People who live and travel through Arataki are being asked for their thoughts about trial bus lanes, new cycling facilities and improved pedestrian facilities.

The first of two community drop-in days will be held this Saturday, from 2 to 4pm at the Arataki Community Centre.

Senior transport planner Greg Bassam says the aim of the Arataki proposals is to help make it easier for people to walk, cycle and catch the bus between Sandhurst Drive and Golf Road.

'A lot of students travel through this area, so we want to make it as safe as possible for people riding bikes. In December the Bay of Plenty Regional Council will start providing more frequent bus services. The bus lanes will help make these bus trips more reliable."

A bus lane is proposed as a trial along the southern side of Links Avenue. The bus lane would operate Monday to Friday as a ‘clearway' along the southern side of Links Avenue, meaning there would be no car parking on that side of the road during weekdays.

Greg says parking survey results led the project team to ensure in the proposals that car parking would be available during the weekends.

'Parking surveys in this area have shown that there is generally low demand for on-street car parking on weekdays."

Marked car parks on the street would need to be removed to accommodate the bus lane.

A shorter bus lane is proposed as a trial on Grenada Street alongside Arataki Park. The bus lane would start next to the park at Kaimanawa Street and continue to the Girven Road intersection.

'To support the bus lane, we're also looking at providing a park-and-ride near the park. The existing parking area would be upgraded with improved bus stop facilities, better shelter and a secure, covered area to park bikes."

A permanent shared path is proposed to be built through part of Arataki Park.

A new shared path is proposed to be built along the northern side of Links Avenue, between Mount Maunganui Intermediate School and Ascot Drive, and there are further proposals to create separated cycleways along Grenada Street and Golf Road.

Tauranga City Council wants to hear people's thoughts on the various projects. People can go online at www.tauranga.govt.nz/arataki to learn more about the proposals and submit written feedback.

Community drop-in sessions:

• Saturday, 11 August 2018, 2 – 4pm at the Arataki Community Centre, Zambuk Way
• Wednesday, 22 August 2018, 4 – 6pm at the Mount Intermediate School, Links Avenue

Information and online feedback:

• www.tauranga.govt.nz/arataki