Hawke's Bay Trails opening a model Cycle Trail

The opening of the Hawke's Bay Trails this weekend is an exciting milestone for cycling in a region that's establishing itself as one of the best places in New Zealand to ride a bicycle, the Green Party said today.

"The Hawke's Bay Trails offer a unique cycling experience for riders of all abilities, making it likely to become one of the best-used Cycle Trails in the country," said Green MP and Cycle Trail representative, Kevin Hague.

Kevin Hague made these comments while attending the 2 Walk & Cycle Conference currently been held in Hastings.

"The Hastings community has already demonstrated how a small investment in cycling can lead to big economic and health gains," Mr Hague said.

"There has been a 23 percent increase in the numbers of people walking and cycling in Hastings as a result of a $4 million Model Community investment.

"The cost-to-benefit equation of these kinds of small investments in sustainable infrastructure is very favourable.

"The 187 kilometres of new trails in the Hawke's Bay will now capture and multiply these benefits throughout the whole region."

Mr Hague said that the strength of the Hawke's Bay Trails ride in particular is that it is a linked network of rides offering different users different uses — from weekend tourists out on a leisurely spin to children being able to ride safely to school during the week.

"This is a boom time for cyclists of all kinds and the Green Party will continue to work constructively alongside the National Government to roll out quality cycling infrastructure throughout the country," Mr Hague said.

The Green Party is working jointly with the Government to realise a shared vision for a national cycle network.

Kevin Hague is available for further comment and local interviews. He will be attending the official opening on Saturday at 9.45am at the Pettigrew Green Arena with an eight-kilometre bike ride along the trail to the Puketapu Domain for the official launch and party.