Off-road cycle trails - connecting Blenheim, Renwick, Wineries and Whale Trail

Complete and connect off road cycle trails so that locals and visitors can safely ride off-road between Blenheim and Renwick and key destinations in between, including wineries, galleries, Makana Chocolates, Aviation Heritage Centre, etc. The Hawkes Bay and Central Otago / Queenstown Lakes trails are a good example of what can be achieved. 

Complete the Picton elevation section of the Whale Trail and develop an off-road connection through Blenheim town centre that is safe for cyclists. Connect the Whale trail to the Link Trail.

https://www.hawkesbaynz.com/visit/us/hawkes-bay-trails-wineries-ride

https://queenstowntrails.org.nz/

https://www.nzaia.org.nz/mackay-and-taylor.html

https://researcharchive.lincoln.ac.nz/bitstreams/0f37a9bf-1282-438c-bc5d-363ed9feb0aa/download

There are numerous impact assessments for New Zealand cycle trails and all show that quality cycle trails deliver substantial economic benefits to regions. Trail experience assessments also show that taking trails off roads enhances rider expereince and results in higher completion rates for trail riders.

Currently trails are not connected and/or have significant breaks in them forcing riders onto state highways and narrow roads with high traffic volumes, traffic travelling at speeds of 80km plus, and which are shared with heavy vehicles and machinery. Many of the secondary roads have no shoulder.