Editorial: Tweak needed to ensure safety

The Loop Walkway where it runs along the eastern side of the Hatea River.

Our roads are governed by rules that we have to adhere to.

They exist to keep us safe, alive even.

Perhaps it is time we drafted up some walkway rules.

I cycled the Hatea Loop walkway on Sunday. And after I finished it, I wondered if it is too narrow.

I was on a bike, and had to constantly veer off the path. Three people walking together are enough to block a cyclist's path. I found that I would zoom along and approach people from behind, and have to veer off.

It was annoying, but you can't blame the walkers meandering along in the winter's sun - that's what the path is there for.

The other hazards are children on scooters or bikes, and dogs on leashes.

I felt safer around the dogs, all of them were on a leash.

Kids aren't - and aren't too fussed about the "keep left" rule. They randomly zig zag about and again, who can blame them, they are having a blast.

Mostly, it is easy enough to leave the path, but there are some areas where the grass is boggy and dangerous if you hit it at 15km/h-20km/h on a bike.

Breakaway children are the most dangerous. Having escaped mum or dad, they're off. Middle-aged men on mountain bikes aren't the only risk to breakaway kids - there's a river nearby that could also pose a few challenges.

We have a wonderful loop, and the people using it do so for many reasons.

But it seems we don't quite all fit.

It would be good to see some courtesy "road rules", and even better to see a bike track alongside the existing path.

These paths are opening up new lifestyle and recreational options for Northlanders, and we may have to tweak a few things along the way.

Because in creating new ways to enjoy ourselves, we don't want anyone to get hurt.

That potential always exists - throw in kids, dogs and MAM-TBs (middle-aged men on mountain bikes) and the risk greatly increases.