Must be my advocacy day! I have just found out there is a public meeting regarding the Taipo pathway on Monday 2nd April at 5.30pm at Taradale Town Hall, opposite McDonalds, that you might like to attend.
What’s this about you ask?
You may not be aware but this is a wide green belt that runs off Church Road at the creek from St Mary’s at Mission, essentially in Taradale, following a stream and comes out onto Neeve Road. I often ride this in urban winter training rides, when it’s not daylight saving/running out of time or too muddy to head out to our dedicated mountain bike tracks – it’s a great off road area in a wide green belt. Currently I ride this just on grass or on a worn down narrow track on my MTB. Lovely area and again off the road riding – brilliant no cars!
The Napier City Council wants to put a cycle pathway around here and some of the residents think that ‘ratbags’ will hang around and it won’t be safe for them living next to it. NOTE: Its public council land and we can ride this currently – the local residents just don’t want to council to put in dedicated pathway and to share this with us on a pathway. Yes the council is supporting/providing a cycling initiative!
I’m not one to consider myself a ‘ratbag who hangs out on pathways’ but rather someone who enjoys riding around cities on off road pathways. I consider this to be the best type of safe corridor for a bike rider whether a primary/ intermediate/secondary school pupil, commuter cyclist or recreational rider, regardless of age. I also believe that getting people active creates a healthier community. I am one who will always stop and help others in my community when riding a bike and don’t think I am a threat to anyone. I think it’s time for those of us who enjoy riding and see the benefits for the community for such facilities, to voice their opinion.
Can you help? YES PLEASE!
I am strongly encouraging you all individually to attend this meeting to give your feedback and support on this matter. Reassure the community that we are not ‘ratbags’ but great members of the community. Too often it’s the voices of a few ‘Grumpy Old Men’ that get heard, it’s often a few who perceive dangers, that are not realistic who only get heard! Wouldn’t it be great if more positive voices got heard! What a great facility for those of us who live in Taradale this would be. For the elderly and young parents/children in Taradale – for everyone to share! If these residents can get a partition saying they don’t want it why can’t we make our voices heard to show we think, as a greater community it’s another great facility.
If lots of us actual cyclists/recreational riders/commuters provide feedback we may have another fantastic cycling pathway link in our community. If you cannot attend maybe you would like to email your support for this pathway tol Napier City Council. Yes, Napier City Council wants to put in a shared bike track – lets support them! Please email yvonnem@napier.govt.nz
Put out the great word on why we love to cycle, why it’s so good for us and our community! Thanks in advance!
Cheers Vicki
