Bringing speeds down, deterring rat-runners and making walking, cycling and scootering safer is key for two proposed neighbourhood greenways.
Whakatāne District Council is proposing to create two greenways, also known as "quiet streets", in the Pouwhare and Hikurangi Streets, and Salonika and Crete Street Neighbourhoods. This will see measures to lower speeds, improve crossing safety, and encourage more active transport.
The measures are proposed as part of the council's Active Whakatāne strategy which aims to make active modes of travel around the district easier and safer.
Whakatāne District Council Manager Transportation Martin Taylor said council had undertaken an assessment of the road network within Whakatāne and had identified some key areas that could be enhanced with safety improvements.
"As part of our Active Whakatāne strategy we want to create safe pathways through the district for those looking to walk, cycle, scooter or use their mobility scooters," said Mr Taylor.
"Both of these neighbourhoods have a high number of pedestrians with people accessing the Warren Cole walkway, Rex Morpeth Park and near-by schools. They are also high traffic areas and often have people using them as a short-cut during peak traffic times, also known as "rat-running".
Safety measures proposed include raised platforms at key intersections to slow drivers and provide safe crossing points as well as kerb realignments and extensions and new courtesy crossings. These installations will also make the roads safer for vehicles as well as pedestrians and cyclists.
"We’re really interested to know what the community thinks about these possible improvements," said Mr Taylor.
The projects are due for construction in Summer 2022/23.
Council will be holding two open days for people to attend to have their say and find out more about the proposed changes.
For the Pouwhare and Hikurangi Streets neighbourhood the open day will be held on Monday, May 16 from 4-6pm at Warren Park by the rose gardens.
For the Salonika and Crete Streets neighbourhood the open day will be held Wednesday, May 18 from 4-6pm at Rex Morpeth Park across from Crete Street.
For those unable to attend you can also make a submission or find out more by emailing active@whakatane.govt.nz or visiting koreromai.whakatane.govt.nz
Submissions on the proposed greenways will close May 27, 5pm.