Walking/Cycling Efforts Net Six Award Nominations

Efforts to increase the amount of walking and cycling in the community have led to New Plymouth District being a finalist in four national awards with six nominations.

New Plymouth District Council has had two projects nominated for the Cycle Advocacy Network (CAN) Cycle-Friendly Awards, with the bike fix-ups and GLOW Light Your Bike Night events both up for the Best Cycling Promotion Project.

In the Living Streets Aotearoa (LSA) Golden Foot Awards 2012, the Let’s Go Walking Welbourn School is shortlisted for the Best New Zealand Walking Project, and the Coastal Walkway extension from Te Rewa Rewa Bridge to Bell Block is nominated for the Best New Zealand Practice Walking Facility.

In addition, the Joint Walking and Cycling Award (delivered by both CAN and LSA) has the Coastal Walkway extension and the Let’s Go – Walk Ride Bus campaign as finalists.

Let’s Go Project Manager Carl Whittleston says the nominations reflect the eagerness of the community to embrace active transport as much as they do the Council’s efforts with Let’s Go.

“People want the chance to be more active in their transport, which we’ve seen in the large numbers who take part in events such as the bike fix-ups or who use our pathways,” he says.

“It’s fantastic to see the community’s efforts in developing active transport are being recognised by two different national groups who are focused on walking and cycling initiatives.”

Mayor Harry Duynhoven says the promotions and projects in the community have resulted in more people walking, running and cycling. “It’s great to see more people taking these opportunities rather than simply driving to work, which helps keep them active and healthy and also saves money.”

Mr Whittleston says with drier weather forecast for Taranaki this week, there has never been a better time to get out and give it a go on our walkways, cycle paths and busses.

The winners of the awards will be announced on 23 February.