More cyclists, but more abuse on Tasman trail
While more cyclists are using Tasman’s Great Taste Trail than ever, there’s also been a surge in vandalism and poor behaviour.
Nelson Tasman Cycle Trails Trust administrator Elizabeth Bean said the number of cyclists using the trail over the two-week Christmas period was 20% higher than the same time last season, amounting to an extra 1000 cyclists.
The 8647 figure was recorded at Whakatu Drive, the trail’s busiest spot, Bean said.
The highest daily number was recorded there on December 30, with 883 cyclists passing the cycle counter, one of eight devices stationed around the trail.
However, there had also been a rise in vandalism, graffiti and vehicles accessing areas they shouldn’t, which put cyclists at risk, she said.
In one incident, a cyclist spotted a group of quad bikes riding over the C.B. Kidson Bridge.
The bridge spanning the Waimea River is solely for pedestrian and cycle use.
However, when the cyclist confronted the quad bike riders and snapped their photo, they replied along the lines of “we will punch your lights out,” giving the finger as they passed, Bean said.
In November, Tasman District Council highlighted quad bikes and vehicles damaging the trail, and accessing off-limit areas.
This included someone using an angle grinder to cut through a gate and access Spooner’s Tunnel.
In December, Stuff reported “heartbreaking” vandalism of 19 trees a man had planted to create an edible walkway along a stretch of the Great Taste Trail.
The damage had not stopped, with more reports of damaged signs and graffiti, Bean said.
As well as being costly – the signs cost around $1000 to replace, and new cameras at Spooner’s Tunnel cost about $500 each month – the time and effort by volunteers to fix the damage was also significant.
The trust had contacted the council and the police in an effort to find the culprits. Bean asked any trail users who spotted vandalism or anti-social behaviour to do the same.