by linking to existing cycleways.
'We'd like people to share their ideas and provide feedback to ensure we create a cycling network they will use – a network that's safe, user-friendly and provides an enjoyable experience,” says Rotorua Lakes Council Sustainable Transport team leader Jodie Lawson.
'Information and research we have suggests more people would cycle if they felt it was safer, so we're also keen to hear from people who don't currently cycle to find out what might encourage or prompt them to take it up.”
Communities will have another opportunity to have their say and get involved as council progresses with urban projects in the Cy-Way programme over the next three years, starting early next year.
'We'll start getting out to communities soon, working our way through the various urban projects and we will work through cycleway options with residents in those areas,” says Jodie.
'In the meantime, we want feedback that will help in the development of the Cy-Way network and, ultimately, help encourage more people to take up cycling as an alternative means of transport.”
People can complete an online survey and/or provide general comment via council's cycling feedback form.
Rotorua was allocated $3.6m from the national Urban Cycleways Programme ($1.5m from the Urban Cycleways Fund and $2.1m from the National Land Transport Fund) for the $5.52m Cy-Way project.
Improving cycleways and creating connections through more parts of the city, including to tourist attractions, will also contribute to economic development by furthering Rotorua's reputation as a cycling, recreation-friendly destination, Jodie says.
Follow this link for more on the Cy-Way network project and initial route proposals. Follow this link to see Rotorua Lakes Council's urban cycling strategy plan.
11 comments
User pays
Posted on 08-12-2015 16:38 | By Towball
Although there seem to be a vast amount of spandex wrapped peddle pushers why are they so special that funding poses such little opposition for those select amount of blood restricted air gasping bell dinging inconsiderate must use every surface practical or not two wheeled childhood dwellers when other recreational interests have NIL support .
Stuart Box
Posted on 08-12-2015 17:49 | By Boxie
Be nice to see Tauranga city and suburbs working on cycle ways. They encourage cyclists to use foot paths but some cyclists don't seem to consider pedestrians at all.
@Towball
Posted on 08-12-2015 17:59 | By yourthumb
Yeah, why don't pools and sports fields get ANY funding AT ALL? Ami'rite?! Why does the council spend ALL that money on bike lanes instead of parks, libraries, community events and projects, beach grooming, boardwalks, reserves, gardens, or the ASB arena?
I'm not resident in Rotorua
Posted on 08-12-2015 18:13 | By How about this view!
But feel utterly bewildered that another council in the BOP is willing to fund and maintain (Long term) one recreational pursuit, rather than identify core responsibilities and attempt to excel in providing these for their own ratepayers.
@How about this view!
Posted on 08-12-2015 18:42 | By yourthumb
Aside from the benefits of having bike lanes for children going to school, or for people who want to ride to work instead of driving, biking has immense monetary benefits for the city. Do you have any idea of the ridiculous amounts of money that biking can bring to a town which already has a reputation for it? Rotorua is renowned for mountain biking, and has hosted huge international events. Fostering a growth in this area can bring in huge rewards. As a comparison, just look at Queenstown in the summer. There are quite a few bike shops and their $100+ for 6 hours bikes fly out the door. On top of that bike hire there is still food, accommodation, luge fees, shuttle fees, and equipment purchases. Honestly, I see it as no different then investment into a thriving tourist attraction.
@ how about this view
Posted on 08-12-2015 18:42 | By Councillorwatch
At least it's cycling and isn't polluting. A past Tauranga council put heaps $$$ into Baypark and at one stage funded the purchase of a Speedway business.
Councillorwatch
Posted on 09-12-2015 06:09 | By How about this view!
I'm not one to dwell in the past. There are certainly areas of Tauranga and probably areas of Rotorua that are shameful in their lack of BASIC care and maintenance. ANY recreational funding MUST stand in the queue, with its greedy little hand out, BEHIND the core responsibilities of every council in the country.
yourthumb
Posted on 09-12-2015 06:18 | By How about this view!
Another idiot that is happy for council to fund income into the private sector. As a ratepayer (Which I'm assuming you are) how much BENEFIT do you get from the large hotel or restaurant chains making money from your back pocket? OR is it just warm fuzzies?
@How about this view!
Posted on 09-12-2015 10:10 | By yourthumb
I'm actually not sure if you are kidding. Funding a public cycle way does not take money from my "back pocket" and put it into hotels or restaurants. Its a public infrastructure which can, as one of its effect, help develop business. And I am perfectly fine with helping develop business, as it can provide employment and increased access to goods and services which were not previously available. But maybe you are right and I am an idiot for wanting to live in a thriving and developed town.
PAPAMOA URGENTLY NEEDS ATTENTION
Posted on 09-12-2015 11:26 | By Watcher 1
More marked safe cycling is URGENTLY needed in Papamoa especially the total length of Papamoa Beach Road. Council has provided cycle lanes along Parton Road but it stops there. Between Grant Place and Parton Road Council havn't even widened the pavement to allow for safer cycling,please take note Councillor Morris and others. Don't give the CRAP, we cannot widen as the Power Poles are in the way??? Its a NO BRAINER, asphalt a cycle track along the beach side of the power poles. At the moment its a cycling accident waiting to happen. I observe hundreds of cyclists per week, cycling along Papamoa Beach Road then, down Parton Road and over the flyover then they take a left into Bell Road to the end and then under the new Kaituna Bridge where they link up with the New Cycleway but, GETTING THERE SAFELY IS THE PROBLEM.
Suggestion
Posted on 09-12-2015 12:53 | By Towball
Since there is so much support for cyclists from Council they should have their vehicle's taken & be given bikes. Great for global warming even better for the rate payers. Only ever see one person per car maximum. Then there is always public transport so if it's to far to ride catch a bus or put an electric motor on as most cyclists do already the cheap skates. Lead by example you advocates, long shot as all you wagon riders would never comply because you need your car to go for a little cycle parade in your latest flouro shrink wrap get up.
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