Walking and cycling plan for Whangārei open for scrutiny

Whangarei District Council is hoping to build on the momentum created by the Hatea Loop to get more people walking and cycling. Photo/File

More people walking and cycling, more often, is one of the goals of the draft walking and cycling strategy for Whangārei.

The draft Whangarei District Council document sets out a range of actions designed to make Whangārei a safe connected urban walking and cycling environment, where walking and cycling is a lifestyle.

Council senior roading engineer Nick Marshall said the plan was a "refresh as opposed to a rewrite".

"We have had great momentum since the Hātea Loop development, we want to continue to build on the momentum."

Marshall said the council had made good progress on its urban cycleways in Kamo, Onerahi and Raumanga. The next evolution was to finish what it had started and then look to the next two urban routes - Tikipunga and a central city link.

The strategy says the council is seeking funding through the Government's Provincial Growth Fund for the development of regional cycling routes including the Tutukaka Moana Cycle Trail from Whangārei to Whananaki and the Paradise Trail which takes in Bream Bay, Ruakākā, Waipū Cove and Langs Beach.

The strategy sets out the council's commitment to supporting community groups who want to develop sections of the network.

A Walking and Cycling strategy was first adopted by Whangārei District Council in 2007 and is reviewed every five years. A review was carried out last year, and the council is now seeking feedback from the public.

Marshall said the council wanted to hear if people were happy with what it had done, if they were happy with where it was heading and it's long term vision.

"Are there gaps? Do we have our priorities right?"

Submissions can be made on the council's website, via email or post. Submissions close on July 5 at 5pm. Hearings are expected to be held in July, before the final strategy is adopted on August 30.

A copy of the strategy is on the council's website, can be viewed at Forum North or Ruakākā Service Centre, requested at 0800 932462 or emailing mailroom@wdc.govt.nz