Walking and Cycling Summit sets the pace

Creating the right environment to encourage more people to jump on their bikes and walk is a focus of the Hawke’s Bay Walking and Cycling Summit, held on Friday 13 March.

Hastings District Councillor Henare O’Keefe opened the summit at the Napier Conference Centre, attended by 100 people, including local transport consultants, District Health Board representaives, local iwi, councillors and seconday school students.

Keynote speaker Minister for Transport and Health Julie Ann Genter says the Government has a range of plans to improve the situation for people who want to cycle.

“There has been a significant reduction in the number of kids who walk and cycle to school, largely due to traffic concerns, and we are addressing this in our Road to Zero strategy – a new road safety strategy for New Zealand.”

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council cycle network coordinator Vicki Butterworth says the summit is a great opportunity for a wider discussion about how to make more progress with cycling and walking initiatives in Hawke’s Bay.

“Our Hawke’s Bay trails are an incredible asset for the region, a huge tourist attraction and enjoyed by locals. We are looking at extensions to the trails, and how to encourage more people to use them,” says Vicki.

Speakers at the summit include Louise Cameron who runs the Walking School Bus programme in Auckland, Craig Wilson, from Ngā Haeranga The New Zealand Cycle Trail and the Ministry of Heath’s Doctor Hariette Carr, speaking about how active transport is good for the health of the nation.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council is a sponsor of the summit.

Find out more about the Hawke's Bay Trails  and Hawke's Bay's commuter network for cyclists and walkers, iWay.

16 March 2020

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