Millions to be spent on Waikato walking and cycling trails
The Waikato River Trail and Access Hamilton projects should open up the area to tourists with Hamilton at the hub.
Hamilton is set to become a popular New Zealand destination for walkers and cyclers with millions being invested in the development and improvement of trails throughout the Waikato.
There are two major projects currently expanding walking and cycling ways in Hamilton – the Waikato River Trail project, and the Access Hamilton strategy.
Access Hamilton is a council project which is aimed at addressing Hamilton’s increasing traffic congestion problems and population growth.
Steve Taylor, Active Travel Engineer for Hamilton City Council said the project is targeted at safety rather than economic benefit.
“This strategy provides transport choices for everyone, whether it be walking, cycling, public transport, or private vehicle.”
The Access Hamilton cycleway, which is working alongside the Te Awa Great River Ride, will cost more than $10 million and is to be completed by 2019.
The second project, The Waikato River Trail, is one of seven initiatives in the National Cycleway Project and is an attempt to boost the region’s economy and raise the profile of New Zealand’s longest river.
The second half of 2010 saw more than 40 people employed to work on the project, which when finished will be 100km long.
Waikato resident Bob Laws, 69, believes the new trails will be an incentive for more people to use the walkways.
“I think the project is a really good concept, many of the current paths could definitely use improvement.”
It is expected local businesses will benefit from the new trials with the need for bike hire and accommodation.
Much of both trails is very close to the river and will be suitable for both walkers and cyclists.
