NZ Equestrian Advocacy Network chairwoman Shelly Warwick says safety is strong argument for horse riders to be included in a plan for a new shared pathway being designed for walkers and cyclists. Photo: Supplied/ NZ Equestrian Advocacy Network
Horse riders are struggling to rein in their anger after horses have been banned from a shared use pathway planned to run alongside a new highway between Ōtaki and Levin - and instead told to ride on the highway itself.
Work has started on the new Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway project, with site investigation work well underway, final designs being drawn up and construction planned to begin in spring.
Along the length of the highway a wide shared use pathway is to be built for walkers and cyclists. The project has been billed as offering safer more efficient and resilient travel options.
During consultation, NZTA told the community that horse riders would be able to ride on the highway, so did not need to be included in the shared pathway plan. But Equestrian Advocacy Network chairwoman Shelly Warwick says that is unsafe, and horse riders should be included in the plans for the shared path.
Warwick told Midday Report they had been asking to be part of the shared user path group, alongside pedestrians and cyclists, since 2019.
"New Zealand Equestrian Advocacy Network represented those groups at the Environment Court hearing last year, when we were told that we weren't in the scope due to cost, and NZTA told us that we could ride on the expressway itself, because legally we are a vehicle and we can use the expressway.
"However, it's completely unsafe. It's ridiculous."
While NZTA said the expressway would not be the only north-south option, Warwick said it would cut through rural Horowhenua - a community where riders live.
Riders would also be able to use the old State Highway 1. But that was "completely impractical, when there's a very good, safe shared-use path going to be built that we could use," Warwick said.
Directing riders towards the highways also created a risk to vehicles using the highway, she said, as the Road Code instructed drivers to slow down and stop if a horse seemed frightened.
"Our position is how we're going to be kept safe, and how are police going to enforce those driver rules to drivers on the expressway if horses are using it?"
NZTA said one of the objectives of the new Ōtaki to north of Levin (Ō2NL) highway was to enable walking and cycling between local communities, with a north-south shared user path.
"During the design, planning and consenting of the project, we have engaged with the community, seeking feedback from residents, road users and representatives of local equestrian groups. Unlike with the Kāpiti expressway to the south, the Ō2NL highway alignment doesn't affect existing bridle path connections and routes, or equestrian facilities.
"After hearing submissions from equestrians, the Environment Court accepted that the project was not required to better provide for equestrian users."
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