The Te Puke community has spoken and as a result a proposed new cycleway designed to connect four schools and the centre of town won’t go ahead.
Western Bay of Plenty District Councillors, at the Projects and Monitoring Committee hui, made the difficult decision not to proceed with the development of the 4.2km cycleway.
Nearly 400 residents and local businesses shared their views on the proposed cycleway, which aimed to make it safer for our tamariki and rangatahi to ride to school.
The project, to be fully funded through Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Transport Choices programme, was to begin at Donovan Park and loop around town via Cameron Road and Boucher Avenue, passing four schools and stopping before the business district at the Jocelyn Street/Queen Street intersection.
However, many people raised concerns about the impact of the cycleway on parking availability, traffic flow, business viability and community character. There was also a preference for other transport projects, such as road upgrades, footpaths and public transport.
Council’s Senior Transportation Engineer, Calum McLean, says the proposed cycleway was Council’s latest step in helping to recognise that as the number of people in Te Puke continues to grow, so does the need for different ways to get around town.
“But it’s important to listen to the community’s views – we’re here to listen to the needs of our community and balance that with progressing new initiatives to enhance the well being of our communities.
“We got a very clear message – at this time this particular cycleway is not the best option to meet the community’s transport needs and aspirations.
“The beauty of consultation is that it enables us to hear what the community thinks about our plans. We’re so thankful to everyone who took the time to share their views,” says Calum.
However, while this cycleway isn’t progressing, future options may be considered for Te Puke, subject to consultation and funding.
This includes creating a spatial plan for Te Puke, the biggest town in our District, which aims to help make decisions to support the future of the town and its growing community. The plan will include options for walking, cycling and greater connectivity within Te Puke and to the surrounding areas.
“We’ve heard that people broadly support cycleways, but it’s how it’s done that’s key – we need the community’s support, and we’re committed to finding the right options.
“The feedback we’ve already received from the Te Puke community will help to inform transport options for the draft Spatial Plan, which will be out for public consultation throughout 2024,” explains Calum.
“We will continue to work with the community to explore alternative ways to improve transport options and safety, making our Te Puke community healthier, happier, and more sustainable.”
You can watch the Projects and Monitoring Committee kōrero on this project here - Projects and Monitoring Comm - 31 Oct 23 - YouTube [starting at 54:00 minutes].
