Safer cycling in Rotorua's eastside

Niki Carling from the district council pictured at the new Warwick Dr cycle lane.

More cycle lanes are providing safer cycling in Rotorua, according to the Rotorua District Council.

The council's on-going programme to provide safer walking and cycling access to eastside schools has seen the development of new cycle lanes along Warwick Dr in Lynmore.

The aim of the project, conceived by the Rotorua Cycle Action Group and supported by the council, is to improve safety for road users and to complement cycle skills training in local schools.

Council's transport safety and sustainability co-ordinator Niki Carling said the council had already created a "share with care" path along Te Ngae Rd and marked cycle lanes on Morey St.

She said cycle lanes provided a legitimate, more visible space for cyclists.

"The council's cycling strategy vision is for a district in which people from all sectors of the community regularly cycle for transport and enjoyment.

"This project certainly supports this goal, as well as Rotorua Cycle Action Group's vision of safe cycling and walking routes for all Rotorua schools."

Action group spokesman David Crowley said the eastside of Rotorua had primary, intermediate and high schools grouped together into a relatively small area.

"The newly marked cycle lanes will improve safety for children cycling to and from school along these routes.

"Rotorua Cycle Action hopes the success of this pilot scheme will lead to similar improvements around more schools in other suburbs," he said.