"In principle, we support the concept of cycle ways," says Chief Executive Jim Quinn. "We already share the corridor with cycles in five separate locations. However, it's important to make the point that it's very early days yet and we're a long way from identifying particular sections of corridor on which cycle ways could be accommodated. We can see a number of benefits that arise from sharing costs such as vegetation and graffiti control that KiwiRail currently bears alone." He said the first thing KiwiRail needs to understand is precisely what route advocates for the cycleway would want to follow.

"The rail corridor passes through some very remote parts of New Zealand. People on bicycles often want to be close to civilisation - or at least a café that sells decent coffee. The bottom line is that many sections of the rail corridor may not be suitable for a cycleway. Once we understand where cyclists would want the trail located, we can talk about the suitability of the particular section of corridor and what would be needed to ensure the safety and security of people using it. Trains can't stop quickly and they can't swerve around somebody or something in their way. Our preference would be for some form of barrier between the trail and the railway line. There is an obvious cost associated with building a barrier and maintaining it. Such a barrier could provide a challenge for maintenance crews and utility workers. We would need to establish that we have unimpeded access to both sides of the track."

Existing or planned cycleways adjacent to rail Christchurch:

Riccarton-Papanui (approx 4kms)

Blenheim: Blenheim-Grovetown (5kms currently under construction)

Hastings: (1km through Hastings, in discussions with council)

Paekakariki: Paekakariki-Pukerua bay (above tracks on escarpment 8kms)

Wellington: Ngauranga-Petone (6 kms - half on rail half on motorway land).

Jim Quinn says there would also need to be agreement on how extensions to infrastructure could be funded. "The logical way to get across bridges is to build a "clip-on" lane. Given the fact that we have around 600 bridges that are 80 or more years old, work may be needed on bridge structures to accommodate the cycle lanes. There are obviously a number of practical issues to be addressed but it is important right now that we approach the concept positively. We will have a better idea of what contribution we can make, if any, once we've talked to the groups with an interest in the plan."

Mr Quinn says the success of the Otago Central Rail Trail has prompted a number of requests to use former sections of rail corridor still held in rail ownership. Currently, land is often leased for grazing and lease holders become nervous about the impact significant numbers of people could have on stock. "We treat every approach on its merits," he said.