Mangawhai cyclists take action

A group of Mangawhai cyclists hopes that a new website will give its activities a push and further highlight the need for improved, safer facilities for the region’s bike riders.

Cyclist Clinton Stanshall has developed the Kaipara Riders website to keep members informed. He says the group, which grew out of interest sparked by the Mayor’s cycle ride earlier this year, welcomes cyclists of all ages and abilities to join the Sunday rides, which start at the Hub at 9am.

Bridgette Sampson, of Sport Northland, recently coordinated a meeting of members who discussed the need for a cycleway linking Mangawhai Village to the Heads and better provision for cyclists in the Kaipara District Plan. Morag van der Veer, project coordinator for Roadsafe Northland, advised on how to campaign for better facilities for cyclists and pedestrians.

One member, Warren Stott, of Riverside Holiday Camp, has negotiated access to the northern block of Mangawhai Forest for the 25 families who own the campsite, and says that it is now possible to mountain bike from the camp to Pakiri, through the forest and along the beach.

Alan Preston, who runs the urban bicycles website, wants the Kaipara District Council to better provide for cyclists in order to meet its requirements under the government’s Sustainable Transport Strategy.

“Our Council’s policy on cycleways is virtually non-existent,” he says. “It’s ridiculous that cyclists should have to share the roads with cars.”

Info: www.krgroup.webs.com or phone Warren Stott on 021 952884.

Members of Kaipara Riders, Mangawhai. Back, from left: Morag van der Veer, Bridgette Sampson, Clinton Stanshall, Alison Baird and Mike Hardiman. Front: Alan Preston, Warren Stott and Renee Wairau.