Celebrating and supporting cycling

THE wheels are turning more swiftly for cyclists.

Cycling is booming as a recreational activity.

Hopefully, bikes also become more of a commuting mode of choice.

The pleasure and challenge of the pastime are evident in the headlines this week as the Dunstan Cycle and Walking Trail celebrated its first anniversary.

This ‘‘Great Ride’’ twists, climbs, falls and runs from Pisa Moorings and alongside the gorge to Clyde.

It was always going to be spectacular with its overthewater clipons, its swing bridges and its rocky bluffs.

What has been likewise remarkable has been its popularity — about 80,000 users in the first year, far more than predictions.

It is such that some visitors from around New Zealand have made it the reason for a trip south.

The rest of their holiday follows. The trail did not just happen. It took vision and determination and dedicated volunteers behind the scenes as well as hefty funding.

In 2016, $13.5 million from central government, $11.5 million from the Central Lakes Trust and $2 million from the Otago Community Trust were announced to fund 170km of trails joining the ‘‘Great Rides’’ of the region under the auspices of the Central Otago Queenstown Trail Network Trust.

What an outstanding way to start by completing the Lake Dunstan Trail.

All up the region will have a total of 536km of connected trails.

Meanwhile, the notsofaraway Alps 2 Ocean and Clutha Gold rides have seen substantial increases in numbers, while the trailblazing Otago Central Rail Trail keeps on keeping on.

Its continued popularity is in part founded on the ease of its gradients and turns.

Many tourist and recreational paths should be designed for the full range of riding abilities.

Border closures have helped boost New Zealanders’ interest in cycle tourism.

And the benefits spread across communities and districts beyond the traditional hot spots.

The advent of Australian visitors will give the trails another big boost next summer.

Meanwhile, the network spreads towards Dunedin with the planned Clutha Gold extension from Lawrence to Waihola and excitement building for the Tunnels Trail from Mosgiel to Dunedin.

Many of the more than 300 submissions to the Dunedin City Council’s draft annual plan — with hearings having started this week — are backing the project.

This is little wonder given the cycleway and walkway could open up transport and recreational opportunities for schoolchildren, commuters and tourists while providing flat access into Dunedin from the South.

The council has proposed accelerating the trail development and making it a priority, putting on hold other planned work.

This approach should be endorsed.

Dunedin’s urban commuter cycleways have received mixed receptions following the expense and minimal use of South Dunedin paths.

The harbourside tracks have been hits, however, with bikers and walkers.

They have widespread support. The planned track from Mosgiel, using two longdisused tunnels built in the 1870s, will no doubt be popular at weekends.

Despite the revolutionary change brought on the ebikes — it has made cycling accessible to so many more people and successfully tackles the impediment of Dunedin’s hills — cycle commuting remains sluggish.

Weather and safety remain worries. While winter frosts are rarer these years and while wet days are relatively infrequent, it takes some determination to make cycling to work or school more than just a fairweather activity.

Cycling is especially prevalent among the professional and educated classes, often those with influence and sometimes disposable income.

It is in vogue with families. Dunedin has made a play of its need to be attractive to technology workers and creative industry.

The presence of a variety of cycle trails and cycling opportunities is part of that drawcard.

Cycling, as well as its physical and potential environmental benefits, is a wonderful way to enjoy the attractiveness of nature and the outdoors.

When the backdrop is as beautiful as around Dunedin, Central Otago and so many areas in the South, it is little wonder its popularity is climbing.