A reminder to all that the Rotary Ride is a shared track
Kia Ora,
As you may be aware, the Huka Falls WALKING Track from Spa Park (managed by DOC) has been closed since Cyclone Gabrielle which has meant an increase of runners and walkers on the Rotary Ride. The Rotary Ride also begins at Spa Park.
We have received some very disappointing reports of people verbally abusing other people on the Rotary track and our message to those people is this, just stop. This sort of behaviour is completely unnecessary.
The Rotary ride is, and always has been a SHARED TRACK but has been predominantly used by riders.
We need to respect ALL users on the trails no matter the circumstances and no matter if you are on two legs or two wheels. We are blessed to have this beautiful track on our doorstep, and no one should feel threatened or unsafe during their ride or walk.
Here’s a few tips for when you are out on the track.
Wear bright clothing to be seen.
Stay to left if you can.
Protect yourself and others by riding at a sensible pace.
Do not walk in large groups across the track
Use your bells if you have them to alert people who may not have seen or heard you.
Take time to say hello to someone and give them a big smile.
Be alert! If you are walking or riding with headphones on or not paying too much attention to others, then this could potentially cause issues for yourself and for others.
Keep control of all animals.
Walkers, expect that riders will be moving faster than you and although most riders will slow down to go past you, please don’t expect them to come to crawl. If they can pass you safely at a medium pace, they will.
In conjunction with DOC, Bike Taupo will increase signage throughout the track, so people know that the track is shared but please, be respectful to those around you. Not everyone has the same experience and sometimes, people just make simple mistakes with no intention to cause any inconvenience.
Our feeling here at Bike Taupo is that most people, especially our members get it, but we want to ensure that the message is very clear, that any sort of abuse on our trails wont be tolerated.
Ngā mihi,
Bike Taupō