Kāpiti Coast District Council has welcomed the NZ Transport Agency’s announcement that they’ll build a shared path to run alongside the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway.
Ōtaki Ward Councillor James Cootes is pleased with the outcome, saying it will benefit Ōtaki and the wider District.
“This is a great outcome for everyone. The Transport Agency has heard what our community had to say and have committed to a solution that will greatly enhance cycling and walking connections across our District.
“This is not just about a shared path. It’s about an amenity that will become a key attraction for our District, stretching all the way from Ōtaki to Paekākāariki, bringing many social and economic benefits as well,” said Councillor Cootes.
“This brings Ōtaki a step closer to what should have been included in the Expressway contract from the start. Our community believed that it should be included and worked together to petition the minister to get it on the agenda. The end result is the decision that’s been announced today. It’s a great outcome and we can’t wait.”
Kāpiti Cycling Action Group spokesperson Lynn Sleath welcomes the decision. “Not everyone can or wants to share State Highway 1 with vehicles and securing a safe shared pathway for the benefit of bikers, walkers, and equestrians has been a significant goal for local cycle advocates for many years. The new pathway will attract families with children as well as less confident cyclists and overseas visitors to the Kāpiti Coast, while also providing an economic boost to the Te Horo and Ōtaki areas.”
