Expressway shared pathway extension logical - PM

PEDAL POWER: Otaki MP Nathan Guy, left, and Prime Minister Bill English enjoy a bike ride on the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway shared pathway at Waikanae.

Extending the Kapiti Expressway shared pathway north to Otaki seemed logical, Prime Minister Bill English said.

The newly finished 18km Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway has a 16km shared pathway next to it for cyclists, walkers and horse riders, which has been getting a lot of praise from the community.

But the Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway, which is being designed now, doesn't have a shared pathway factored in, though there had been some suggestion a cycleway would be created on the section of State Highway 1 when it gets turned into a local road.

"It would seem logical to extend the fantastic facility they've got here," said Mr English after going for a bike ride on the Mackays to Peka Peka Expressway shared pathway at Waikanae with Otaki MP Nathan Guy today.

"My understanding is that it is under discussion with the Transport Agency and certainly the local MP here Nathan Guy who has been advocating strongly with me and with them that the pathway is extended on the next stretch of motorway."

The issue was raised again at a luncheon at Southwards Car Museum when Otaki ward councillor James Cootes urged both politicians to support extending the shared pathway which he said was "the right thing to do".

Mr English said having just ridden on the shared pathway it was "pretty hard to imagine that you wouldn't extend it".

"It looks pretty logical so I will be keen to help get an answer.

"The other thing is just the magic of cycleways around New Zealand."

Otaki MP Nathan Guy said he was a "huge supporter" of a shared pathway to go with the Peka Peka to Otaki Expressway.

"I have been in this week lobbying the Transport Minister and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

"And I've had a good discussion with the Prime Minister and he said it makes sense.

"So we will do all we can to put pressure on the agency to deliver a shared pathway right up through to Otaki."