No easy solution exists for constructing a Taieri cycling trail, a public meeting at Outram was told last night.
However, the dozens of people who attended the meeting were broadly supportive of getting the job done.
The aim is to create a trail from Wingatui, near Dunedin, to Waihola, linking up with an extension to the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail.
One of the project leaders, Colin Brown, said using stopbanks could impose significant technical challenges.
Some public land could be used, but negotiations with landowners would be necessary for at least part of the proposed trail, he said.
"There’s a multitude of ways of getting there," Mr Brown said.
"None of them are easy."
However, economic benefits from development of other trails had been significant.
There was also perceived value in linking up popular Otago rides with Dunedin.
Experienced trail designer Hamish Seaton presented various techniques to the gathering.
They included cattle stops, board walks, bridges and fencing.
A "very, very rough" estimate for how much the trail might cost was $4 million to $5 million, although inflationary pressure might push this range up, Mr Seaton said.
An extension to the Clutha Gold Cycle Trail is under construction, taking it past Lawrence to Waihola.
Murray Paterson, who has been part of that project, said the cost of it might end up being about $12 million.
