Western Rail Trail getting people on their bikes

Western Rail Trail getting people on their bikes Hamilton's Western Rail Trail has won its first award this years Bikes to the Future awards in Christchurch. Photo / Supplied

Hamilton's Western Rail Trail has secured an award at this year's Bike to the Future Awards in Christchurch on October 19.

The trail, which is 2.7km long, won the Big Bike Bling award acknowledging transport infrastructure projects that have a significant impact on encouraging people to cycle.

The judges were impressed by the impact that the rail trail has had on encouraging more people to cycle since its opening in April 2017.

The shared pathway is funded by Hamilton City Council and the NZ Transport Agency. It travels along the rail corridor from Kahikatea Drive, around the west of Lake Rotoroa to Norris Ward Park and into the central city.

The trail is part of the Access Hamilton strategy which is a long term vision for a fully-connected biking network that is safe and attractive for Hamiltonians.

Growth and infrastructure committee chairman councillor Dave Macpherson said the plan will be a safe connections for all city transport modes.

It aims to deliver safe and effective connections for all the city's transport modes.

"The new trail has become part of Hamilton's key infrastructure and will in time connect with a fully integrated network for people to get around the city.

"It's an element of a bigger picture for Hamilton's future," Mr Macpherson said.

City transport manager Jason Harrison said the rail trail has quickly become a quintessential part of Hamilton's 150km of biking network.

"We have automated counters which have been installed along the path, and these have counted 38,412 journeys in three months since the trail opened, averaging 422 per day.

"The trail links the southwestern suburbs with the central city which makes it a fantastic asset, not just for commuters and visitors, but also for the more than 1600 students within 500 metres of the route," Mr Harrison said.

"It features a rail history theme and interpretive signage exploring Frankton's heritage, landscaping, lighting along the trail and drinking fountains, rubbish bins, bike fix-it stations, seating and tables."

The Bike to the Future Awards, delivered by the NZ Transport Agency and Cycling Action Network (CAN) recognise and celebrate the people, projects and workplaces that have put innovation and energy into making cycling a safer, more accessible mode of transport.