A proposed urban cycleway connecting the city to Omokoroa would be a 'perfect fit” for newly available government funding, says Tauranga MP Simon Bridges.
Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee announced earlier this week that $100 million in new funding will be made available to accelerate cycleways in urban centres in the next four years.
Tauranga MP Simon Bridges wants a new northern cycleway from the city to Omokoroa.
The proposed cycleway.
Dubbed the ‘Tauranga Northern Cycleway' by the Tauranga MP, the proposed trail would start from Otumoetai, pass through Te Puna, Plummers Point and end at Omokoroa.
It is estimated to cost between $4-5 million and the proposal would need to be submitted to the as yet established Urban Cycleway Investment Panel.
Tauranga Road Cycling Club president Greg Taylor believes the proposed cycling trail would be a magnificent project and asset for the city.
'It's suitable for cyclists of all abilities and will be safer than riding on the road,” he says.
'Cycling is a fantastic leisure activity and is great for people's wellbeing and health.”
Simon hopes the proposal could be a collaborative effort that involved local MPs, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council, plus other community groups.
The cost of the investment would also be up for negotiation, with potential funding coming from the Urban Cycleway Fund, as well as council and community sources.
Simon says he is committed to making this project happen and is already in discussions with both councils. A meeting regarding collaboration on the proposed cycleway will be held soon.
'There are many benefits from such a cycleway including health, taking commuter pressure off main roads such as SH2, and it will be great for families.”
'National has spent hundreds of millions on roads in and around Tauranga over the past six years and more investment is to come.
'It's also really important that we invest in more social infrastructure like this to ensure Tauranga is a top place to live, work and play,” says Simon.
1 comment
Wrong again
Posted on 21-08-2014 16:22 | By michael.oneill@nzindependent.org.nz
Surely we would be wiser to develop quality urban commuter routes about the city to reduce reliance on vehicles for short trips. Omokoroa to the city is more rural than urban. The Minister is quite clear that the funding is to accelerate cycleways in urban centers. Next year school buses in Tauranga cease and our students will require safe transport networks to school. I am sure this is a wiser choice than Mr Bridges suggestion.
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