Editorial: Pedal power spinning our economy

The Big Easy cycling event in Hawke's Bay.

Cycling spins my wheels and it could soon be turning the wheels of our local economy faster.

Local and government investment into the Hawke's Bay Cycle trails appears to have paid off.

Each weekend I see young and old pedalling along the limestone paths, often stopping off for an ice cream or coffee along the way.

Events such as The Big Easy attract bumper crowds on to the paths. The 45km ride drew out about 1500 people this year, who enjoyed a few hospitality stops along the way.

The well-established network of cycle trails also helped us stand out as the best region in which to establish a new world-class marathon. The inaugural Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon will be run on May 14 next year and is expected to attract more than 2000 competitors, most from outside the region.

In January, the national road cycling championships are coming to Napier - a sporting coup for the region.

It will attract elite riders here from around the country - again good news for hospitality and accommodation providers.

The region could have another string to add to its cycling bow if the Napier City Council's multi-use velodrome gets off the ground. Courts within the track could accommodate other sports such as basketball or futsall. The council's contribution to the velodrome would be $5.1 million, while a further $5 million would be targeted for fundraising, with $5 million coming from grants.

While it would again bring in elite athletes, it could also be used by recreational riders and children learning to ride.

It could cement Hawke's Bay's place as a hub for cycling in the country. It's good to see pedal power helping our economy and our waistlines - if we don't stop off for too many ice creams.