Recreational riding conference explores cycle challenges

Cycleway and bike trail experts will converge on Wellington this week for a national two-day forum exploring how and where cycleways and other trail infrastructure can be most effectively developed for the benefit of New Zealand.

The Riding for Recreation forum, hosted by the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA), takes place during Bike Wise Month and comes hot on the heels of intense discussion over urban cycleways in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, with each city debating about how $350 million of Government spending earmarked for investment in cycleways and bike trails over the next three years can be put to best use.

NZRA Chief Executive Andrew Leslie said cycleways and bike trails created immense benefits to the economy and society through increased tourism and keeping people healthy, active and better connected. But despite this, good cycleway and trail design was not easy, he said.

Cycleways had come up against challenges recently, including concerns over loss of parking on Rotorua’s Green Corridor and safety concerns surrounding a cycleway planned for the Wellington suburb of Island Bay.

Leslie said that the Riding for Recreation forum would focus on solutions to overcome challenges such as these, to assist trail providers to avoid design pitfalls, establish solid partnerships and link existing trails.

Explaining that a more connected, sustainable network of cycling and mountain biking opportunities would better serve participants and communities, Leslie commented “recent investment is creating greater choice for commuters and communities, allowing people to be active and choose whether to travel by bike rather than car or public transport.

“To maximise the benefits, cycleways and bike trails must be well-planned and sustainable, ideally forming a coherent network from urban areas to Great Rides and back-country trails.”

Leslie commended growing Government investment in cycleways as a “step in the right direction” to encourage healthier lifestyle choices.

“Despite this, he feels there is still a lot to do, adding “it is essential trails are planned with the people who use them in mind. In this way we can offer the right opportunities for people, building the skills to support a healthy cycle culture.”

Leslie sees that there is growing recognition among local planners of the value of providing cycleways and bike trails as a network rather than in isolation, and this will  strengthen as connections were made between planners, managers and programme providers.

Speakers at The Riding for Recreation forum, which is being held in Wellington on 25th and 26th February, include New Zealand Cycle Trail Manager Evan Freshwater, speaking on the role of cycling in building healthier and wealthier communities; and Mountain Bike Trails Trust Chairman Chris Mildon, who will discuss the partnerships that enabled Nelson’s trails to be awarded International Mountain Bicycling Association Gold Ride Centre status.

New Zealand Transport Agency Cycling Manager Dougal List also features, detailing the factors trail providers must take into account to operate on a national scale with co-founder of Bike Parks British Colombia Jimmy Young and Trail Fund Chair Ben Wilde.

Click here for further information on the 2016 Riding for Recreation Forum.

Images: Cyclists look over Nelson from the Silvan Forest Mountain Bike park (top, courtesy: Grant Stirling) and Wellington's recently opened Te Ara o Whareroa cycle  trail (below).

27th January 2015 - TE ARA O WHAREROA CYCLE TRAIL GETS OFFICIAL OPENING

12th November 2015 - NEW ROTORUA GREEN CORRIDOR PROVIDES CYCLEWAY THROUGH INNER CITY

29th July 2015 - NEW ZEALAND CYCLE TRAIL GETS FURTHER BACKING FOR SIX NEW PROJECTS

16th January 2015 - AWARD WINNING CHILDREN’S BIKE TRAIL INSPIRES AN EARLY LOVE OF CYCLING

21st December 2014 - NZRA HIGHLIGHTS THE VALUE OF COUNCIL RECREATION INVESTMENT

26th May 2009 - $50 MILLION FOR NEW ZEALAND CYCLE NETWORK