Hastings iWay cycling projects make finals of CANS awards

Three Hastings District Council iWay walking and cycling projects have made the list of finalists in the Cycle Advocates Network, 2012 Cycle Friendly awards.

The iWay project began in 2010 when the Council beat off 22 challengers to win $4.1m from the Governments Model Communities project to promote walking and cycling initiatives around Hastings.

The three projects which are among the award finalists include:

1) iWay Cycle Lanes: Category-The Best Cycle Facility project
2) iWay Share the Road Campaign: Category-The Best Cycle Promotion project
3) iWay Prison Bike Recycling Scheme: Category-The Cycle Friendly Commitment by a Public organisation

The iWay project as a whole has also been nominated for the new combined Walking and Cycling project award.

Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers says “The iWay project has brought major benefits to the Hastings community. We are seeing more people getting back on their bikes and enjoying the great outdoors in an easy safe and fun way.”

“The nominations are a great reward for the dedicated team at council who have taken the iWay concept and turned it into something that is truly special for Hastings. From the new cycle lanes to the Share the Road campaign and the bike recycling scheme, there has been much to be proud of from the iWay project.”

Cynthia Bowers says “We are well on the way to achieving the major goal of the iWay project which was to make Hastings the walking and cycling capital of New Zealand. Momentum has steadily grown throughout the last 12 months and will be maintained, as we continue our efforts to make Hastings a national leader in walking and cycling.”

The awards will be presented on February 23rd during the 2 Walk and Cycle National Active Transport Conference which will be held at the Hawke’s Bay Opera House.