Wheels in motion for trails

Katikati Trails Development Group spokesperson Ian Stevens (left) with keen cyclist Adair Menhinick and Katch Katikati's Jacqui Knight are making progress on Katikati's cycle/walkways

Planning is under way on the development of cycle/walkways in and around Katikati.

The Katikati Trails Development Group formed early last year as a sub-committee from Katch Katikati.

The group's first stage is to develop trails from the township of Katikati around the harbour margin as much as possible to form a loop track around the Beach Road peninsula.

The next stage would be an extension of the Haiku Pathway out to Hunter Reserve which would provide a riverside walk or ride out to the Katikati Heritage Museum.

Finally on its wish list are routes from Katikati to go via Waihi Beach and join the popular Hauraki Rail Trail and in the long term, a route heading south to Tauranga.

This project is longer term but is the ultimate goal of the group.

The group signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Western Bay of Plenty District Council late last year ensuring a collaborative approach from both the council and community on the works to be completed.

The group is working with the council on a 12-month programme mainly looking at improvements on existing designated walkways.

Group spokesperson Ian Stevens says, "Work on stage one of the Katikati trails is under way and they expect to have a launch ride within the next six months.

"These sorts of projects are unfortunately long term with consultation, planning, design, consents and funding applications all required before the relatively easy bit of building things.

"The group is looking to take small steps initially but hopefully over time the steps will get bigger and progress will be faster.

"The benefits to Katikati will be very significant and the trails will open up some exceptionally beautiful scenery."

The group will look to hold meetings to engage community support and discuss any concerns and is also working with the Bay of Plenty Community Trails Trust, a group being set up in Tauranga looking to build trails connecting communities in the Western of Bay of Plenty region.

Anyone interested in getting involved with the local group in any way (keen user, skills that could be useful, ideas on routes) please contact Jacqui Knight at Katch Katikati on 549 5250 or info@katchkatikati.org.nz.