Fortunes are continually being spent on cycle lanes, so why do they remain dangerous and put cyclists' lives at risk?

Bevan Wait cycles into work most days and questions the safety of cycle lanes in Tauranga.

“I cycle into Basestation in the CBD and multiple times I’ve found the council has put roadwork signs in the middle of the cycle lane.”

When roadwork signs are placed in the cycle lane, cyclists are forced to go around the signs and onto the road.

“In most cases, Council requires contractors to keep cycleways clear of signs or provide an alternative space for people to use, however sometimes there isn’t enough space to maintain the cycleway and the amount of traffic management needed for the work to be carried out safely,” says Tauranga City Council acting manager of transportation infrastructure outcomes Kelvin Hill.

“In these situations, a 30km/h speed restriction is put in place that requires cycles and cars to share the road for a short distance.”

Cycle lanes are in place to create a space that separates the cyclists from the cars.

“I just feel it’s all a bit hypocritical when they’re spending god knows how many millions on cycleways supposedly to keep cyclists safe but then they’re doing stuff like this,” says Bevan.

He has made several complaints to the council and no real changes have been made.

“I’ve contacted them about it multiple times and they keep doing it,” says Bevan.

“This situation is avoided wherever possible,” says Kelvin.

“If cyclists feel that contractors aren’t complying with their traffic management plan, they are invited to notify Council to remedy the situation.”

“Last time they moved them, but then they just keep doing it,” says Bevan.

“I’ve talked to other cyclists at work and shown them pictures and they’ve said they’ve seen this sort of thing multiple times as well.”

A lot of cycle lanes are placed on busy roads such as Cameron Road and Totara Street.

“The road is so busy, so dangerous. The cyclists are forced to go out onto the road, it’s crazy,” says Bevan.

Kelvin says council is committed to the safety of all people who cycle in the city.

“This includes working towards futureproofing the cycle network to make it safer, more comfortable and provide better connections to local and city-wide destinations. 

“Tauranga’s population is expected to grow by up to 78,000 people over the next 50 years and transport options will need to evolve to meet this growth.

“There is already significant congestion in places, and as there is no space to build new roads, it is vital that more people are able to get around safely and in ways that don’t add to the city’s carbon emissions, such as cycling, walking, and catching a bus.

“This will keep traffic flowing for freight movement and people who need to drive and create a more sustainable future for Tauranga,” says Kelvin.

Bevan says he is confused as to why they placed cycle lanes on Cameron Road and Totara Street which are some of the busiest roads with a lot of traffic.

“Totara Street has got logging trucks,” he says.

Kelvin says one of the other ways council helps to improve cycle safety is through the work of the Travel Safe team which provides cycling education programmes.

“Travel Safe’s new February to April calendar of free cycling activities for riders of all levels across Tauranga and the Western Bay is available at www.mytauranga.co.nz/timetocycle,” says Kelvin.

“People are getting knocked off their bikes left, right and centre. I play touch rugby and I just found out one of the guys was knocked off his bike on the holidays and is still recovering,” says Bevan.

“I don’t feel like the amount of money they’re spending on cycle ways… I do wonder if they’ve got the best interest if cyclists at heart.”