Submission to the Draft Long Term Council Community Plan 2019

Bike Taupo Incorporated is a cycling advocacy group that was incorporated in 2003 to provide the Taupo community with a voice for cycling. Bike Taupo currently has 1484 members and was runner-up at the TrustPower volunteer awards held in Wanaka.

Cycling has many benefits – it provides an environmentally friendly form of transpor’t keeps people healthy and fights obesity, is a fun recreational activity. Economically, it is very important to the Taupo District through events such as the Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge and visitors who come to ride the local roads and tracks.

Cycling (and walking) improves the liveability of our community by increasing economic activity, improving safety and personal security and increasing community accessibility and cohesion. Increased cycling particularly for short trips also helps reduce transport emissions and improve public health.

Liveability refers to the environmental and social quality of an area as perceived by residents, employees, customers and visitors. This includes safety and health (traffic safety, personal security, and public health), local environmental conditions (cleanliness, noise and air quality), the quality of social interactions (neighbourliness, fairness, respect, community identity and pride0, opportunities for recreation and entertainment, aesthetics and existence of unique cultural and environmental resources.

A liveable community forms the conditions that encourage people to cycle and walk, while more people walking and cycling help to create a more liveable community.

Draft Long Term Council Community Plan 2019

Recommendation 1
That the Council implement the recommendations contained in the Cycling and Walking Strategy (currently under review) and the Urban Design Protocol.

Recommendation 2
That the Council establish a position for a dedicated Active Transport Officer. This person should be responsible for the implementation of the Walking and Cycling Strategy and the responsibilities associated with being a signatory to the Urban Design Protocol.

Recommendation 3
That the Council consider the provision of cycling and walking facilities when developing the Taupo Urban Commercial and Industrial Structure Plan.

Recommendation 4
That provision of safe cycling and walking facilities is a key consideration when considering post East Taupo Arterial roading enhancements.

Recommendation 5
That the Council continue to develop a network of shared paths for cycling and walking throughout the Taupo District.

Recommendation 6
That the Council continue to extend and widen the Great Lake walkway to accommodate both walkers and cyclists.

Recommendation 7
Bike Taupo supports the construction of the Waikato River Pedestrian / Cycleway bridge.

Recommendation 8
That the Council support the continued development of a shared path around Lake Taupo.

Bike Taupo would like to thank the Taupo District Council for its ongoing support and asks that the Council continue to support the promotion and development of cycling in the Taupo District.

Bike Taupo wishes to present this submission to the Council in person at a hearing and would prefer to do this in Taupo.