Letters Friday 26 June 2009
Mountain biking to Totaranui
Now that DOC has allowed mountain bikers (MBs) a trial period to bike from Wainui to Totaranui; and now that New Zealand has begun to embrace the popularity of mountain biking, we will certainly experience “teething problems”.
As new parents must learn how to appropriately support their child as it experiences teething pain, so too must trampers and MBs learn to support each other.
In other parts of the world, tracks as wide as half a metre and less are shared by trampers, MBs and horses!
As is always the case, coexisting with new groups is a matter of patience, education, and acceptance. MBs need to learn to make their presence known to the tramper. Make noise, ring a bell, make sure the tramper is aware of you and slow down until recognition is confirmed. For the tramper, once you are aware of a MB, step aside and allow them to pass; the MB will soon be gone.
Contrary to popular belief, not all MBers are speed demons from hell. As a passionate track builder, tramper, MB, and novice horse-rider I urge us all to be considerate of each other. Enjoying a track is a privilege for us all.
Theron Burgess
Signs on footpaths
I am rapidly coming to the conclusion that our local shops do not really want us to shop locally. It is becoming increasingly difficult to manoeuvre along Commercial Street due to the proliferation of signs placed on the footpath. I am very thankful I do not have to push a pram or use a mobility scooter. I watched one young Mum winding her way through several signs.
As for the plants and signs outside the Dangerous Kitchen I doubt if either could have passed there; I could not walk through without brushing heavily against the plants.
I have already been to council twice to get signs moved. Why do shop owners not look to see if they are leaving adequate room for pedestrians? After all that is what footpaths are designed for, not as a convenient parking place for advertising signs.
Ann Lewis
Medical centre trust’s plans
I am left puzzled, confused and disappointed at the report that the medical centre trust are going it alone (GBW article 19/6), when it seems clear that the community gave a mandate to an integrated facility; and the details of the integrated facility are to be released quite soon.
I do not believe that “they were tired of waiting’” is a good enough reason for spending our money on plans and proceeding with a separate agenda.
Our community’s best interests are served when we work through issues together, express our divergent views, and settle on a community decision that is robust.
Paul Marcussen
Integrated Health Group
A big thank you to the Integrated Health Group for all the time and effort you are putting in on our behalf. Many of us appreciate what you are doing very much. Thank you for the clear and informative update articles in last week’s GB Weekly. We realise it is vital to get all aspects of the new facilities thoroughly thought out and to get it “right” from the very beginning.
Anne and Des Gentleman
