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Bridle Track Extension

Despite the current ‘cost of living challenges’ facing all community events, Bike Manawatu is 100% committed to ensuring the 51st year of the Novice Tour – once again provides a safe, fun, competitive cycle racing event.
 

We will adopt a high-quality assured approach in implementing the Local Roading Authority’s/Cycling New Zealand’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) standards which ensure best practices and rider and spectator safety.

 

If the level of community funding secured is not sufficient to contract in external road management service providers with the ability to stop/go traffic, the Novice Tour will proceed on a ‘local club racing’ model, whereby our team of trained/experienced road marshals will, where necessary, pause racing in order to give way to traffic and ensure rider safety. 

 

Although funding  external road management services with the ability to stop/go traffic is ideal, if this is not feasible – we are confident that the event’s ‘Safe Traffic Management System’ (STMS) will provide a competitive, fair, enjoyable and importantly safe racing environment.  

 

Irrespective of which model of traffic management/racing is finalised, as with all CNZ/Bike Manawatu events, normal road rules will apply and a full rider briefing confirming the event rules will be provided to all riders prior to the start of each race. 

Te Matai Rd, Palmerston North to Ashhurst Domain

Bridle Track  [Mooted as: Patricia Fraser Memorial Trail]

Jordan & Ross Castle have been working hard advocating for a Bridle Track extension, forming a cycle link between Palmerston North & Ashhurst.  Jordan has organised a petition and he has over 300 signatures so far.
You can contribute to the petition which will form part of a submission to PNCC in March.

 


Why

  • Provide SAFE off highway cycling and walking route for a wide range of recreational users and commuters using “active transport” to work.
  • Help STOP cyclists being killed –
    • 4 cyclists (including local mum of 4 – Patricia Fraser) died over 3 days from 14-17 Nov 2010 after being hit by vehicles
    • Another local cyclist at 74 years old killed in January 2011
  • Create a safe adventurous fun and dynamic opportunity for more adults and children to be active for longer periods
  • Increase asset value of region for tourism and visitor use, recreational, leisure and sporting opportunities
  • Provide critical safe travel link to Balance and Gorge area
    • 22 000 walkers currently traverse the Manawatu Gorge Walk.
      70 000 people visit the Ashhurst domain annually.
      A similar number of users (and probably more – possibly 100 000+) may use the extended track for access either by foot or cycle.
    • Create a recreational corridor to proposed Gorge Mountain Bike track and proposed regional mountain bike park
    • Valuable safe recreational access connection to North Range Rd circuit options for return journey of up to 70km
  • Promote economic development opportunities including new sporting events along circuit

Who would use the track?

Current users

  • Families
  • Walkers
  • Runners
  • Cyclists
  • Anglers
  • Orienteering groups

Possible new users

  • More children during holiday periods
  • Trekkers and long distance walkers
  • Sport groups and Sporting events
  • Kayakers and water borne sports users
  • Out of region visitors and tourists
  • Regular commuters to school and work between Ashhurst and PN

Outcomes…

  • More people on bikes.
  • Staying Alive. Nobody dying on SH3
  • More to do in the region
  • Enhanced regional identity
  • Economic stimulus

What can you do…?

  • Show your support for the project by adding the power of your name to this petition