Community Rides on New Cycleways

Dunedin (Wednesday, 4 June 2014) – A series of community bike rides is being held to help familiarise people with the new South Dunedin Cycle Network.

Package one of the network is almost finished and Mayor of Dunedin Dave Cull will join a bike ride tomorrow designed to take riders over the new routes.

Mr Cull says, “For years we have had submissions asking for enhanced cycleways in Dunedin.

Consultation over these has been a learning curve for both the Council and the community and it’s great to see the cycleways coming to fruition.”

Dunedin City Council Safe and Sustainable Travel Co-ordinator Charlotte Flaherty says the weekly rides started in February and are open to people who want to enjoy an easy, social bike ride, with an emphasis on gaining confidence.

“In South Dunedin, 8% of journeys are made by bicycle and the South Dunedin Cycle Network will increase safety for people and hopefully encourage more people to cycle.”

The South Dunedin Neighbourhood Policing team leads the community rides. The routes are designed by the ride leaders to explore the new cycleways and the quieter roads of St Kilda and St Clair. The group finds useful routes to get to popular destinations such as the beach and city centre.

Mrs Flaherty says the rides take place every Thursday, leaving at 10am from the Presbyterian Church at 405 King Edward Street. The rides usually take 30 – 45 minutes and then riders enjoy a hot drink and a chat back at the Church.

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