Construction of the cycleway and walkway linking Whakatāne and Ōhope is now nearing completion.

The 3.4km-long track features concrete on the steeper sections and compacted crusher dust elsewhere, providing a safe and comfortable surface for both running and cycling. The initiative aims to facilitate a more active, fitter and healthier community as people choose to commute between two of the district’s key residential areas by foot or pedal power.

The project was carried out by the Whakatāne District Council, with funding support from Grassroots Trust, the Whakatāne and Ōhope Community Boards, Nova Energy and the New Zealand Transport Agency.

The cycleway and walkway is already proving popular with users and will be officially opened on 15 December 2013, with a festive family event welcoming both recreational users and commuters. The event will start at 9:30 am at the entrance to the Ōhope Scenic Reserve, opposite Mahy Reserve, Ōhope.