Community cycles up support

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It was pedal to the metal this morning as a large group of cyclists rode against Tauranga City Council's position on denying funding for a section of the Tauranga Moana cycle trail.

About 200 cyclists took part in the bike rally. Photos: Cameron Avery.

A SunLive reporter at the scene says hundreds of cyclists, believed to be aged five to 80, joined in the bike rally from Fergusson Park to The Strand Waterfront in support of the Tauranga to Omokoroa coastal cycleway.

Organised by Bay of Plenty Community Trails Trust, the bike rally led cyclists on a bike ride via Sulphur Point and Dive Crescent in a bid to send a clear message to TCC that its lack of support is unacceptable.

The development of the Tauranga Moana cycle trail is a joint venture between the Western Bay District Council and Tauranga City Council.

Lead agency on the project, WBOPDC has committed to paying $300,000 a year in its darft 10-year plan. However TCC recently declined to fund their portion, from Matua to the Wairoa River.

According to the Trust, unless TCC contributes, the Omokoroa-Tauranga link won't happen as other valuable funding avenues are lost.

Katie Sparrow, 10, with Brendon Sparrow.

MP for Bay of Plenty Todd Muller, who participated in the bike rally, is also calling for council to reconsider its lack of appetite for supporting the cycleway from Omokoroa to Matua.

"It's time for TCC to stand up," says Todd. "That was a huge protest this morning from members of our community who rarely protest – their voices need to be heard."

Todd says these community cycle ways are big for tourism, connects communities together and provides safe routes for cyclists.

He says they are hugely popular around the country and deserve local council support.

"The Government has made it clear, through our own Minister of Transport Simon Bridges that it will consider supporting considered applications, but that they must demonstrate the whole of community is behind it.

"We can't have Western Bay saying yes and TCC saying we will think about it. Let's show some leadership and put a coordinated investment plan to the Government and I will work real hard with Simon to make it happen."

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16 comments

Cycle rally numbers

Posted on 03-05-2015 11:59 | By Bruce G

The count we had over the line was 605. A real show to Council as to what the community want.


200???

Posted on 03-05-2015 12:54 | By Fannington

There were way more people riding in the cycle way protest rally than was reported here. Organisers at the finish of the event said there were over 1000, and someone who counted cyclists as they approached the Strand car park counted over 1100. Many people joined the rally from various places along the way. One can only hope that this sends a message to the politicians, but I doubt it. With Tauranga's normal poor turnout at local body elections, however, a thousand committed voters can make a real difference. Councillors who voted against the $500,000 funding should rethink their position, or look for something else to do in 18 months time.


ride there

Posted on 03-05-2015 13:25 | By Steves

The only way to show a cycle way needed. Is to ride to Omokoroa in mass on the main road at least once a week until someone listens.


I'm not sure

Posted on 03-05-2015 14:49 | By How about this view!

of the population of the greater Tauranga region (Where you can guarantee some of these people would have DRIVEN in from to ride their bikes), but I can already see council buckling under to a minority group of LESS THAN 1% of the residents. MOREOVER, if each and everyone one of these bludgers (That don't pay road-user charges, but are mobile hazards ON our roads) were to donate $100 -$500 each, they could pay for it themselves, BUT NO! Let someone else fund our recreational pursuits in Tauranga.


Todd, with all due respect ...

Posted on 03-05-2015 19:26 | By Murray.Guy

Todd, with all due respect, this initiative was, in my opinion, an election bribe by National that now through mis-leading and inappropriate publicity is attempting to get ratepayers to reprioritise their own expenditure and needs to pay your bills, meet your promises. We are already faced with $50-$100 million to complete the 15th Avenue / Turret Rd and bridge upgrades thanks to the failure of the Prime Minister to keep his promise to our community. The section of cycleway is largely within Western BOP District Council, NOT TCC, and TCC cycle ways are very much a priority.


To:

Posted on 03-05-2015 21:26 | By bruce.deirdre@xtra.co.nz

Think again, Mr Negative, many of us have/are paying road user charges. Having driven hundreds of thousands of km in trucks and buses...get YOUR a into a bike saddle and enjoy the world...!!!


Don't think you get it

Posted on 03-05-2015 21:50 | By Milzie

This cycleway is not just here for local cyclists. Those of us here in Tga that cycle put up with the cr*p roads we have ( that we all pay taxes for as we ALL own cars so we can drive our bikes to ride other regions cycleways ). This & other cycleways are being built for cycle tourists to have somewhere safe to ride whilst touring our country & also for domestic tourists that visit our region looking foe something to do. We could spend the money on a Museum !!! but the Government won't help pay for that. So the public that go on about lycra clad cyclists getting a cycleway remember it isn't being built just for us. There a business opportunities to be had with this venture with bike hire, coffee & cafe. Time for you all to see the big picture !!!


REALLY

Posted on 04-05-2015 07:34 | By kiwiBOP

To the person who posted the Im not sure post. I don't ever respond to these comments, but as a cyclist, am sick and tired of hearing how we don't contribute to road user charges. I have a vehicle, so pay all my charges due, I also choose to be a healthy member of society and take part in an activity that promotes health and wellbeing. We are considered hazards, because most drivers dont have the patience or courtesy to wait a couple of seconds so they can pass us SAFELY on roads where there is LITTLE or NO provision made for us to be other than on the road. I ride on my own most of the times, but will choose riding in a bunch anytime as it is a matter of safety in numbers.


Hooray!

Posted on 04-05-2015 10:49 | By SheldonNesdale

Fantastic to be a part of the day! 600 cyclists? Wow, that is awesome. When you are passionate about something, stand up and be counted.


To ALL of those wanting

Posted on 04-05-2015 10:59 | By How about this view!

Their leisure activities funded by others. The percentage of New Zealanders that enjoy fishing (For example) is MANY, MANY times greater that those of you that enjoy dressing in Lycra, SO using your "logic" we should be lobbying government, councils and any other funding groups that have free money for the supply of fishing boats and for more piers, wharves and jetties to be built, so that we don't have to fund our own recreation. OH! And just think of the tourism opportunities. MILZIE, I totally agree with you about the crap roads... So let's use the cycleway funds to improve them eh? A lot more people would benefit!


kiwiBOP

Posted on 04-05-2015 11:12 | By How about this view!

Generally cyclists are considered to be hazards because they are either oblivious of traffic flows around them, particularly from behind, OR they simply DON'T CARE and have the opinion that other road-users must be courteous towards them. About time this minority group started taking personal responsibility and STOP blaming others or road conditions for their increased risks of personal injury. It's probably safer to swim with crocodiles than ride a bike, why not try that out??


Re-prioritise

Posted on 04-05-2015 11:50 | By MtManB

There are literally thousands of cyclists living here in the Bay plus cycleways have proven time and time again here in NZ and around the world to bring in millions of $$ to local economies with no environmental impact. The benefits to both present and future generations of the link that opens up a ride from Thames to Maketu and beyond is immense. Be positive people and the bah-humbugs please show some generosity of spirit. All we are asking for is for Council to reprioritise some funds eg less on the waterfront which has already had a lot invested in it.


What rubbish

Posted on 04-05-2015 13:08 | By Towball

All of you cyclists want the road ways path ways promote how healthy it is to ride so why do you all insist on driving your cars as close as possible to all access ways & block them up with your vehicles. Is this the modern way so you can all get together and compare your cars, bikes, lycra etc ?. Narrow minded people who can't afford a real bike & those of you still stuck in your childhood . GROW UP !.


Where's the

Posted on 04-05-2015 13:25 | By Towball

Fairness in supporting the obvious groups such as cyclists, dog owners etc. Sydnaham park, usless Falkner Park, usless & so on unless you have a dog or a push bike. Take a kids Go kart along or play a little Golf on kids level & you are breaking the law .Selfish dictators who only want what their small mentality may encompass . How dare anyone be different or share the facility . You poor deprived youthless individuals who cut down the trees as someone might fall or are to old to tolerate a bit of harmless fun . Facists .


Solution

Posted on 23-05-2015 10:45 | By Baystyle

600 road using cyclists each pay say $50.00 per year rego and the money will be there. Simple really. Share the road and share the cost.


On

Posted on 27-05-2015 08:17 | By Bussani

I knew there were people who had a problem with cyclists, but some of the comments here seem really unnecessary. I accept the risks whenever I get on a bicycle, but I'm not going to accept all the blame for being a "road hazard". I've almost been taken out by drivers who weren't watching where they were going, or who cut a corner (with a trailer attached to make matters worse), or who sped in front me and swerved into a driveway without warning, like they thought they could be quick enough to not cut me off. The fact that I'm careful is what saved me in these cases. And you know what? I drive, too. I pay road charges and own a vehicle. And I've never come close to hitting a cyclist, because I actually drive well. Step up your game, people.


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