In the Urban Form and Transport Development committee meeting on Tuesday, July 23, the Tauranga City Council has supported the next step for the Tauranga Cycle Plan.

Council staff have identified various cycle corridors and will now start with investigations, in close collaboration with stakeholders and residents, to determine what the best possible routes are within each corridor.

A newly developed cycle model has enabled council to work on a strategic network of cycle corridors that will provide the greatest opportunity for more people biking. This network identifies key connections across the city with the goal to provide an enhanced level of service so people of all ages and abilities can safely cycle from where they live to areas where they work, study and play.

The process of determining the route options within the identified corridors, will be guided by evidence that suggests that cycle ways that are designed for all ages and abilities lead to more people getting on bikes and to safer cycle trips.

Council manager of transportation Martin Parkes says the rapid growth within Tauranga presents significant transport challenges and opportunities.

'Working towards creating more cycle ways in and around the city is one of the pieces of the puzzle to create a balanced transport network where we give our people safe, attractive and easy transport choices.”

The Urban Form and Transport Initiative is working on a long-term, integrated masterplan for urban development and transport that is fully aligned with the Government's new transport policy statement and urban growth agenda.

'Delivering a comprehensive well-connected cycle network plays an important role in this plan as it can contribute in managing congestion on our network. Additionally, it positively supports environmental and health outcomes,” says Martin.

Council staff hope to provide an update to the UFTD committee in April 2020.