Manager not worried about lack of handrail

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The boardwalk is an extension of the current Clutha Gold Trail — which runs from Roxburgh to Lawrence — and is about to officially open the extension through from Lawrence to Milton and Waihola.

"Concerned" comments on a Facebook post about the boardwalk extension were aimed at the absence of handrails on the new boardwalk, which will open later this month.

One person commented on the post, "OK, we all know it will happen [someone will fall off the boardwalk], so where are the life-saver rings?"

Another person was concerned about child safety and said they would be "making sure" to hold their child’s hand if they were to go on the boardwalk.

Clutha Gold Trail Charitable Trust chairman Murray Paterson said a sign at the end of the boardwalk would be put up soon which would instruct cyclists, walkers and runners to "share the walk and keep left".

"We’re actually more worried about people taking dogs over the boardwalk," Mr Paterson said.

"Some people seem to have disregarded the signs about dogs not being allowed on the boardwalk, especially as there is Pindone poison on the track for pest control."

He said it was a health and safety concern as well.

But overall, he did not see what the issue was when there were similar boardwalks in Nelson, Hokianga and the West Coast that had no problems with people falling off.

"It is well and truly wide enough for two cyclists to pass each other on."

"The boardwalk is 2.5m wide, which is pretty standard for the entirety of the trail.

"The boardwalk is in a swimming zone where the kids’ slide is in the lake where plenty of kids use in summer, so it’s a relatively safe zone."

Mr Paterson said other boardwalks similar to the one just built have had no problems.

"There is a boardwalk in Nelson and one in Hokianga, and I know of one on the West Coast — that one is actually slightly narrower, that have not had any problems with people falling off."

"It is well and truly wide enough for two cyclists to pass each other on."

"People should walk within their needs or walk their bike on the boardwalk if they are worried — or just don’t walk on it at all."

There is an official opening of the extension at Lake Waihola on August 25.

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