Cycleway scores high for user enjoyment

Users of the Omokoroa to Tauranga Cycleway love their experience, according to a recent survey that reveals more than 90 percent are satisfied with their harbourside journey.

The survey was commissioned by Western Bay of Plenty District Council and undertaken over a 10-day period in late December 2020 by Xyst Limited, a company which specialises in surveys at parks and facilities around New Zealand and Australia.

Of the 199 people surveyed, both online and face-to-face on the cycleway, more than 93.5 percent were either satisfied or very satisfied with the experience – the most important features being the scenery and the natural beauty of the estuarine environment.

Nearly 80 percent of cycleway users were aged 45 and over, with a 49-51 percent split between male and female.

Approximately 60 percent of users are cyclists, and 44 percent of cyclists are using e-bikes. While 65 percent of users lived within walking or cycling distance of the cycleway.

Council’s Project Manager Scott Parker says it was good to get so much positive feedback, but it was also helpful to hear what users would like to see improved or changed.

The most commonly requested improvement was to complete the cycleway extension from the Wairoa River Bridge to Carmichael Road in Bethlehem where the Tauranga City cycle network starts so that this section can be used safely.

“Western Bay of Plenty District Council is working with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, Tauranga City Council and Ngāti Kahu on plans for the final section connecting into Tauranga City’s urban cycleway network,” says Scott.

“The shared path between Wairoa River Bridge and Carmichael Road has always been part of the overall design and project. Work on the final section’s design is ongoing and we are working with all stakeholders to have this finalised as soon as we can.”

Other improvements requested included more drinking water stations, better trail surfaces in parts, better trail etiquette and user respect, better signage and better control of dogs.

The survey took place at five locations along the route.

Interesting findings:

• 80 percent of users were aged 45 and over
• 50 percent used the trail at least twice a week
• 25 percent completed the whole trail in one day, return
• 75 percent did shorter sections
• most users drove or cycled to the cycleway
• 59 percent are cyclists; 44 percent of which used e-bikes
• 65 percent lived within walking or cycling distance
• 9 percent were visitors from outside the area
• trail safety, cleanliness and lack of litter were most important features
• trail safety was an issue with many respondents
• overall satisfaction 93.5 percent
• concern at lack of trail etiquette and respect for other users
• health and fitness, relaxation, enjoyment of scenery were the main reasons for use.

View the full survey results.