Cycle strategy nears go-ahead
It’s expected Southland District Council will jump on board with Gore District Council and Invercargill City Council within months in signing up to the regional cycling strategy.
Yesterday, the Southland District Council voted against adopting the 2016-2026 strategy.
The strategy aims to improve cycling safety and participation, in an effort to improve health and quality of life for locals and visitors, while making use of Southland’s topography.
Twenty nine per cent of Southland’s population are cyclists, 5 per cent more than the national average.
Yesterday, the strategy was presented to SDC for adoption, but it was declined because of minor issues.
Chief executive officer Steve Ruru said the strategy was turned down because of issues when it was first created not fitting with current workings, as well as councillors looking at technological developments.
‘‘Councillors were also keen to see more recognition given to e-bikes, and the surge in popularity they have seen.’’
Ruru said issues like these could appear when strategies appeared for consideration two years after a draft strategy was created.
He said one of the issues was unique to SDC.
Ruru expects the strategy to be in front of the council again within months, and for the SDC to join with Gore and Invercargill in signing on to the 2016-2026 strategy.