As planning work for developing further cycle and walking trails around the Puhoi, Warkworth, Matakana and Mangawhai area continues, data is beginning to be collected on existing trails to establish usage of these popular trails.

Digital counters have been installed by the Matakana Coast Trail Trust (MCTT) on the trail between Point Wells Road and Omaha Flats Road, as well as sites at Snells Beach and on the Matakana bridge. The technology has been provided by Auckland company Be Counted with funding provided for the MCTT from Auckland Council.

“We know that these existing trails have provided great commuter pathways for people staying out of their cars and walking or cycling for both business and lifestyle purposes,” explains MCTT spokesperson Allison Roe. “When we met for the installation of the counter on the Points Wells trail near Omaha Flats Road the Be Counted team helping with the installation were astounded by the amount of people walking and cycling through.”

Allison Roe says the Matakana to Omaha/Point Wells trails are used extensively for those commuting for a range of purposes. “I know that people from Omaha and Point Wells use the trails to meet at local spots such as cafes for both business and pleasure. Many also use the trail to go to Matakana and beyond. Extended trails such as the one we will be building from Puhoi right through to Mangawhai will open up huge opportunities for commuting, both short and longer trips.”

Data from the digital counters will result in MCTT being able to provide live feeds to their website on trail usage as well as understanding the growth of those using existing trails and the new trails that will be built.