The rural cycle and walking trails are part of the New Zealand Cycle Trail, Nga Haerenga, a partnership project between the National-led Government and the Green Party, designed to showcase New Zealand to the world, and provide social, environmental and economic benefits for often-ailing communities along the trails.
In some respects the Dunedin and rural networks are not comparable. What they do share however has often been controversy: over design, implementation, use, funding and maintenance.
But what is becoming clear, despite the concerns, is the popularity and economic success of the national cycle trail network, with a recent evaluation report showing an average 56% increase in use last year, and an estimated 97,000 trail users in January 2014 alone.
The Otago Central Rail Trail, established in 2000, provided the blueprint for the national network of 23 largely off-road ''Great Rides'', of which it is now one.
A 2010-11 survey revealed the trail was estimated to generate $12.3 million annually to the inland Otago economy and supported 96 jobs.
Two of the latest Otago additions to the national network, the Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge trails, are clearly following in its successful tracks, with a reported 12 new businesses starting, 18 expanding, and five potential investments in the offing in the past two years, during their development and since their official openings last October.
While much of the initial controversy over the trails (largely related to their routes, and disputes with landowners) has abated, some concerns are ongoing.
The most pressing one is maintenance: the cost and who should pay.
The Government initially put in $50 million for the construction of all the trails, and some councils, charitable trusts and funding bodies $30 million.
The Clutha Gold and Roxburgh Gorge trails trusts have been collecting maintenance funds through contributions.
The Central Otago District Council provides maintenance funds for some of the other trails in the district and is now proposing to set up a contestable annual fund of $100,000 for repairs and maintenance of all district cycle tracks.
Among the considerations for ratepayers is whether their limited base should have to foot the maintenance burden. Targeted rates could be an option.
The trusts, and others in the community, believe the trails should be user-pays.
Of course there is the risk that would alienate users, who already pay for accommodation and food at the various communities along the track, and result in reduced economic benefits.
Implementing a users-pays system has its merits, but raises questions around the reality and price of enforcement. In February, the Government announced it would provide an $8 million contestable fund over four years for maintenance on the Great Rides - but it was only for significant weather damage or for trails which need major enhancements.
It is clear a combined approach, with funding from a variety of sources and innovative approaches from the trusts involved, is going to be necessary, particularly as the number of tracks increase.
Clyde underpass push
One of the possible projects to benefit from the Government's additional $8 million in funding could be the long-sought-after SH8 underpass at Clyde, the push for which has gained traction because of increased Otago Central Rail Trail numbers, lifestyle blocks along Springvale Rd, and concerns from Clyde School, many of whose pupils live in Springvale and must cross the busy highway.
The CODC has just resolved to prioritise the estimated $300,000 underpass and fund it through its minor improvement works programme and other options, and seek a subsidy from the New Zealand Transport Agency, although it does not rate it a high funding priority.
But the Otago Central Rail Trust may also apply for some of the new trails funding, in a bid to extend the trail over the highway to finish at the Clyde Railway Station, in Clyde itself.
That would certainly provide a more fitting trail terminus, and, as the underpass would offer obvious safety benefits for locals and visitors alike, it is to be hoped one of the funding options will finally drive the project to fruition.
