Planning for parts of the route between Waikouaiti and Port Chalmers is well advanced and the broader plan now is to channel enthusiasm for the venture into practical help to make it happen.
Coastal Communities Cycle Connection representative Emily Cooper said it was important to maintain momentum and get people involved in such tasks as making funding applications.
The route could cost about $2 million-$25 million to develop and its eventual completion would connect it to Dunedin via a shared harbour pathway under development to the city from Port Chalmers.
About 70 people attended a public meeting at Waikouaiti on Thursday night, where the findings of a feasibility study were presented by track designer Hamish Seaton.
The project has been broken up into five sections.
Priorities include creating a significantly better link between Waikouaiti and Karitāne, and a stretch from Warrington to Waitati.
It is expected about $1 million will be needed for a clip-on bridge over the Waikouaiti River, connecting with a new KiwiRail bridge.
Ms Cooper said the mood at the meeting was people were keen to get on with the project, and to get involved.
Attendees came from various places, she said.
"We want to keep the impetus going," Mr Morrison said.
Aims of the project include facilitating better connections between communities.
"It will build the resilience of the community and help to overcome barriers to accessing community facilities, especially where non-vehicle modes of transport are lacking," the study said.
Waikouaiti and Karitāne were 4km apart, but there was no safe way to walk or ride between them, the report said.
"This makes it difficult for many people to share local services."
Similar challenges were evident in Blueskin Bay.
It was stated in the feasibility study initial construction should focus on quick wins to get the project moving.
The trail between Waitati and Orokonui could be developed relatively easily, the report said.
In the long term, it is hoped the overall trail could connect Dunedin with Oamaru.
