When it reaches 200 signatures, it will be sent to the council. Ms Wills said the petition was designed with respect for the council and all members of the community as a way to acknowledge the support for shared, mixed-use public spaces where cyclists, walkers, runners, people pushing prams and those in wheelchairs and anyone else can all interact together with care and consideration.
Council transportation manager Martin Parkes said the "no cycle" signs were put in soon after the boardwalk was first built in 2013.
"The Pilot Bay boardwalk is on road reserve. In legal terms that makes it a footpath. It would need to be three metres wide to be a shared pathway. To allow for cyclists, council would have to extend the width of the boardwalk or change the road reserve status. Neither is a simple option."
Mr Parkes said the boardwalk along Marine Pde was not on road reserve so it fell under different rules.
"We have improved traffic safety along The Mall in the last couple of years. The 30km speed limit is working well and feedback from cyclists has been very positive."
Cyclist Judith Meijer from Papamoa was in full support of opening up the boardwalk to cyclists. She was riding her bike on the pathway yesterday with a friend, and said she was not aware cyclists were not allowed on the boardwalk.
"I think it's a great thing to be able to bike along here. Just make sure you are courteous of people walking and make sure you keep out of their way.
"It's all part of the Mount attitude - share, be courteous and enjoy the scenery on a beautiful day."
Pedestrians spoken to said they would not mind sharing the path with cyclists.