Cash on the cards for island cycleway

BY DIANA WORTHY

Plans for a national cycleway on the island are set to steam ahead after a council committee voted to investigate possible funding.

Auckland City Council's finance and strategy committee wants council's transport committee to consider setting aside some funds for a trail between Matiatia and Onetangi.

The transport committee is also being told to recommend options to council's combined committees next February, if necessary.

The idea to include Waiheke in John Key's vision for a national cycleway was first mooted by Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye earlier this year.

It is being supported by the Waiheke Community Board, according to resident Tony King-Turner, who presented an outline of the proposal to members last month.

They were given a document entitled "The Waiheke Island Great Ride", outlining how trails at both ends of the island could bring practical, social, and economic benefits.

The Waiheke Western Trail would take bike riders through the mixed residential-rural landscape, with a Waiheke Eastern loop allowing people to enjoy native bush, beaches, and historic sites.

It is envisaged funding could come from a number of different sources such as Auckland City Council, Auckland Regional Council, the New Zealand Transport Agency, and government.

Fullers Ferries, which recently won a national award for carrying bicycles free of charge on its vessels, has already agreed to be a project partner.

The document points to the island's special attractions, such as stunning beaches, wetlands, native forests, vineyards, and archeological sites, as well as its close proximity to Auckland and the international airport.

It says the island has the advantage of having no traffic lights and claims council is now looking at adding more cycle lanes to the one installed this year.

Mr King-Turner told the community board how a national cycleway would benefit visitors, school children, commuters, and families.

He said it would mean safe rides for families, an increase in cycle tourists that would benefit the hospitality industry, and comfortable commutes for workers using the ferry.

And he said children stood to gain increased levels of fitness by being able to bike to school safely, with their parents saving time having to get them there by car.

"All the motorists will be winners. Cycling and cars are a big issue here. We are getting more and more cars and feelings of not being safe are experienced by motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

"There is way too much traffic now for them to share the road. This is a good solution," he said.

Now Mr King-Turner is looking to form a committee called "Bike Waiheke" that will work to produce proposals for the different funding agencies.

He is keen for the committee to include people working in the tourism and hospitality industries on the island as well as a representative from council's transport department.

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye says she has already forwarded an initial proposal to the tourism ministry together with a letter of support.

Meanwhile, she says she is delighted to hear of the council's finance committee's recommendations that funding should be investigated, and believes the concept is gaining momentum.

"It is great that Auckland City Council is taking steps to consider what it may be able to further do to help.

"I know how hard the Waiheke cycleway team has been working on the project and I am doing my bit to help get all the agencies to support it.

"The cycleway would improve transport for islanders and attract tourists, while enhancing the natural environment of Waiheke."

People wanting to get involved can call Tony King-Turner on 372 7821 or cell phone 027 497 6247.

- Waiheke Marketplace