By Jane Lunscombe
It has been talked up all year, and today work officially got underway on the first part of the Prime Minister’s pet project – a national cycleway.
John Key was at the little Waipa Domain, near Cambridge, to launch the start of the 100km Waikato River Trail.
Green MP Kevin Hague, who rode to the event, was not put off by the traffic, but hopes the cycleway will lead to a nation of better drivers.
“Where more people are riding, more motorists are aware of the cyclists’ needs and the situation improves for everyone,” he says.
Mr Key was not ready to take the risk just yet, arriving on four wheels, not two – though perhaps that will change when it is complete.
“It’s aimed to have a place where cyclists can go and see and experience unique parts of New Zealand, and do so without the fear of being knocked off by a car,” he says.
The Waikato River Trail is the first of seven “quick start” trails. The day when they will all link up is still something of a pipe dream.
The Waikato one was already half built, with Mr Key adding $3 million to get it finished.
The aptly named Colin Traills, who is the construction supervisor, says they are aiming for an easy ride in fabulous scenery.
The beautiful spot chosen for today’s launch however has one small drawback – the official start, is actually a dead end.
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