The national organisation for bicycle tourists and commuters, the Cycling Advocates Network (CAN), today lent its support to Nelson MP Nick Smith's call for a mountain-bike track through the Kahurangi National Park.
CAN spokesperson Robert Ibell said Dr Smith's proposed $3 million mountain-bike track linking Karamea and Collingwood would tap into a fast growing interest in cycle touring in New Zealand. "A dedicated mountain-bike trail through the Kahurangi National Park would give cyclists access to an area of great natural beauty, with far less environmental impact than a road. A track such as this would lure cyclists to the area, providing a boost to the local economy," Mr Ibell said.
CAN predicts that cycle tourism will become a major earner of tourist dollars for New Zealand. "Like backpackers, cycle tourists travel light but spend up large on accommodation and adventure activities," said Mr Ibell. "They also eat a lot."
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For further information, contact: Robert Ibell, PR & Campaigns Secretary, Cycling Advocates Network, 04-385 2557, dawbell@actrix.gen.nz