Hawke's Bay Cycle Trail most popular nationwide
In a year where more people have taken to the country's cycle trails than ever before, the Hawke's Bay Cycle Trail has proven the most popular.
According to trail counter data from all 22 New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Rides, cyclists and pedestrians alike took nearly two million trips between March 1 2019 and February 28 2020.
There were 188,037 cycle trips and 219,737 pedestrian trips on the Hawke's Bay Trail - more than 36,000 more trips than Queenstown, in second place with 131,037 cycle trips and 239,935 pedestrian trips.
Tourism Minister and Napier MP Stuart Nash said it is "not surprising" that the Hawke’s Bay Cycle Trail was busiest of all.
"I know how popular it is from my own local cycling. Marine Parade in my home town of Napier is one of the most popular cycling paths in the country," Nash said.
“Hawke’s Bay has plenty of other great trails, including the Tukituki Trail, which will nearly double in length thanks to the recently announced $750,000 investment.
“Research shows that pre-covid, more domestic visitors to Hawke’s Bay used the region’s cycle trails than international tourists, contributing an estimated $10 million-plus to the local economy. That’s an important advantage for Hawke’s Bay as border restrictions to keep us safe from the pandemic have seriously impacted visitor numbers."
There are between one and 14 counters per Great Ride. The majority of counters or sensors can distinguish between cyclists and pedestrians, and also can determine the direction of travel.
The highest users of the trails were pedestrians including walkers, runners and trampers, clocking up just over one million trips, followed by cyclists with 960,200 trips.
Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails (NZCT), includes the Great Rides, Heartland Rides and some of the cycle trails in the Urban Cycling Network.
“The Great Rides offer intrepid travellers a low-cost and accessible way to see the best parts of the country by going off-road. The rides are graded from easy to expert, and offer something for riders and walkers of all abilities," Nash said.
“Cycling and walking these trails is a great way to explore unique scenery and enjoy the best of local culture, architecture, food and wine. Cycle trails are growing in popularity with travellers who want to combine health and fitness activities with leisure and holidays.
“Cycleways and walkways are increasingly helping small regional communities to diversify their local economy. They support more tourism, accommodation and hospitality jobs. I encourage travellers to explore one this summer and support local businesses.
He said Government funding of up to $2 million annually through MBIE supports NZCT to employ trail managers and meet some operational costs of the Great Ride, as well as help cover general maintenance and urgent repairs following extreme events, such as flooding.
“Along with other walks and cycle trails, the Great Rides are a wonderful reason to get outdoors and see New Zealand this summer,”Nash said.
