Hastings and New Plymouth: $7 million for cycling
Hastings and New Plymouth to receive $7 million boost for
cycling and walking
Hastings and New Plymouth will
benefit from a $7 million Model Communities project aimed at
getting more people cycling and walking. Cycling groups
welcomed the news. "Everyone wins when there's more people
walking and biking," said Cycling Advocates' Network
spokesperson Anne FitzSimon. "There will be less traffic
congestion, less pollution, people will be healthier, and
businesses will benefit from more cycling tourism." "All New
Zealand cyclists will be watching closely to see how
councils in Taranaki and Hawkes Bay invest in better cycling
facilities. If the project delivers good results as
expected, we'll be asking the government to extend it around
New Zealand so everyone can benefit." The Model Communities
project is a key part of the government's 'Getting There'
walking and cycling strategy, which aims to develop walking
and cycling environments that are as safe and simple to use
as to travel by car. Model Communities funds infrastructure
development such as shared pathways and road widening as
well as support programmes such as. improved cycle parking
facilities, cycle skills training and driver
education.
ENDS