5th Dec 2014
Government funding for Motu Trails ride in Opotiki
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has granted $15,000 funding towards the enhancement of a section of flat riding and walking trail in Opotiki.
The 4km of existing trail along the Otara River stopbank between Te Rere Pa road and Memorial Park will be upgraded, with cycle-friendly squeeze gates, sections of improved surfacing, and much more visible signage.
“We’re aiming to get more cyclists using the trail instead of the road, whether they’re coming back from riding the Pakihi Track or riding locally,” said Motu Trails executive officer Jim Robinson. “As well as being safer, it’s a lovely ride. By addressing a few key issues, we’ll be offering a neat new trail option. At the moment, not a lot of people are using it.”
The funding has been made under the Ministry’s new “Maintaining the Quality of Great Rides Fund”. This is designed to support the managers of the 23 New Zealand Cycle Trail (NZCT) Great Rides to address safety and maintenance issues.
“One of the best things in this case is that the Otara River section of trail is really family-friendly. It will be a great way to extend a ride on the Dunes Trail, without adding any hills,” said Mr Robinson.
Under the new funding, Great Ride trail managers will be able to apply twice a year for support. A range of criteria needs to be met and money must be matched dollar-for-dollar. The government funding will be supplemented through the Opotiki District Council annual maintenance budget that was set up upon completion of the Motu Trails.
As well as the main entrance points at each end, the trail has a number of existing access points into Opotiki.