Cycling Groups Call For Changes To Make Hurunui More Attractive

Friday, 28 March 2025, 8:26 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Small changes can make the Hurunui district more welcoming for cyclists, advocates say.

Signage, visible accessible bike stands, improving safety and better connections between trails would help to attract more cyclists to the district, they said.

The Hurunui District Council has adopted a new walking and riding strategy, replacing its walking and cycling strategy which was adopted in 2017.

Signage is ‘‘critical’’ to improving the experience of cyclists, by letting people know what trails are available and warning of any dangers, Hurunui Trails Trust chairperson Bruce Baxter told Local Democracy Reporting.

He called on the council to conduct an audit of the district’s cycle and walking tracks.

‘‘Long term we would like to see the trails connected to broaden the experience.

‘‘An audit would help to identify any issues, including gaps and opportunities, and trail maintenance.

‘‘Amberley has a really big opportunity to pull people into the district being close to Christchurch.’’

Speaking at a council hearing last week, Spokes Canterbury co-chair Stephen Wood said cycling is growing in popularity, particularly older people on e-bikes.

He suggested the council consider what it is like for cyclists to park and lock their bikes.

Reducing speeds on roads and providing ‘‘safe spaces for riding’’ helped to make cycling more attractive, he said.

Amberley resident and regular cyclist Julius Newman, an engineering consultant, told the hearing widening intersections can make it less safe for cyclists.

It was better to narrow the space by widening the curve, which forced cars to slow down when approaching an intersection, he said.

Canterbury Equestrian Advocacy Group chairperson Julia McLean said advocacy has improved the experience of horse riders, but more could be done to make them feel welcome.

She said she is pleased horse riding is included in the new strategy, as it was often excluded in planning for shared pathways.

‘‘The Hurunui has an opportunity to lead in this space, because as a community of riders we do feel heard and the strategy reflects what we shared.

‘‘Riders are looking for opportunities not just for recreational riding, but also as training for other things like Horse of the Year.’’

She said riders can also be ‘‘eyes and ears’’ for identifying any issues and can ‘‘get to places others can’t’’.

The council’s strategy team leader Andrew Mactier said staff will consider Mr Newman’s feedback as part of a review of traffic planning.

He said an audit of trails would be subject to funding.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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