ON-GOING funding support of the vision that “Manawatu is the best place in New Zealand to ride a bike” has been urged by submitters to the Manawatu District Council’s Draft Long Term Plan 2012-2022.

BikeNZ Regional Development Officer Chris Foggin and Bike Manawatu Secretary Glenys Taylor have both requested council to help as their organisations aim to develop riding experiences and attract more bike events.

Their submissions were among the 45 council had received by Tuesday on the draft plan – the MDC’s three-yearly long term planning document – since the public consultation period opened last month. It ends tomoorow.

Mr Foggin said the region did not need a national velodrome to meet its cycling goals, “as we already have a strong cycling community who race, ride for leisure and commute to work and school. Our region is perfect for cycling with the mix of terrain and stunning scenery”.

He said it did lack some critical infrastructure to enable and encourage safe cycling and family riders and would benefit from more investment and development in cycleways and mountain bike trail space.

Ms Taylor said Bike Manawatu believed cycling could be grown in Manawatu by increasing the facilities available for cyclists and improving their ability to access safe riding routes around the district.

She also encouraged council to continue working on the shared roadway on Kimbolton Road and to develop further commuting routes, especially in light of increased traffic flows between Feilding and Palmerston North.

Earthquake-prone buildings have prompted interest, with one submitter arguing that council, especially in view of Christchurch, should prioritise the strengthening of the properties in the Feilding CBD.

He proposed an 11-step solution to the problem, which would see a win-win solution for all parties by retaining heritage values and ensuring public safety.

Planned changes at the Makino Aquatic Centre also drew some responses, with two submissions supporting a covered outdoor pool, but another submitter believing the complex was fine as it was. Other suggestions included a hydroslide, wave and leisure pools, spas and a lazy river.

MULTISPORT
Multisport festival attracting athletes of all descriptions
Inspirational comebacks, elite stars, national champions, first-timers and fun-chasing families  - this year's Thermatech 3D Rotorua Multisport Festival has got it all.

Thursday, 23 May 2013

RUNNING
2013 Nauti Travel Huntly Half Marathon
The 2013 Nauti Travel Huntly Half Marathon is once again taking place this Sunday for the 33rd time in what has become a race rich in history and 2013 provides much the same.

Thursday, 23 May 2013

RUNNING
Christchurch Airport Marathon - Return of the Champions
A healthy handful of past winners will go head to head at next week’s Christchurch Airport Marathon event.

Thursday, 23 May 2013

RUNNING
20th birthday celebrations set for iconic Taupo event
On Sunday 4th August a special birthday party will be taking to the streets of Taupo and everyone is invited!  The annual Mizuno Taupo Half Marathon will be celebrating its 20th birthday.

Wednesday, 22 May 2013

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Young North Canterbury rider top 10 in Mountain Bike World Cup
Young North Canterbury mountain biker Ben Oliver had an impressive start to his international career with a top-10 finish in the opening round of the UCI World Cup.

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

CYCLING
Archbold scores first win for new pro team
BikeNZ Olympian Shane Archbold has taken no time to strike for his new professional team with victory in stage two of the An Post Ras Tour of Ireland today.

Tuesday, 21 May 2013

TRIATHLON
Bozzone bounces back with race record win in Florida
The 2008 IRONMAN 70.3 World Champion Terenzo Bozzone has put his injury problems behind him with a comeback win in Florida today.

Monday, 20 May 2013

BMX
Walker excited as tickets go on sale for UCI BMX World Championships in Auckland
Fans will get their first chance to see the best BMX riders on the planet when Auckland hosts the 2013 UCI BMX World Championships on 24-28 July.

Monday, 20 May 2013

RUNNING
Camille Buscomb on track to qualify for 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
From Hamilton, Camille Buscomb is New Zealand’s leading female middle-distance athlete.

Monday, 13 May 2013

MOUNTAIN BIKING
Brook MacDonald 2013 The Search for Scree
New Zealand Downhill Mountain Bike Champion Brook MacDonald searches for some new and challenging scree.

Monday, 13 May 2013

TRIATHLON
Sisson looking for swim solutions to back his blistering run speed
Ryan Sissons knows what he is capable of and his 10km run split at the ITU World Triathlon Series race in Yokohama yesterday again hinted at it, but the 24 year old Aucklander is again cooling his heels after a less than satisfactory swim.

Monday, 13 May 2013

TRIATHLON
McIlroy holds on for top ten on a 'flat day' in Yokohama
Kate McIlroy made the most of a bad day at the office when finishing 9th at the latest round of the ITU World Triathlon Series in Yokohama today, a result that leaves the Wellington athlete 7th in the overall series standings after three races.

Sunday, 12 May 2013

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