There might be concern about the costs, designs and loss of parking over commuter cycleways in Dunedin but few will disagree with a push to fast-track the Otago Peninsula route.
It deserves backing for several strong reasons.
The focus of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) is primarily on safety, a serious issue on this narrow, twisting road beside the sea.
It is hair-raising to ride along the long stretches not already widened.
Cars easily bank up behind cyclists, causing frustration and increasing the likelihood of foolish overtaking.
Often, too, there is nowhere to go between the bank and the harbour.
Even pedestrians have little verge on which to escape the traffic.
Around Broad Bay there are particular concerns about school children and safety, and there are communities and homes scattered all the way along the road.
Here is a case, in contrast to most of the cycleways in Dunedin itself, where there is a direct benefit to motorists from reclaiming a slice from the harbour - it will have to be up to 8m in places - and taking most cyclists off the road.
In this instance, it is only partly a matter of ''build it and they will come''.
Peninsula routes are already popular with the growing numbers of Dunedin recreational cyclists who, especially at the weekends, populate this and other roads.
These are not the hardcore mountain bikers or road racers but generally the middle-aged enjoying some exercise, company of friends and no doubt a coffee stop.
Build an adequate shared path, like that already constructed on some sections, and many more cyclists, joggers and walkers will be attracted.
It could well be that more tourists will also be lured, not just to the scenic and wildlife gem that is the Peninsula by camper van and car but also on two wheels.
The Peninsula was named top cycling destination in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel in 2010 and made the top 10 on another occasion.
Its pulling power and further potential should not be underestimated.
While its cycling accolades are for all the roads and the off-road tracks, the run from town along the harbour side is a fundamental part of appreciating the Peninsula by bike.
The Dunedin City Council's plan had been laid out over 10 years, causing some angst and dispute about which sections should be given priority.
Each has it own good reasons.
The news this week that it might be possible for the timetable to be telescoped to three years is promising and most welcome and would effectively deal with the differences on which parts should be completed first.
If the NZTA agrees to pay more of the $23.9 million cost at the outset, with the council paying its share over nine years, the work could all be done early.
As Mayor Dave Cull said, the benefits of having the project completed early would be ''enormous'' for all road users.
The plan will be considered as part of the NZTA's 2015-18 national land transport programme, due to be finalised in July next year.
It would be wonderful, in parallel, to see good progress made to create a shared route from St Leonards to Port Chalmers on the other side of the harbour.
The popularity of the section from the stadium to Maia illustrates the potential. It draws walkers, families, cyclists and joggers.
And, who knows, that dream of a largely flat almost 360% ride around the beautiful harbour - with a boat trip option near Harington Point to complete the loop - could one day become a reality.
