CYCLE PATHS

Evening Star, Issue 21581, 29 November 1933, Page 7

CYCLE PATHS

DUNEDIN'S THE FIRST RECOLLECTIONS CF FORMATION Although it may not generally be known, probably the first cycle road track (or path) made in New Zealand was that in Dunedin, from Cumberland street to the Queen's drive. This information is contained in a copv of the ‘ New Zealand Illustrated .Magazine." May, 1001, a copy of which was handed to a ‘ Star ’ reporter this week. . . The writer of an article on Cycle Paths ' in this magazine slates: “ This track was laid down some four and a-half years ago by voluntary subscriptions An energetic committee was formed. Mr Mondy, the well-known solicitor, was elected' president. I)r Batchelor treasurer, ami Mr Richardson secretary. This committee collected a considerable stun of money, and. having obtained the neecssary permission, laid down the path in a substantial manner. “It is about 9ft in width, and, although only about three-quarters of a mile in length, has proved a great comfort and convenience to cyclists, as during the winter the road along which it is laid was practically impassable for cyclists. The path has, moreover, been much appreciated and freely used by pedestrians without any friction being caused between them and the cyclists. “ The track was composed of rotten rock, top-dressed with cinders well rolled in. The cost of the track was P. 200, which was raised by subscriptions! It was found later on that the rotten rock was not a very satisfactory material for a cycle path, as during the wet weather it became very soft, and when dry it was swept away by the liigh winds.' It was found too costly to°asphalt, the path. so. on the recommendation of Air F. T>. Smith, town clerk of Mornington. the track was covered with Silverstream gravel. "fin's was well rolled and afterwards tarred, and has made an excellent path. It lias now been down for over three years, and is little the worse for wear. The cost of this work was £BO. and this amount was raised by public subscription and a cycling carnival. The Dunedin City Council, at the request of the committee, granted evelists the privilege of riding along Cumberland street for a distance of fifty chains until they reached the track. Mr A. Crow was for a long time ihe secretary to the committee, and proved a most capable, enthusiastic. and energetic officer, and 'vb.cn. owing to pressure of business, lie found it necessary to resign very general regret was expressd. The committee, however, was fortunate in securing as his successor Miss Statham. the energCii'; assist"iit secretary nl the Auckland Cycle Roads League.”