Plans for a bike-friendly central Christchurch are spinning the wheels of cycling advocates.

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority chief executive Roger Sutton today led a bicycle tour of the new central-city blueprint area with members of advocacy group Spokes Canterbury.

Spokes chairwoman Clare Simpson said the group was keen to discuss how cycle initiatives would ''pan out''.

The provision for cycleways in the green frame and around the Avon River were positive, but more detail was needed, she said.

''Our main concern is, is it going to get funded, by whom and when?'' 

Cycling in the new central city should be ''idiot-proof''.

''Think of all those kids and seniors who are very vulnerable, not to mention the teenagers who will be riding their bikes to school. It's a no-brainer really,'' she said.

''That expression, 'Build it and they will come'. I really believe that.''

Sutton, a keen cyclist, said transport was crucial to the plan's success.

''Unless it's easier to get around, whether it's in a car or on a bike, we haven't really achieved one of the key aims of the new city,'' he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Comments