Editorial: Much to like about pedal path

Prime Minister John Key rides part of the Green corridor after announcing more funding. Photo / Ben Fraser

At first glance, yesterday's announcement of a new Rotorua cycleway seems like a no-brainer - great news.

The $5.5million Rotorua Cy-Way, with more than 23km of shared paths around the city, is expected to be mostly completed by 2018 thanks to a $1.5million boost from the Government's Urban Cycleways Fund.

Rotorua's council will contribute $1.93million to the project, as we report today.

The path will take in Rotorua's suburbs and it's hoped it will encourage people to cycle or walk to school, work or the shops. Education programmes will be rolled out in schools and workplaces to promote its benefits.

If that gets adults and children out exercising, that's fantastic - poor health and obesity are very real issues in this community. Although whether a dedicated path - as opposed to a road or footpath - is enough to tempt people off the couch is up for debate.

It was stressed yesterday how critical cycling is to our region's economy, with the 200,000 people who visit Whakarewarewa mountain bike park each year, Crankworx and the National Cycle Trail all cited as reasons we're becoming the "cycling capital" of New Zealand.

Most would agree we should be building on initiatives that bring tourism and money into our district. But whether a path through Western Heights, Koutu and Pukehangi will do that also remains to be seen.

The Cy-Way is more about the residents of Rotorua, so it will be interesting to see how those residents react.

One suspects there will be lovers and haters.

It's a lot of money, from both central and local government. Inevitably, some will say that money would be better spent elsewhere.

Cyclists and parents of cyclists will love it - no more close shaves with cars.

Most will be ambivalent. Although when they hear about plans to introduce slower driving speeds along the route, they might take a bit more notice. Like any plan, it has pros and cons. But it's hard to argue with the goal of making Rotorua safer and more accessible, and its residents healthier.

Time will tell.