New cycle path for Wellington residents

It's hoped the new pathway will make urban cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice.

It's hoped a new seaside pathway between Hutt Valley and Wellington will make urban cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice.

The new cycle and pedestrian path between Petone and Ngauranga would form a key section of the Wellington to Hutt Valley Walking Cycling and Resilience Project, New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) media manager Anthony Frith said.

The agency today announced details of the pathway. The next steps for the project would be to prepare the necessary consents applications and seek approval to construct the path.

The path would provide a safer, easier link for cyclists and pedestrians between Wellington and Hutt Valley and also help to protect the road and rail network by acting as a 'buffer' in natural events such as storms, Mr Frith said.

Transport Agency regional director central Raewyn Bleakley said the long-awaited pathway would help to encourage cycling.

"The Transport Agency is working hard to make urban cycling a safer and more attractive transport choice all across the country," she said.

"Our region is experiencing a real upsurge in cycling, and this project will help to unite Wellington with the Hutt Valley, making it easier for people to travel from one to the other in a healthy, enjoyable and safe way."

The pathway would help protect some of the region's vital infrastructure, with rising sea levels and more severe storm events expected in the future, Ms Bleakley said.

Wellington mayor Celia Wade-Brown said the route would provide a 20-minute commute for cyclists on a flat route between the two cities.

"The path will attract local and national recreational walkers, runners, fishers, and people on bikes."

Hutt City mayor Ray Wallace said he was glad to see NZTA was considering safety as well as creating an appealing pathway.

"Resilient transport networks are very important for this region."

Construction on the Petone to Ngauranga section of the project is due to begin in 2019.