Te Awa cycleway section gets green light
Cyclists and walkers will have a safer way to travel between Hamilton and Cambridge, with funding for Te Awa River Ride announced on Saturday.
The announcement by Associate Minister of Transport Julie Anne Genter was part of a $220 million cycleway package included in Central Government’s $3 billion ‘shovel-ready’ infrastructure projects.
Waipā District Council’s service delivery group manager, Dawn Inglis, said the funding allocation highlighted the importance of the asset to the wider Waikato region.
“We’re so pleased to have the funding for this fantastic community asset. Connecting Hamilton to Cambridge brings so many social, recreational and economic opportunities as Te Awa River Ride will be accessible all the way from Ngaruawahia.”
“Expressions of interest to build the Hamilton to Cambridge cycleway section are now open and will close by the end of August.”
The Hamilton to Cambridge section of the Te Awa River Ride is a 20km shared path, separated from traffic, that connects Hamilton, Tamahere Village, St Peters school, Avantidrome, and Cambridge with a safe, separated cycleway.
When complete, the Hamilton to Cambridge section will complete the full Te Awa River Ride – a 70km path that follows the Waikato River from Ngaruawahia to Horahora.
Genter said the Te Awa River Ride was the latest part of a wider cycling and walking network in the Waikato with many benefits.
“During lockdown we saw many more families and kids out on their bikes, which shows that when our streets feel safe to cycle, people want to ride,” said Genter.
“An estimated 110,000 people will use the facility each year – which is likely to increase with the popularity of e-bikes and scooters, making the trip viable for both commuters and for those out for a recreational ride.”
The exact amount of central government funding allocation for Te Awa is still to be determined.