Marlborough Walking and Cycling Strategy Marlborough District Council – Walking & Cycling Strategy Foreword This document is Marlborough’s second walking and cycling strategy with the first document completed in 2006. Marlborough has long been a walking and cycling town and is a great place for walking and cycling with a favourable climate, relatively low traffic volumes and flat topography. This Strategy builds on our tradition and sets a course for the future. Much has been achieved over the last four years in walking and cycling improvements, however there are numerous projects yet to be implemented to improve safety, better cater for and encourage walking and cycling. Recommendations from the recent Urban Design district-wide study include many improvements that relate specifically to walking and cycling. These have been included within the network and action plans along with other proposed projects. With increasing awareness of finite energy resources and the need for increasing efficiencies, sustainable transport modes are becoming increasingly attractive world-wide. The percentage of school children and workforce that currently cycle or walk to school or work in Marlborough is considerably higher than the national average and this wants to be retained or indeed increased. This in itself represents significant economic and environmental savings and efficiencies. It also eases traffic and parking congestion and provides health benefits and independence for students. Educating and encouraging safe practices for cyclists and drivers operating around cyclists are considered key components of the Strategy, along with increasing walking and cycle acceptance and awareness. Cycling and walking are experiencing considerable growth as a preferred option for fitness, recreation and as a tourism activity. Government’s “NZ Cycle Trail Project” and “Walking and Cycling Model Communities Project” are examples of this growth. Our attractive, distinctive and diverse district provides a wide variety of potential routes, tracks and destinations offering a range of walking and cycling opportunities. This strategy aims to provide a blueprint to meet Marlborough’s walking and cycling needs into the future through best practice facility provision, education and promotion for both locals and its visitors. For more information refer to Council’s website www.marlborough.govt.nz or Ph. 520 7400. Alistair Sowman, Mayor: Andrew Besley, Chief Executive: ......................................................................... ........................................................................ Date: ......................................................................... Date: .......................................................................... 1