On the eve of debate about the future of Dunedin Railways, city councillors were encouraged to consider the potential for more cycle trails.
Cycling advocate and former councillor Rachel Elder asked councillors how the most might be made of both rail and cycling.
"We need to be making decisions around the future of Dunedin Railways in the context of one of the most fastest-growing tourism trends all over the world — cycling," Mrs Elder said.
The outcome of Dunedin City Council discussions about Dunedin Railways was not available last night, as they were held in the public-excluded part of yesterday’s meeting.
What should happen to the Taieri Gorge railway line, which runs from Wingatui to Middlemarch, and how upkeep might be paid for were expected to be among the issues.
Trips into the gorge are a key product for Dunedin Railways, but maintenance of the track has been a burden on the council-owned company.
It has sometimes been suggested the Otago Central Rail Trail, which is popular with cyclists, should be extended beyond Middlemarch towards Dunedin.
Mrs Elder asked a series of questions during a public forum at the start of the meeting.
"As most trains only go to Hindon, could we create a cycle trail from Hindon to Pukerangi and then on to Middlemarch?
"Could we extend the Outram Glen track past Lee Stream to Hindon?
"Or should the Taieri Gorge be a cycle trail?"
The city council has previously signalled support for the Otago Central Rail Trail Trust investigating feasibility of extending the trail.
Mrs Elder said some feasibility work had started, but she suggested the city council should chip in to help fund this.
