We are working towards building a connected network of cycleways that caters to all ages and abilities. This will provide more and safer options for people to get to work, school and recreational destinations.
Photo: NZTA Cycle Life
Council's previous cycle plan has been superseded by the Western Bay of Plenty Transport System Plan. This is the overarching plan for all transport modes for our city.
Following the adoption of the Tauranga Cycle Plan, we have identified a network of cycle corridors that will provide the greatest opportunity for getting more people biking. This network recognises key connections across the city. The goal is 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.
We are working towards futureproofing the cycle network. Results from a recently developed cycle modelling tool shows us that a completed network of safe and comfortable main cycle routes could lead to an estimated increase from the current 11,000 cycle trips per day to 21,000 per day (based on year 2026 growth projections). These daily trips would make up 6.5% of all trips to work and 13.5% of all trips to school across Tauranga during the morning peak travel period (7am-9am).
What’s next
We will investigate what the best possible routes are within each corridor. This process will be guided by evidence that suggests that cycleways that are designed for all ages and abilities (AAA) lead to more people getting on bikes and to safer cycle trips. We hope to provide an update to Council in April 2020.
AAA designed routes provide continuous cycle facilities that deliver a safe and comfortable cycling environment. This attracts the widest spectrum of the population to cycle, and particularly those who are ‘interested but concerned’ riders who are reluctant to bike under the existing on-road cycle facilities.
Photo: City of Vancouver
| Safety |
Comfort |
Connectivity |
| People riding bikes are vulnerable road users because they have less protection and travel more slowly than vehicles |
Attention to comfort is an important part of attracting more people to bike |
People who bike need a network of continuous routes that provide connections to local and city-wide destinations |
Link with Urban Form and Transport Initiative
Tauranga is growing at a rapid pace and this presents significant transport challenges and opportunities for our city. In response to this growth, the Smart Growth partners and the NZ Transport Agency have established the Urban Form and Transport Initiative (UFTI).
The task of UFTI is to develop 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 story. In conjunction with public transport, carpooling, walking and other alternative transport modes, increased bicycle use will contribute to managing future levels of congestion. Additionally it will positively support environmental and health outcomes.
Maps and routes
Cycle Network Map (266kb pdf)
Tauranga Walkways and Cycleways booklet (2.29mb pdf)
Cycle Network Map Viewer
Or search local bike routes on Map my Ride
Urban Mountain Bike Routes
Urban MTB Loop 1 (2.4mb pdf)
- Start at the end of Birch Avenue where you can follow the pathway up to Cambridge Road via Coventry Street and Chester Street.
- Go down Waihi Road to Bethlehem Reserve where there are great signed pathways directing you to Cambridge Road Park (the new home of Tauranga’s international standard BMX track) via Orange Lane, St Andrews Drive and Wakefield Drive.
- There are numerous walking & mountain bike tracks in this new park. Exit the park next to the Toll Road on the bottom left hand side to follow the formed pathway back to Birch Avenue.
- You can also start at the Historic Village on 17th Avenue, follow the “boardwalk” pathway south until you get to Kopurererua Stream. Then follow the stream to the north (down stream) to cross under the three road bridges. At the third bridge, cross over on the outside of the traffic lane to get to Birch Ave.
Urban MTB Loop 2 (2.4mb pdf)
- Starting at the Historic Village on 17th Avenue, follow the “boardwalk” pathway south to the Kopurererua Stream.
- From the stream, follow the pathway south upstream to the end of the river pathway.
- Turn into Wylie Street and then Jones Street to the cul-de-sac head pathway up the steep track to Chadwick Road. Follow Chadwick Road down to Fraser Street, trun onto Fraser Street and follow it to Yatton Park, home of the City’s tallest trees.
- At the back of the park there are paths down to the harbour pathway which will take you to Fraser Cove shopping centre.
- Head up 18th Ave and follow it east to Grace Road harbour side pathway. Follow the pathway to 16th Avenue to link back to Grace Road, Fraser Street and Cameron Road and back to the Historic Village on 17th Avenue.
Urban MTB Loop 3 (1.8mb pdf)
- Start from The Strand in the City Centre, keep the coast to your ‘right’ and head down Dive Crescent.
- Follow Dive Crescent, Mirrielees Road, Cross Road, over the pedestrian bridge to Chapel Street, Maxwell’s Road, Harbour Drive, Kulim Park, and Beach Road to Fergusson Park.
- Then head along Tainui Street, Matua Road, Manuwai Street to the playground at Kings Avenue.
- Head along Levers Road, Sunny Bay Street and into the Matua Salt Marsh Reserve.
- This will link to the railway underpass to Ngatai Road. Turn right into Margaret Road then Princess Road, Westward Street and into Carmichael Reserve.
- At the top of the reserve you will find Waihi Road again. Follow it up to, get up to Cambridge Road and down Chester Street, Coventry Street, down the pathway to Birch Avenue and then cross the stream at the bridge to the Cameron Road side.
- Follow the pathway to your left and exit out into Koromiko Street.
- Cross over Waihi Road and into Graham Park and then back to the City centre.
Oropi Grove Mountain Bike Park
Tauranga City Council owns and manages Oropi Grove Mountain Bike Park with the assistance of Mountainbike Tauranga and volunteers.
For more information and to view the park loop ride map visit Mountainbike Tauranga.
BikeReady
BikeReady is New Zealand's national cycling education system, delivered by Travel Safe locally. BikeReady equips people of all ages with cycling skills to ensure safe and considerate cycling out on the road by:
- giving kids skills at the right time in their life — from learning bike handling skills in primary school through to learning how to ride on-road when ready
- helping adults, especially those who have never ridden a bike or haven't ridden for a while, gain confidence for the road conditions they'd expect to encounter
- lifting competence and confidence, especially for young people on bikes — their bike is their first vehicle and a means of independent travel
For information on other local programmes visit Travel Safe or for the national cycle skills story visit BikeReady.
Bike Month
Bike Month is held in February each year and is packed with local cycling activities for people who ride bikes of all abilities. The 2023 Bike Month calendar will be available in December 2022.