Government to pour millions into Waipa walking and cycling trails | Daily News Byte

Safe walking and cycling in Waipa has received a huge boost with confirmation that the government will invest millions of dollars in new money into footpaths and cycleways in the district.

Waipa District Council will receive a share of emergency climate funding — up to $10.4 million — as part of the Government’s Transport Choices program which aims to open up streets and help people safely give up their cars. The money cannot be used for road projects.

The exact funding amount will be confirmed following further consultation with Waka Kotahi NZ transport agency. But deputy mayor and chair of the urban mobility group Liz Stolvik said all signs pointed to Waipa getting “a big slice of the funding pie”.

“This is outstanding news for the county — absolutely fantastic. This is government money, not taxpayer money, to invest in the safe and connected infrastructure for walking, scootering and cycling that we know is a priority for our community,” she said.

It will speed up programs on both sides of the county, offering safe ways to get to school, the city, parks and home again without having to rely on a car.

“We accept that not everyone wants to be on a bike, but a lot of people in Waipa do and that number is growing,” Liz said.

“We also know that most people want fewer cars on our roads and safe paths for mobility scooters, e-scooters and walkers. It’s a win for everyone and I’m absolutely thrilled.”

State money will be invested in two projects that are already prioritized by the city mobility plan and approved by the Council this year.

“That plan was developed together with community representatives,” Liz said.

In Kihikihi, the funding will accelerate the construction of a protected, connected pedestrian and cycle path connecting the town centre, Kihikihi Elementary School and the Kihikihi Domain. Eventually, protected pathways will connect to Te Awamutu Intermediate and College.

In Cambridge, the money will enable protected footpaths to be built to fill missing links in the west of Cambridge, connecting to the city centre, Cambridge primary and secondary schools and the new housing developments being developed across Te Awa village. It will also connect to the Te Awa Cycle Path, which offers a safe cycle route to St Peter’s School. On Duke St, it is considered that a wooden boardwalk would provide enough space for a two-way cycleway while maintaining two-way traffic.

Some money will also be set aside for local cycling training and education.

The council will begin working on the details of both routes early next year, with construction starting in mid-2023. Until then, Stolvik said the community should “enjoy the victory.”

“By mid-2024, our county will have significantly more and significantly safer infrastructure for walking and cycling than it does now, and we should celebrate and be proud of that.” “This money is hard-earned through the enormous efforts of the staff and I thank them,” she said.

“In the meantime, the work to reduce our reliance on cars, reduce emissions and provide greater transport choice in Waipa — including an improved bus service across the district — will not stop.” There is still work to do, but wow, this is a great way to end the year,” said Liz.