Naked Bike Ride a loud call for cycleways
Andrea Dimmock sporting her pro-cycling message. Photos: Neil Wilson.
More than 40 cyclists joined Golden Bay’s Naked Bike Ride last Saturday.
“It’s a fun event,” said organiser Victoria Davis, “But it highlights a serious issue. People who choose to cycle—for the good of the planet and their own health—put their lives at risk on Golden Bay’s roads. The people here told the council that cycleways and walkways were their top priority and it’s about time council started taking notice.”
Ms Davis said she was glad that the annual naked ride brought out a big crowd of onlookers on the roadsides and in the bars between Port Tarakohe and the Totally Roasted Café.
“The whole point is to draw attention to the cycling issue,” she said. “There really has never been a better time to be thinking about cycling. There’s a paradigm shift happening. Even the recent jobs summit didn’t reject the idea of a nationwide cycleway. Just imagine if Golden Bay had a properly formed track on the Hill. We wouldn’t need to spend thousands of dollars of ratepayers’ money marketing the region. Tourists would flock here.”
Motueka Community Board member Tara Forde came over the Hill to take part in the ride. “I support the issue. It’s a timely one,” she said. “Council is in the process of reviewing its cycling and walking strategy right now. They say they want to engage people in dialogue. That involves listening, and it’s pretty clear that the people over here are saying they want proper cycleways. I hope council hears them.”
Neil Wilson
