Cycles & Skateboards
Where can I cycle and skateboard?
Both cycling and skateboarding are encouraged in the Stratford District. The skateboard bowl is located in Victoria Park, on Orlando Street and skateboarding is permitted in almost all public areas of the District.
Stratford District is great for cycling. With the exceptions of Broadway and State Highway 3, the district's streets and roads have low traffic volumes. Please note, however, that particular care must be taken when cycling on many of the remote eastern hill country roads and gravel roads.
The Forgotten World Highway (State Highway 43) is part of the National Cycle Trail Network and links with the Whangamomona Road – a popular mountain biking route. Low traffic volumes, challenging climbs, stunning scenery and historic Whangamomona make this area very rewarding for longer distance cycling. Further information is available from the Stratford i-Site in Prospero Place.
In Stratford, the Leo Carrington Walkway, which follows the Patea River and its tributaries, is a shared use walkway for both cyclists and pedestrians. This walkway is a very popular family route and care must be taken at all times. The route mixes woodland park with upper catchment waterways to provide a tranquil and beautiful ride, suitable for both children and adults.
Prohibited Areas
The only areas prohibited to both cycles and skateboards (including roller blades and skates etc) are:
- the footpaths around the central retail area, including Broadway, Fenton Street and Regan Street to one block back from Broadway
- Prospero Place in the centre of town
- The netball courts off Portia Street next to the TET Stadium
These areas are not safe for either cycling or skateboarding due to high pedestrian numbers, cobbled surfaces and, in the case of the netball courts, the need to protect the surface from damage.
Please note that if you do ride a cycle or skateboard in these areas, your cycle or skateboard will be confiscated and you will be fined.
