Te Atawhai Riwika, 7, rides through the masses on her tinsel decorated bike. Photo/Tania Whyte
Te Atawhai Riwika, 7, rides through the masses on her tinsel decorated bike. Photo/Tania Whyte
Bikes decorated with tinsel and trees and ridden by those of all ages marked the official opening of part of the Kamo Shared Path.
The first two stages of the path - from Rust Ave up to Kamo Rd - were opened with a celebration on Saturday.
After speeches andthe ribbon cutting outside the Whangārei Library, people on various types of wheels - bikes, scooters, roller blades and wheelchairs, as well as those on foot - went for a spin along the new path.
KiwiRail has welcomed the shared path for providing a safe, legal route for cyclists and pedestrians alongside the rail track.
Chief operating officer Henare Clarke said that was particularly important for the children and their caregivers of the 10 schools within 500 metres of the line.
"We expect the new pathway will address longstanding safety issues we face with children and others regularly walking along the track," Clarke said.
He acknowledged the safety-first approach the Whangārei District Council has taken with the development of the path.
Jampa, 6, and Jack, 4, Sullivan wait for the shared path to be opened. Photo/Tania Whyte
"Nine pedestrian level crossing have been upgraded, including four sets of automatic safety gates, and new technology that will keep our road arm barrier arms down after a train has passed to give footpath users time to get across the road at Manse St and Kensington Avenue."
