Cyclists a danger on boardwalk, signage needed

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JULIA WADE

23 May, 2022

 

Walkers, riders and wanderers enjoy a network of rambling tracks around Mangawhai, carved and created by dedicated volunteers and enabling a venture into picturesque locations, some formerly untrodden. However, the popularity of the public pathways naturally increases foot traffic and safety can start to become an issue.

One such incredibly beautiful track, the Back Bay boardwalk, constructed by the many hardworking hands of the ‘Trackies’ aka Mangawhai Tracks Charitable Trust, has become a popular destination for walkers, joggers and cyclists due to the scenic pathway winding through wild mangroves and over estuary waters.

A regular user and fan of the boardwalk, local hiker Peter Farrell, has concerns regarding the safety of other users of the path after witnessing, and experiencing himself, near collisions with speedy cyclists.

“I’ve seen people with kids on the front of their bikes trying to manoeuvre around the track and walkers, and others hooning around quickly on their bikes, I’ve nearly been run over,” he says. “Some of the corners are fairly blind, I nearly got bowled over the other day by a guy coming round one of the corners among the trees, he was going like a bat out of hell… feel like it’s got a bit out of hand.”

According to New Zealand’s transport agency, Waka Kotahi NZTA, rules for cyclists are different depending on how a public track is classed. Riding on footpaths is prohibited unless a rider is delivering mail or the cycle has very small wheels, while respectful behaviour is strongly advised while cycling on a shared path, including allowing sufficient space while passing others ‘with patience and care’, and when approaching from behind or from places of poor visibility, pushbike riders should warn pedestrians by either calling out or ringing a bike bell.

Legislation of the rules depends on who owns and manages the pathway a Kaipara District Council (KDC) spokesperson says, and as Waka Kotahi NZTA and KDC do not have ownership of the boardwalk ‘it is classed as ‘neither a footpath or a shared path’’.

“The Back Bay boardwalk is a boardwalk, built by the Tracks Trust, owned and maintained by the Trackies and we will work to support them on any messaging that may be required to educate all users on courteous and safe use,” says the spokesperson.

Trackies chair Gordon Hosking says he is aware of the potential for conflict on the boardwalk and has been keeping ‘a watching brief’ since it opened.

“Bikers have been generally good but there are always a few who have to go flat out. It may be exacerbated at present with the periodic closure of the Molesworth Drive

footpath too,” he says. “However, I think it is time we put up some signage at both ends asking cyclists to respect and give right-of-way to pedestrians.”

Peter says he is not against cyclists and decided to speak out as he ‘would hate to see someone hurt especially a young child or someone elderly’.

“We have to do something about it… so people walking and ladies with pushchairs can safely go round the track without having to worry,” he says. “As far as I’m concerned its about protecting people from others and themselves.”

 

Do you know guidelines for the shared path?

 

Mangawhai’s beautifully constructed Back Bay boardwalk offers an adventure through the mangroves and wide scenic views over estuary grasslands, however the potential for accidents between users has keen track walker Peter Farrell concerned. PHOTO/JULIA WADE

 

 

Slow down and look first says Peter, who illustrates how blind corners have the potential to cause harm as cyclists negotiate the track at speed. PHOTO/JULIA WADE

 

“Some of the corners are fairly blind, I nearly got bowled over the other day by a guy coming round one of the corners among the trees.”

– Peter Farrell

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