Bay's cycleways to extend by 50km

The Government has announced more funding for cycleway extensions across the Bay. Photo / File

Extensions to the iWay network in Napier and Hastings will be accelerated with funding from the Urban Cycleways Programme to the tune of $8.9 million.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges announced yesterday more than 50km will be added to the existing 200 kilometres of cycleways across Hawke's Bay.

"These projects are among 41 nationwide, which will make cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice," Mr Bridges said.

The iWay Napier extensions will receive $1.72 million from the Urban Cycleways Fund, along with $1.75 million from the National Land Transport Fund and $1.69 million from local government.

Hastings will receive $1.15 million from the Urban Cycleways Fund, $1.4 million from the National Land Transport Fund and $1.2 million from local government.

"The Urban Cycleways Programme demonstrates how central and local government can work together, delivering high-quality infrastructure which will encourage more people to ride to work, school, and everywhere in between," Mr Bridges says.

"This is the single biggest investment in cycling in New Zealand's history."

Tukituki MP Craig Foss is delighted Hawke's Bay residents will enjoy the extended iWay sooner than planned.

"The iWay Cycleway is an important initiative and will improve the health of our community," Mr Foss said.

The iWay Napier extension includes 36.5km of on-road cycle lanes and wide, off-road pathways to complete the local network throughout Napier.

"Together, these routes are expected to attract more than 1000 new riders each day and make it much safer for anyone cycling to school or work," Mr Foss said.

The initiative illustrates National's commitment to providing safe and accessible urban cycleways is changing the face of cycling in New Zealand.

Napier Mayor Bill Dalton said without Central Government and community funding the three-year project would likely take closer to 18 years.

"We have the support of our residents and Hawke's Bay is recognised as one of the best places to cycle, now we can get on with our programme."

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said news of the Government's further investment in new cycleways was "very welcome"and would significantly enhance what was already a wonderful asset. "Adding more than 50 kilometres in the urban areas will link more of our suburbs and connect those to the rest of the cycling routes. It will cement our reputation as the cycling capital of New Zealand."

Transport Agency Central Regional director Raewyn Bleakley said Hawke's Bay has an extensive and superbly managed network of cycleways, and through the extension of the successful iWay programme, the region will go from strength to strength as one of the best places in New Zealand to hop on a bike.

Construction on the first routes is expected to start later this year and continue until 2018.

Public consultation on the proposed routes will occur before they are confirmed.

The proposed routes include:

&bullNapier: The Kennedy Road arterial route, the Westminster Ave connector, which will be a continuation of an existing off-road route running south from Prebensen Drive, and the old Tutaekuri River route, which will run north-south, parallel to the Georges Drain route and along another wide reserve area, connecting with Ford Road, allowing good connections via a short length of on-road cycle lanes to the off-road pathways on Prebensen Drive.

•Hastings: This project will provide 18km of on and off-road cycling routes, providing a connection between Napier and Hastings and links between north-eastern Hastings with the industrial area of Whakatu. The project will also connect Havelock North to State Highway 2 heading north, and south to Te Mata Park.