Extra Government funding for the cycle trails a positive step

The announcement of extra central government funding for cycle trails and existing Great Rides is testament to the success of the work Councils and cycle trusts around New Zealand have undertaken over the last few years, Richard Kempthorne, Mayor of the Tasman District said in response to Sunday’s announcement.

“When we embarked on the cycle trail journey with Nelson Tasman Cycle Trust we knew it would lead to great results, however the latest research shows Tasman’s Great Taste Trail has exceeded our expectations for user numbers and it is not yet finished,’ said Mayor Kempthorne

“We are hopeful that we can access this new government funding to match council’s contribution. It will enable us to join the Coastal section of the Great Taste Trail via Wakefield and Tapawera to the Motueka Valley and create a 3-5-day loop, providing riders the opportunity to further enjoy everything Tasman has to offer. It will help us attract more tourists for longer creating more positive spinoffs which in turn provides a real economic boost to the region.”

“The recent opening of the Spooners Tunnel attests to the popularity of the Trail with around 400 turning out to celebrate opening the longest cycling and walking tunnel in the southern hemisphere. It is just one of the many fantastic scenic and historic features on this trail.

Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail Trust Chair Gillian Wratt says that “Nelson/Tasman is in the unique position of having two Great Rides in the region, as well as an International Mountain Biking Association gold star ranking. Cycle tourism is a growing activity and well-constructed and maintained off-road trails are a key to gaining positive economic benefit”.

“In the first four months of this year, counters have recorded 83,000 users on Tasman’s Great Taste Trail. She puts this high use down to good weather and increased awareness about cycling in the region”. Operators on the Trail are telling us that visitors are asking when they will be able to return to cycle the full Great Taste Trail loop.”

The opportunities for our business continue to grow with the ongoing development of the Great Taste Trail said Nicky McBride, partner in Mapua cycle hire and tour business Wheelie Fantastic. “We have a number of return clients who are looking to go further afield in the district and the ability to provide a longer ride with a wider range of experiences can only attract more people.

“This investment would allow us to complete the trail as we all envisaged at the start of this journey. If we were one of the first great rides to complete their trail as initially planned it would enable even greater regional benefits to be achieved.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media