By Annabelle Jackman
Dunedin cyclists may soon find themselves biking through some of the city's many hills, rather than over them.
The council is looking at reopening an old disused rail tunnel between Caversham and Kaikorai Valley and not surprisingly, cyclists think it's a great idea.
Chris Ferguson has been cycling for 20 years, but he often puts his bike in the back of his truck because he doesn't always feel safe on Dunedin roads.
"Basically I don't trust Dunedin drivers although I am one myself," he says. "I prefer riding on tracks where there's no cars."
Mr Ferguson says that's why he supports a project to open up two old rail tunnels to cyclists so they could bypass some of the busiest and steepest roads between the city and Mosgiel.
The first is the old rail tunnel, between Caversham and Kaikorai valley. The 865m tunnel was drilled in 1872 but closed in 1910, replaced by a second, two-way tunnel.
Re-opening it could cost more than $3 million, but councillors are confident of community support.
"We'll look at those options going forward and at the same time ask them to come up with ideas of how they can ensure that we can get ventilation, get the surface fixed and how that may work as a community project," says councillor Kate Wilson.
Supporters say it could also become part of the national cycleway
Today's outcome doesn't mean the gates to the 140-year-old tunnel will be unlocked just yet, but it does mean the wheels have been set in motion for Otago's latest cycling project.
It is a project Mr Ferguson says will be worth the wait.
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