Message to trail users: stay safe

• Published date: 04 November 2021
• Publication title: Central Otago News

With more than 300km of trails throughout the region — some offering spectacular but challenging terrain — people of various riding and walking abilities are donning their active wear and hitting the outdoors.

This increase in trail traffic has led to calls for users to be careful.

ACC statistics for Central Otago and Queenstown Lake districts reveal cycle injuries rose annually for the past four years.

In 2018 there were 596 cycling-related ACC injury claims in Central Otago and 829 in the Queenstown Lakes area.

As of August 31, 2021 there were 532 claims in Central Otago and 1035 in Queenstown Lakes, with the summer cycling season yet to get under way.

Age Concern Central Otago co-ordinator Marie Roxburgh said she was concerned about older adults being injured on the trails.

Many regularly used the cycling and walking trails for exercise; however, they were being put at risk by people not using them safely, Mrs Roxburgh said.

A fall could result in injury which would take much longer for older adults to recover from, but equally importantly could result in a loss of confidence and independence.

She was aware of some near misses near the Alexandra Bridge and on the new Lake Dunstan Cycling and Walking Trail, she said.

‘‘I know of one lady who has had a big fall, and there needs to be an...