Cycle safer on Hawke’s Bay Trails

Good advice to visiting cyclists has arrived just in time for the summer season with new signs now showing users of our bike trails the safest places to cross one of our busiest roads.

Local council staff with NZ Transport Agency and Hawke’s Bay Tourism reviewed the transport plan for an area of State Highway 2, highlighted after a recent road fatality involving a cycling tourist. They approved signs showing the safest crossing places between Prebensen Drive and Onehunga Road towards Bay View.

HBRC Councillor and cycling advocate Christine Scott supports these signs as one way to better inform visiting cyclists.

“We want all visitors to Hawke’s Bay to have a great time and return. Good information is part of a safe, enjoyable experience,” says Cr Scott.

“We want to help trail users - often visitors at this time of year - to get around safely. If one of your cycling group is a tired child (or partner) and you’ve been out pedalling under the hot Hawke’s Bay sun, something as easy as crossing the road can get a lot harder.”

Mark Hamilton is a Napier City Councillor and cycling advocate.

“We were all saddened to learn of a cycling fatality at the Meeanee Quay SH2 intersection,” says Cr Hamilton.

“Planning is already underway between NZTA and council to redevelop this stretch of State Highway. The project is complex and will take time, so a good step for now is showing the best places to cross safely,” adds Cr Hamilton.

Councillors Scott and Hamilton sit alongside representatives from Hastings, Wairoa and CHB District councils, NZ Transport Agency, Hawke’s Bay Tourism, Hawke’s Bay DHB and national entity Bike On New Zealand, as members of the region’s Cycling Governance Group. Hawke’s Bay Trails is becoming increasingly popular as one of 23 Great Rides on Nga Haerenga, the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

ENDS

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