With the aid of generous funding from Taupo Moana Rotary Club, Bike Taupo is creating off-road cycle and pedestrian routes in the town�s gully and reserve systems.   Bike Taupo committee member, Lisa Rowland says they have been closely working with Colin Lunn, Parks Operations Manager for Taupo District Council and together they have already completed a link through Titoki Gully starting on Hyde Avenue near the Botanicals and ending on Bernard Street close to the Lake.   

Rowland says, more recently a track that runs the length of the gully between Harvey Street and Shepherd Road has been concluded.  It starts on Arrowsmith Avenue and switches down along the gully side offering the user breathtaking glimpses of the Lake.  These two gullies have signage guiding the user and already have been well used by school children and residents.  They allow the community an option to stay away from busy roads and instead commute through these systems on scenic meandering tracks surrounded in nature. 

To promote awareness of the new Harvey Street gully track a community planting exercise will take place on 26 August. The community will be encouraged to come along with a spade and lend a hand to help plant the trees and shrubs provided by Taupo District Council and Bike Taupo.  For further information or to register your interest telephone TDC Parks Administration Manager, Andrea Taylor on 3760804.  Further a Gully Treasure Hunt is being organised  in October and for information on this email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . 

Bike Taupo along with Taupo Moana Rotary Club and Taupo District Council are working on several other gully/reserves as part of Council�s long term commitment to beautifying and planting out these areas.  Rowland says its important to keep promoting the good effects cycling and walking has on the body including health and wellbeing.  Statistics show that child obesity is growing in New Zealand and heres our chance as a community to encourage parents and their children to be more active by providing them with alternative ways of getting to school and other places, and being more active ourselves. 

Picture from left: Colin Lunn (Taupo District Council); Lisa Rowland (Bike Taupo) and Mike Langley (Taupo Moana Rotary Club and Bike Taupo) Thanks to Taupo Times for the photo.