Cycling and Shared Pathways
The Whanganui district has long enjoyed a close association with cycling as an active way of getting around, as well as a popular sport and recreation activity.
The district is recognised for its excellent cycling terrain, national accessibility and temperate climate, and Whanganui city is home to mountain bike parks, an inner-city bike park and an outdoor velodrome.
The urban area also offers a great network of walking and cycle paths that run alongside the scenic Whanganui River. Marked cycle lanes connect many suburbs, making it easy to cycle safely from home to school or work. Roads around the city are frequently used by cycling training groups and cycling clubs.
Another big attraction for cycle tourists in the Whanganui district is the Mountains to Sea Ngā Ara Tūhono cycle trail, which is part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail Ngā Haerenga.
Shared Pathways
The council is in the process of building a network of future-proofed shared pathways around our city. A shared pathway is a route designated for shared use by people who are cycling, scootering, skating or walking.
Whanganui’s cycle lane network is gradually expanding. As part of its renewal programme, the council assesses opportunities to add cycle lanes where space and funding allow. We are also working to secure funding to complete the Mountains to Sea trail, with key links still missing between Gilbert Street and the North Mole, as well as from the Aramoho Railway Bridge to the Top 10 Holiday Park.
Other projects focus on improving safety for pedestrians and cyclists. This includes initiatives like a proposed walking and cycling bridge over the Matarawa Stream, providing better access for residents and visitors exploring the area around the bridges.
How to use hook turns
We have added green hook turn boxes to the road surfaces at some of our busier intersections.
Hook turn boxes let cyclists turn right more safely because there’s no need to cross in front of traffic travelling in the opposite direction. Making a hook turn is easy – it’s basically a right turn in two steps:
- Keep left as usual as you ride across the intersection to the hook turn box, then turn your bike and wait in the box.
- Next, when the traffic lights change, keep left and ride across the intersection with the traffic.
Cyclists can complete a hook turn at most intersections, even if there is no hook turn box marking.
Check out Christchurch City Council’s video to see a hook turn in action and to find out more.
Reporting safety issues when cycling
If you encounter an issue with a motor vehicle driver while cycling, you can report it to police using the Community Roadwatch tool on the New Zealand Police website.
Reporting safety issues when cycling
If you encounter an issue with a motor vehicle driver while cycling, you can report it to police using the Community Roadwatch tool on the New Zealand Police website.