New bylaw to protect safety of cycle trail users
The Far North District Council are asking for submissions on what activities should be allowed on the Twin Coast Cycle Trail, Pou Herenga Tai.
A draft bylaw currently out for consultation proposes to prohibit people from using motor vehicles, riding horses, walking dogs (all on the trail), using it at night, cycling on the trail in low light conditions without safety lights, camping or littering/ dumping rubbish on the track.
Regulatory and Environment Committee Chairperson Ann Court says there is a need to put formal controls in place to regulate the use of the trail before it’s completion this summer.
‘‘The proposed bylaw is designed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of cyclists and walkers. We also depend on the cooperation of adjacent landowners and have a duty to them to ensure that trail users aren’t a nuisance to them.’’
The council will also ask people to follow a cycle trail code.
People have until August 1 to make submissions and a public hearing will be held on August 15.
Council will deliberate on submissions in September and adopt the bylaw on October 1.