We're aiming to build the best walk / cycle trail in New Zealand, and that means we're taking accessibility seriously.
In early February, Vicki Nalder (Construction Manager, The Whale Trail) and Charlotte Campbell-Lamerton (Multi Modal Advisor, Transport Services) accompanied Natalie Gauld and her family on the trail from the Blenheim Railway Station to the northern end of Redwood Pass Road.
Natalie, an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit, Pharmaceutical Society of NZ Gold Medal Award, was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND) in March 2022 and has been riding cycle trails all over New Zealand. Being an avid cyclist and facing the fact that MND means that riding a traditional push bike was no longer safe, she discovered a new way to still do what she loves with a powered 3-wheel cycle.
Natalie Commented: "It was a pleasure to ride a segment of the whale trail which we found interesting and straight forward to ride. I want to congratulate the trail for their inclusion of accessible toilets and having no tricky barriers for me to navigate. This makes it so much easier for people like me. I look forward to returning to ride more."
Vicki added: "It was a privilege to be part of their ride on The Whale Trail. It was an enjoyable ride, and great to see the hoops/pinch points where not a barrier for her “machine”.
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