Plans for better cycling

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The BMX track in Mill Rd is being given a new lease of life as the focal point for development of cycle tracks around Oamaru. Photo by David Bruce.

A new group plans to boost the cycling opportunities around Oamaru, reviving the old BMX track in Mill Rd as a multipurpose facility to link with an extensive network of tracks.

Cycle Oamaru is working with the Waitaki District Council to promote cycling in the district and encourage more people to take part, by improving the options, standard and management of facilities.

The council's rural parks officer, Jane Matchett, is seeking the support of the council's corporate services committee on Wednesday for Cycle Oamaru's plans for the BMX track and other cycling facilities.

She said the priority was to get the BMX track area operating as a "welcoming and functional cycle park" with facilities for varying abilities and interests.

It was planned to develop new run lines, create jumps, a learn-to-ride area and shift the boundary fence to accommodate a technical downhill section and link to other areas such as the Glen Warren and Cape Wanbrow reserves.

The BMX track required major reforming to make it more rideable for a variety of users.

Other facilities at the track such as the toilets and a storage container had been cleaned out and prepared for painting to get them functional again.

david.bruce@odt.co.nz [2]