In August 2014, the then government announced the $100 million Urban Cycleways Fund (UCF). This led to the $333 million Urban Cycleways Programme (UCP) being implemented from late 2014. The programme provided increased investment to accelerate the delivery of cycling networks in our main urban centres, and incentivised our partners to increase their investment in cycling and walking projects.
While the programme is now closed, some projects remain underway as the delivery timeframe has been extended by the current government to allow the Transport Agency and our council partners time to complete them.
The links to fact sheets and maps in the following pages for the UCP projects undertaken in the regions are those from when the original programme was developed. However as plans were firmed the scope of some works may have changed and in some cases the final routes may have varied.
As well as focusing on the transport benefits of cycling, Whāngārei has a strong focus on the contribution cycling can make to the health and wellbeing of its residents through increased physical activity. Its vision is for ‘a district where walking or cycling are easy, safe and enjoyable everywhere in the public domain, are the preferred means of access and are a lifestyle or tourist attraction’.
Cycling in Auckland will be a key contributor to improving travel options and increasing reliability across the transport network. With a focus on liveability and sustainability, Auckland Transport, Auckland Council and the NZ Transport Agency are working together to create a future where anyone can feel comfortable riding a bike.
Ensuring people have choices about how they get around and have access to good cycling networks are priorities for Hamilton, with significant prior investment having already been made in high quality cycling facilities. These facilities have been transformational and now form part of Hamilton’s primary cycling network.
Cycling is a critical component of Rotorua’s economic development with The Redwoods and Whakarewarewa mountain bike trails attracting around 200,000 visitors each year. Rotorua has already invested in a number of on-road cycle facilities and shared paths connecting key routes.
The Tauranga urban cycle network comprises 10 commuter routes totalling 150km, and a wider network of recreational connections and routes. The aim of the cycling programme is to provide a safer and more connected cycle network for the people of Tauranga leading to improved transport choices and an increase in the number of cycle trips, especially to school and to work.
Cycling in Gisborne contributes to improving transport options, particularly for those without a vehicle, providing a more efficient and integrated transport network, and improving health, economic and social outcomes.
The Gisborne District Council, together with the NZ Transport Agency, will further develop a dedicated walking and cycling network around and across Gisborne that provides safe connections between schools, recreation areas, business centres and residential areas.
In 2010 New Plymouth was selected as one of New Zealand’s two walking and cycling model communities. The result was the successful Let’s Go programme which has helped make walking and cycling safe and attractive options for residents and tourists. New Plymouth is now widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading cities for getting around on foot or by bike.
In 2010 Hastings was selected as one of New Zealand’s two walking and cycling model communities. The result was the successful iWay programme which saw the construction of over 108 kilometres of new walking and cycling pathways.
Cycling in Whanganui contributes to improving transport options, providing a more efficient and integrated transport network, improving health, economic and social outcomes and city liveability. A good quality cycle network is a key attraction for the district benefiting the residents and visitors.
