On your bikes, hill dwellers

You can cycle safely, scenically and stress-free up St John's Hill now the new and at times controversial cycleway is open and ready for use.
Transit New Zealand regional manager Errol Christiansen, Wanganui bicycle users' group spokesman John Milnes and Mayoress Leonie Brookhammer, along with son Noah Lust, took the opportunity to ride the new pathway on Friday.
All were impressed by safety aspects the cycleway brings, along with the natural beauty of the environment that you travel through.
The project was originally due to be completed by the end of August, but went over time after consistently bad winter weather caused slippages on an area of bank adjacent to the path.
These slips have caused the project to run a couple of months over time and also $140,000 over budget, costing $400,000 when originally budgeted for $260,000.
Mr Christiansen confirmed the project had been completely funded by Transit New Zealand, with the money coming for the state highway account.
There was only so much that could have been done to predict the safety of the bank.
"We did Geotech investigations and only found a very narrow seam of free-running material," Mr Christiansen said. "The bank has been reassessed for stability to ensure treatment has adequate safety features."
The bank, along with surrounding bare patches, have just had a second spraying of Hydraseed, which is a combination of papier-mache and grass seed that sticks to these areas to create a binding grass cover.
"It's not to say we shouldn't expect a further fretting of the surface as vegetation takes hold," Mr Christiansen said. Further analysis and consultation is currently under way to decide on the best vegetation options for the bank and also the roadside effected by the works.
"Council and Transit are currently working with landscape specialists to ensure the planting programme is appropriate for the immediate environment, "Mr Christiansen said. "It has to look good and be easy to care for."
One thing that motorists and other detractors may not realise is how attractive the cycleway looks as you head up the hill into the trees.
"I could have never anticipated that it could be so pleasing on the eye," Mr Christiansen said.
"It's hard to appreciate the beauty until you come around the corner, when walking or biking, and you see the meandering path ahead."
As well as being visual pleasing the safety elements the cycleway brings are it's biggest benefit to the Wanganui public.
"We are very pleased to be able to work with council in completing this very important link in the cycle route, where previously there were very obviously potentially dangerous absences of any cycling or walking facility," Mr Christiansen said.
Mr Milnes said he was pleased with the development which gives better access and improved safety.
"You either had to cross the road and cycle up the footpath, which is illegal, or stay on the road with big trucks roaring past you."
Mrs Brookhammer said she was initially concerned with problems with the bank but now that it is finished she hopes Wanganui residents will take every opportunity to use it.
"It would be good to see more cycle access around Wanganui, especially around schools," she said.
"It would be nice for children to be able to start cycling to school.
"To do that safely we need cycleways like this one."
PICTURED: The scenic cycleway provides a safe and pleasant environment for cyclists and walkers alike wanting to get up or down St John's Hill. From left Wanganui bicycle users' group spokesman John Milnes, Mayoress Leonie Brookhammer, eight-year-old Noah Lust and Transit New Zealand regional manager Errol Christiansen.