Cities Need Cycling Support

Celia Wade-Brown, a Wellington cyclist, walker and mayoral candidate says the national cycleway sections so far are missing out where 87% of NZers live.

"The new cycle routes in the countryside look great for special excursions - and Ruapehu to Whanganui is definitely on my bucket list." says Councillor Celia Wade-Brown.

"However, Sustrans in UK shows great success for paths that are near to sizeable populations, for example Cycle Route 4 from London to Bristol passes, on pleasant bridleways or minor roads, through many large towns like Windsor and, Reading on the way. Many users near towns are also walkers and runners. If we want people to be active more often, cycle routes away from traffic need to be easily accessible from where people live and work, not just a special weekend away. "

Wellington's Great Harbour Way, Hutt River Trail and Rimutaka Rail Trail could be combined with the new Baring Head access to make a significant loop - partly for daily commuters and partly for local recreation and international tourism. A consortium of active transport and tourism interests proposed the Marlborough to Martinborough route as part of the National Cycleway, including the scenic ferry for access between the islands.

Much of the 70km Great Harbour Way already exists but the improvements, connections, promotion and leadership for the New Zealand Transport Agency and local Councils to support its completion would be boosted by its inclusion in the national cycleway planning and funding.

Celia Wade-Brown is one of "The Great Harbour Way - Te Aranui o Poneke" steering group members. She was one of a majority of councillors who voted to set aside $500,000 p.a. to advance strategic walking and cycling routes in Wellington.

"I call on Prime Minister John Key and Kevin Hague Green MP, whose fruitful partnership is making the seven new trails happen, to extend the scope of the New Zealand Cycle Trail project to urban areas, not just rural electorates."

Celia for Mayor - a good choice for Wellington!
ends

© Scoop Media