Cycleway proposal has plenty of support

Community groups are backing a cycleway proposal that would link Rangiotu, Himatangi and Longburn.

The City to Sea Rail Trail proposal started as an idea for a small track Bainesse schoolchildren could use, says Eddie Millard.

Millard is chairman of the Bainesse and Districts Community Development Trust, which is pushing for councils to consider the venture. The track has been on Millard’s wish list for several years and its plans have since been extended to connect three areas in wider Manawatu.

The 30-kilometre rail trail would follow the old railway between Longburn and Himatangi.

The route was previously used to transport passengers and freight between Palmerston North and the port at Foxton, before the train ceased operating in 1959.

Although the tracks have been lifted, the metal base remains.

The track would follow the old rail line through Karere, Tiakitahuna, past the historic Te Rangimarie Marae and on to the township of Rangiotu.

The trust put the plan to the Manawatu District Council for consideration in its Annual Plan, and it has also been sent to the Palmerston North City Council. A feasibility report estimated at $12,000 was also being conducted.

The report would look into and break down the costs of the proposal, Millard said.

In the past three months, the trust has held three public open days for people to learn about the proposal and ask questions.

Millard said everyone who attended supported the idea, including people from horseriding, cycling and walking groups.

Support is also evident on social media, with more than 2000 people liking the trust’s Facebook page.

The final rail trail public open day is on Saturday, June 10, at Longburn’s Community Centre.