Last weekend saw the latest project led by the Bike Whakatāne Trust, with new signage and information boards being installed on the Ngāti Awa Farm section of Burma Road.

The project was initiated to help cyclists clearly navigate the route, while respecting that Ngati Awa Farm is an active working farm with regular movement of stock. The installation of two large information boards and 48 arrow signs was completed in collaboration with farm management, and with support from Whakatāne District Council. The signage project follows on from the successful construction of cycle-friendly gates in December 2024.

Bike Whakatāne Trustee and recently elected District Councillor Carolyn Hamill says, “This is an awesome example of the community identifying accessibility issues for cyclists and finding a solution that works for all. The Bike Whakatāne Trust kick-started the project and liaised with land owner representatives and Council to come up with a signage plan.”

Ngāti Awa Farm Manager Sam Philps says, “Working with the Bike Trust has been great, ultimately aimed at keeping walkers and cyclists on the right track as they pass through the farm, ensuring no-one gets lost and keeping the farm safe for both people and our stock”. He added that the Trust listened to farm workers concerns of cyclists riding through the working farm, and was pleased that “Keep Left” was included as a key message on the signage!

The Ngāti Awa Farm signage project is one of many undertaken by Bike Trustees this year, and was supported by a grant gratefully received from NZ Lotteries.

Other Bike Trust projects have included supporting Wheels Days events and Bike Ready - Cycle Education courses delivered in Eastern Bay Primary Schools, providing bike spare parts to CReW staff so they can up-cycle bikes that have been donated, co-delivering events such as Light Up Your Bike, Spring On Your Bike, World Car Free Day and the recent Ride The Runway event at the Whakatane Airport.

“Collaboration and relationships have been key to getting this much-needed project over the line, with Ngāti Awa, the Bike Whakatāne Trust and Council all working together for better community outcomes”, said Mrs Hamill.

The last event for this year’s Bike Trust calendar is the Christmas Santa Parade on Saturday 13th December. Keep an eye out on the Bike Trust’s Facebook page for information on how to get involved!

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