Walking and Cycling Strategy 'alive and well'

Waitaki’s Walking and Cycling Strategy, designed to enhance walking and cycling opportunities in the District, is ‘alive and well’ according to Waitaki District Council’s Physical Activity Project Coordinator, Helen Algar.

Mrs Agar said that that there is a good network of walking and cycling tracks available in the District, for both recreational and transport purposes, and that these recently went through an audit process.

“Community groups and individuals have generously taken part in an audit looking at some of the tracks to discover what works well, and to identify areas for improvement.”

The information from the audits will go to roading and parks staff at Council, who will then put into action some of the suggested improvements.

“Council allocated $100,000 last year to improve walking and cycling facilities and a further $40,000 in this current year, so progress is definitely being made.”

A number of children and parents from Lower Waitaki Playcentre took an active part in the audits. Mrs Andrea Ludeman, of the Lower Waitaki Playcentre, said it was a brilliant day.

“It was a fantastic day out for the kids, who really enjoyed it. It was amazing just how far the three and four year olds could walk. They had fun following the orange pegs and looking at the town from a different perspective. It was also good to find out which walks were buggy friendly. It’s really nice to have an opportunity to give something back to the community.”

Mrs Algar said she is very grateful to all of the people who participated in the audits.

“It was a great way to get a true picture of what works for different groups in our community.”