Cycling advocates welcome national cycleway

The Cycling Advocates' Network (CAN) welcomes the Government’s decision to allocate $50 million over three years to start the New Zealand Cycleway Project.

CAN spokesperson Stephen McKernon says ‘the funding is an important start to the Project. It will contribute directly to international and domestic tourism and will provide great recreational rides for New Zealand’s 1.3 million cyclists. Local businesses will benefit immediately and directly, as the evidence from the Otago Central Rail Trail shows. Everyone wins.’

‘There are also benefits for local communities as the Cycleway will stimulate additional investment in local infrastructure, jobs and community facilities. A stronger network will also encourage people to cycle more often for other reasons, such as travelling to work, and this exercise will help improve people’s health. As an investment, it offers great value for money with a range of immediate and longer term returns, and is a great step forward during recession times.’

CAN has been helping the National Cycleway Advisory Group develop the idea of a Cycleway in more detail and assess existing and potential routes. It will be closely involved with the Project as it continues to develop.

ENDS

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